The Risks in Using Multiple Medications
Prescription medications can improve the
symptoms of a disorder and improve the quality of life. However, they also have
the potential to cause dangerous side effects. A good guideline followed by
physicians who prescribe medications to the elderly is to "start low and
go slow," meaning the elderly should take new medications at a slower rate
and start at about half the adult dose. As our bodies change with age, so does
the need for a different dosage, interval and duration of treatment. The longer
an individual is on a drug, the greater the likelihood of an adverse reaction.
The effects of a harmful drug reaction can appear as an isolated symptom
(drowsiness) or as a group of symptoms (depression and confusion). In the
elderly, toxic reactions can occur even at low drug dosages. Therefore, the
elderly should approach the use of prescription medication with caution and
report any unusual or new symptoms to their health care provider. It is
important to consult a health care provider before changing any prescription
medication dosage.
Medications that Pose a Risk and Why:
(Medications listed below are to
be avoided or need close monitoring)
|
Medications
of Risk
|
Problems
|
|
Benzodiazepines (antianxiety),
Long acting agents Diazepam (Valium) Flurazepam (Dalmane ) Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) Alprazolam (Xanax) Barbiturates |
Confusion, sedation and falls.
|
|
Antidepressants (used to treat
depression),
Amitryptiline (Elavil) Doxepin (Sinequan) Imipramine (Tofranil) |
Confusion, sedation, hypotension, falls, and urinary
retention.
|
|
Antipsychotic Agents (used to treat
mental disorders)
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) Thioridazine (Mellaril) Haloperidol (Haldol) |
Confusion, sedation, hypotension, falls, urinary
retention, Parkinsonism (involuntary shaking and twitching), tardive
dyskinesia (TD).
|
|
Antihistamines (used to treat
sinus problems and allergies)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) |
Confusion, sedation, hypotension, falls, and urinary
retention (inability to empty bladder), sleep disturbance.
|
|
Antiemetics (used to relieve
nausea)
Promethazine (Phenergan) Prochlorperazine (Compazine) Thiethylperazine (Torecan) |
Confusion, sedation, hypotension, falls, urinary
retention, Parkinsonism (involuntary tremors and rigidity), involuntary
movement (tardive dyskinesia)
|
|
Analgesics (used to relieve
pain)
Propoxyphene (Darvon) Meperidine (Demerol) |
Constipation, confusion, & sedation.
|
|
Antiparkinsonian (used to treat
Parkinsons disease)
Carbidopa-Levodopa (Sinemet) |
Confusion, dizziness, hypotension, increase in
cardiovascular toxicity.
|
|
Cardiovascular drugs (used to treat
heart and blood vessels)
Digoxin (Lanoxin) Warfarin (Coumadin) |
Nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss.Bleeding
tendencies (requires close monitoring)
|
|
Antispasmodic drugs (used to prevent or
relieve spasms)
Dicyclomine (Bentyl) Hyoscyamine (Levsin, Levsinex) Pro-Banthine (Propantheline) |
Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, delirium.
|
|
Urinary Incontinence drugs
Oxybutynin (Ditropan) Tolterodine (Detrol) |
Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, delirium,
confusion
|
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