Loyal reader Beverly Garrett is a friend in my head — as Wendy Williams would say. Bev emailed me today to suggest a Medical Minute post about doctors over-prescribing medications especially to seniors.
This week I discussed this same subject with two of my close friends whose older relatives are feeling the ill effects of taking multiple medications.
I suggested they put all their meds in a bag and take the meds with them to their next doctor’s appointment. That way the doctor can see all the meds they’re taking and see if any combination of drugs are causing adverse interactions.
Forget about taking a list of meds because often times the doctors act like they’re too busy to look at the list.
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Sandra,
It’s not just celebrities being inundated with unnecessary prescriptions, it’s more the norm than the exception.
I’ve had several doctors who prescribed something for every single symptom. And, I know other people whose doctors have done the same thing. That’s a big problem for senior citizens as well. That’s why the hospital I work at has a monthly “brown bag” seminar for seniors. Once a month seniors can bring all their meds in a brown paper bag to a clinic and have someone look over all the prescriptions. Many medications counteract others or aggravate other symptoms.
I’ve gotten really sick from taking meds too close together and/or the side effects were symptomatic. Twice I could have sworn that I overdosed and was dying. On top of that I’ve got a draw full of unfilled prescriptions. After the last accidental overdose 2 years ago, I will not take more than two prescribed pills a day. If there’s still an underlining symptom that isn’t controlled, then I tell the doctor we need to find the cause not keep treating the symptoms.
Love your blog,
Beverly Garrett
Pittsburgh, PA
