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Overmedication, often linked to polypharmacy—the regular use of five or more medications—is a common concern for seniors. As people age, they frequently manage multiple chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis, leading to an increased number of prescriptions. This can raise the risk of adverse drug reactions, falls, cognitive issues, hospitalizations, and reduced quality of life. The good news is that seniors can take proactive steps to avoid or reduce overmedication through awareness, organization, and open communication with healthcare providers.
Older adults process medications differently due to changes in metabolism, kidney and liver function, and body composition. Taking too many drugs—or inappropriate ones—can lead to drug interactions, side effects that mimic new conditions (sometimes triggering a "prescribing cascade"), and unnecessary harm. Tools like the American Geriatrics Society's Beers Criteria help identify potentially inappropriate medications for those 65 and older, such as certain sedatives, long-acting pain relievers, or specific diabetes drugs that carry higher risks.
Start by creating a complete list of everything taken, including:
Include the name (generic and brand), dosage, frequency, reason for taking it, and prescribing doctor. Update this list after any doctor visit, hospital stay, or new medication. Carry it to every appointment or use a wallet card/app for easy access. This simple habit helps prevent duplicates and reveals potential issues.
Request a comprehensive medication review at least once a year, or after events like a fall, hospitalization, or new diagnosis. Bring all medications (in their bottles if possible) to the appointment for a "brown bag" review. Ask your doctor or pharmacist:
Involve a pharmacist, who can check for interactions, or consider a geriatric specialist for complex cases.
Filling all prescriptions at the same pharmacy allows pharmacists to track your full regimen, spot interactions, and provide consistent counseling. This coordinated approach reduces risks from fragmented care across multiple pharmacies.
Be an active participant in your care. When a new medication is prescribed, ask:
Never stop or change medications without consulting your provider, but voice concerns about side effects, pill burden, or feeling "overdrugged."
Watch for warning signs such as dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, falls, loss of appetite, or new symptoms that could stem from medications. Report these promptly, as they may indicate a need to adjust or deprescribe drugs.
Simplify regimens where possible. Use pill organizers, link doses to daily routines (e.g., with breakfast), or set phone reminders. Store medications properly in a cool, dry place, and dispose of expired ones safely through pharmacy take-back programs.
By staying informed, organized, and communicative, seniors can significantly lower the risks of overmedication. Working closely with doctors, pharmacists, and family members ensures medications support health rather than complicate it. Always prioritize what matters most: safety, function, and quality of life.
