In your medicine cabinet you may have a mix of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs to treat various conditions. Some of these medications are truly necessary, as people tend to have more health problems with age. But the more medicines you take, the greater your risk of suffering adverse reactions from the drugs.

When compared to younger people, seniors are more sensitive to drug interactions and side effects. Older people are especially susceptible to becoming confused, dizzy, or falling and breaking a hip. Medicine-related problems in older adults are often preventable.

List of Inappropriate Drugs

The American Geriatric Society has identified drugs that may be inappropriate for persons aged 65 years and older. For these drugs, the risk of harm when used in older adults potentially outweighs their benefits.

This is not a complete list, though. There may be other medications that can be harmful to you. Talk to your doctor.

Note: For your own health and safety, do not stop taking any medication unless you have consulted with your doctor and have her approval.

Reducing Your Risks for Problems with Drug Use

When you are on a lot of medicine, how can you tell if you are taking more than you need? First of all, you need the help of your doctor to determine this. You and your doctor should be on a heightened state of alert for unnecessary medications. Follow these steps to reduce your risks for problems with your medicines:

• Make a list of all your medicines. Update the list anytime your doctor prescribes a new medicine.
• Read and save all the written information that comes with your medicines.
• Take medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes.
• Do not skip doses or take half doses to save money. If you need help paying for your medicines, talk to your doctor.
• Use a memory aid (such as a calendar, chart, or weekly pill box) to remember to take your medicines on time.
• Avoid mixing alcohol and medicines.
• Take all of the medicine your doctor prescribes unless the doctor says it is okay to stop.
• Do not take medicines prescribed to another person or share your medicines.
• Check the expiration dates on your medicines. Dispose of expired medicines properly.
• Store all medicines safely out of reach of young children.

Talk to Your Doctor

The best way to fine-tune your medicines is to work with your doctor. After all, most doctors are experts in the drug treatment of disease. But your doctor can only help if you tell him or her about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Thoroughly review your medicines with your doctor at least once a year. Write down a complete list, or better yet, bring all your medications into the office in a brown bag. And don’t forget to include those in your medicine chest or kitchen cupboard that you only take once in awhile.

Another key is to ask questions. Keep asking until you understand the dose, frequency, and purpose of the medicines you are taking. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask about nondrug options that can help you minimize your use of medicines.