It's been reported that almost half of the American population has used a prescription drug in the past month, with one in four having taken three or more in that same timeframe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Due to the high usage of prescription drugs, it's not uncommon for individuals to experience negative side effects from their medications. This can occur even when following the proper dosage and usage guidelines, without resorting to prescription drug abuse.
While prescription drug abuse is a growing concern in the United States, with opioids, depressants, and stimulants for ADHD being commonly misused, it's important to note that ill effects can occur even with proper usage. It's essential to understand how to avoid falling ill due to your prescription medication.
1) The Negative Impacts of Medications on Your Health
Even when following the prescribed dosage, medications can have harmful side effects. As we age, unintended interactions between multiple prescriptions can also lead to toxic effects.
According to Dr. Mukaila A. Raji, the chief of geriatric medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, drug toxicity is a significant public health concern for individuals in their 40s and 50s. As we age, our bodies begin to accumulate fat and lose muscle mass, which can cause a decline in our liver and kidney functions. This can make us more susceptible to drug toxicity.
This issue is especially concerning for older adults who may have multiple medical conditions that require medication. As Dr. Mark Supiano, executive director of the University of Utah Center on Aging, notes, the risk of adverse events and side effects increases as the number of prescriptions and medical conditions multiply. This can put older adults at a higher risk for medication-related problems.
2) It's Not Just Drugs
Interactions between prescription medications and other substances, including dietary supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter drugs, can cause unintended side effects.
Dr. Mark Supiano, the executive director of the University of Utah Center on Aging, notes that even over-the-counter substances such as sedatives, hypnotics, and sleep aids can interact with prescription medications. It's essential to be cautious about potential interactions between supplements, prescriptions, and other medications to avoid potential adverse events.
3) Indicators That a Problem May Exist
While some medications, such as antibiotics, can cause manageable side effects like nausea, other side effects may require closer attention. Blood pressure medications may cause a persistent cough, anticoagulants can lead to bleeding, and opioids may cause drowsiness.
It's important not to ignore more serious side effects like blood in the urine or stool, shortness of breath, blurred vision, or severe headaches. Dr. Mark Supiano, the executive director of the University of Utah Center on Aging, emphasizes that individuals may mistakenly attribute these symptoms to aging rather than medication side effects.
Supiano advises that any new symptom should be evaluated to determine if it could be caused by existing medication. It's essential to avoid the cycle of adding more medications to treat new symptoms, which can lead to an increase in side effects and a lack of improvement for the patient.
4) How to Determine Which Medications to Discontinue
To prevent drug toxicity, it's important to maintain an accurate record of all medications, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs, and share it with your healthcare provider. Before starting a new prescription, it's also important to ask your doctor if it may interact with any of the medications you're currently taking.
Dr. Mukaila A. Raji notes that many doctors do not specifically test for drug toxicity, and some blood tests are only effective in detecting the effects of certain medications. For example, the listed "normal" range for digoxin levels in medical textbooks is based on young individuals.
Dr. Kennon Heard, a medical toxicologist and associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, points out that physicians often encounter patients with general complaints of feeling unwell, confusion, or dehydration, which may be due, at least in part, to their medication usage.
5) What to Do About It
To address medication-related issues, it's essential to keep an updated and detailed list of all medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you're taking. Avoid using vague descriptions when discussing your medications with your healthcare provider. Providing specific details, such as the name of the medication, dosage, and frequency, can help your doctor assess potential interactions and side effects.
Dr. Mark Supiano notes that if you get your medications from multiple pharmacies, they may not flag interactions, so it's essential to ask your pharmacist about potential drug interactions each time you fill a new prescription.
Individuals trained in geriatrics may be better equipped to detect subtleties and adjust dosages appropriately for older adults who may be at higher risk for medication side effects. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist about geriatric expertise, age-related changes in medication metabolism, and potential side effects.