Seniors should use medication with caution
Did you know that 36% of adults aged 65 and older report taking at least five prescription medications?
Medication can be a literal lifesaver. That makes it easy to forget that drugs can also worsen, or even cause, health problems.
Seniors are also more likely to have side effects because aging bodies can be more sensitive to certain medications.
Plus, taking multiple medications increases the chances of having serious side effects or interactions.
To increase safety and well-being, we share a list of 10 drugs seniors should not take or should use with caution from HealthinAging.org.
10 medications seniors should avoid taking or use with caution
Unless your older adult’s doctor spends most of their time treating seniors (like a geriatric doctor), they may not be aware that drugs can affect older bodies differently.
To help you advocate on their behalf, we found a clear and simple list of 10 medications that seniors should avoid taking or use with caution.
The list was created by The American Geriatrics Society’s HealthinAging.org and includes common pain relievers, anti-anxiety meds, sleep aids, and more.
Some of these drugs are available over-the-counter, so don’t assume that non-prescription medications are safe or harmless.
At your older adult’s next doctor’s appointment, ask the doctor to do a full review of all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements they’re taking.
If they are taking a drug on this list, let the doctor know you’re concerned and ask if it would be a good idea to switch to a less risky medication to treat that health condition.
Even if no changes are made, you’ll now be fully aware of the potential risks and side effects of all the medications your older adult takes.
Important: Never stop, start, or make changes to your senior’s medications without first consulting their doctor.
Next Step Print or save this handy list of 10 medications that seniors should avoid or use with caution from HealthinAging.org (PDF)
Recommended for you:
- 8 Tips to Avoid Harmful Drug Reactions and Overmedication in Seniors
- 6 Common Medication Problems in Seniors and 6 Ways to Solve Them
- Prevent Dangerous Drug Interactions in Seniors with a Drug Interaction Checker
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Geoffrey Harrison
Is there an English UK list the ones shown here are all American ?
DailyCaring
We’re a U.S.-based business, so unfortunately we’re not familiar with healthcare systems in other countries.