Archive for the 'Drugs' Category
New Medications
The FDA approves drugs on a daily basis, but why must doctors change the medication for a senior if it working for them? This is a question that has been bothering me for a long time. Having been a caregiver for my grandparents and parents I saw this happen more than once. I admit, I didn’t argue the decision at the time, but now being older and better informed, I do encourage my relatives to make a strong case with their doctors, and question the reason for changing medications.
From observation and experience it is evident that in general the drugs/medications that are being given to seniors are not only more potent, but serious consideration must be taken into account for adjusting to a new medication. It is a slow process for anyone, and particularly difficult for the elderly.
When seniors are taking medications for a long period of time and then are asked to change to some other one because it is the latest on the market, I strongly suggest that caregivers ask questions, and clearly understand the reason for the change. Any drug that drastically changes the behavior and/or attitude of any patient, senior or loved one should be questioned.
Seniors VS. Drugs
What is this medication for? What are the side effects of this medication?
Will this drug cause an adverse reaction with any other drug being taken?
These are 3 questions to ask about prescription or nonprescription drugs. Though information is commonly given with medications it is a god idea to ask about side effects from the doctor prescribing it.
Below are just a a few facts that have been gathered through surverys, studies, and research. Review them and ponder the reality of what your loved one is taking or not taking. Ask for an explanation of each prescribed medication or non-prescribed medication, because there are side-effects that you should know about. There are drug-to-drug complications, and this factor is not addressed sufficiently in the prescribing of numerous medications.
Facts from AARP study of 2005
“About two of every five senior citizens do not take their prescribed medications in the proper amounts either because of cost, bad side effects or because they feel the medications do not really help them. Many elderly people do not believe that they really need the prescribed drug. “
Facts from UCSG Division Of Geriatrics Primary Care Lecture Series May 2001
“Elderly account for 1/3 of prescription drug use, while only 13% of the population.
“Survyes indicate that the elderly take an average of 2-4 non-prescription drugs daily.
“Risks go up with the number of drugs used.
“Nonprescription and herbal therapies are common.”
“Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, sedating antihistamines, sedatives, and H2 blockers are all available without prescription, and all may cause major side effects.”
“About 15% of hospitalizations in the elderly are related to adverse drug reactions.”
“The more medications a person is on, the higher the risk of drug-drug interactions or adverse drug reactions. In some cases this has been noted as a common cause of potentially reversible cognitive impairment.”
The bottom line is that seniors and their caregivers should have a complete understanding of all medications that are being consumed. If any medication causes noticeable physical or behavioral changes care should be taken immediately.
