Part 1 – Medication for Seniors: 6 Common Problems
Many seniors are required to take medication regularly in order to manage their health conditions and improve quality of life.
However, many fail to consider potential risks involved with taking medication, losing sight of whether it could in reality worsen certain symptoms. Dr. Leslie Kernisan, an experienced geriatrician, discusses main pressing issues on how medication can affect older adults.
In this Part 1 of her article’s summary, 6 common medication problems in seniors will be discussed.
<6 Common Medication Problems in Seniors>
1. Interference in thinking and balance
It is important to note that many common medications cause side effects which affect thinking and balance. Some of these medications include:
- Anticholinergics – a class of medicine that are widely used for health conditions such as overactive bladder, allergy, nerve pain, and depression.
- Sedatives / tranquillisers – mostly prescribed to those who have trouble sleeping or have anxiety
- Medications that affect memory and mobility
2. No apparent improvement of symptoms
Upon starting a new medication, doctors prescribe a specific dose for an older adult to treat their health condition. But sometimes symptoms do not improve and doctors do not follow up on the effects of the drug.
When no adjustments are made to monitor the symptoms, seniors end up wasting time and money on the meds without getting any benefits.
3. Interactions with supplements and other medicines
Seniors often find themselves having to take more than one medicine at a time. On top of the required medication regime, they often add health supplements to their regular intake. This may cause side effects as taking multiple drugs, vitamins, or supplements can interfere with ways they affect the body and stimulate unwanted chemical interactions.
4. Having stronger effect than intended
How the body works for elders is different to how it is for the young. Due to the inconsistent factor, medications may have a stronger effect than expected on the older adult.
This oversensitive reaction can lead to undesired outcomes. For example, a blood pressure medication could lower the blood pressure more than it should, which could cause dizziness and lightheadedness, increasing fall risk.
5. Difficulty scheduling medication intake
It has been found that seniors over the age of 65 take 14-18 prescriptions a year. With an increased number of medications to take on a regular basis, managing medication intake can become a challenge. This is especially owing to the fact that different medications require distinct intake times and dosage.
Due to the complications involved with taking multiple medications, an older adult may get it mixed up, miss doses or take too much or too little of what is required. This can lead to serious health issues.
6. High costs
Medications are expensive, and can be a challenge for a senior to afford it on a long term. If an older adult doesn’t have the budget to cover the medications, they may attempt to skip some doses or not fill prescriptions. This will not improve their health conditions and can quickly aggravate their symptoms.
However concerning these medication problems for seniors sound, there are ways to solve and tackle them.
Check out our next article: Part 2 – Medication for Seniors: 6 Ways to Solve Medication Problems.
If you are seeking help in assisting your senior’s life and wellbeing, please contact us and receive help.
