Polypharmacy

Chronic, concurrent, and progressive diseases are anticipated as we age. As illnesses emerge, people often visit a specialist resulting in a prescription to treat what ails them. All too often though, patients are taking over the counter medications, vitamins, and various prescriptions for other health and mental health concerns. When full disclosure of all forms of medications are not disclosed to each healthcare professional visited multiple adverse reactions can result. The dangerous interaction, duplication, and dosage of multiple medications are known as polypharmacy, which can result in additional medical complications, disability, and premature death.

Polypharmacy is on the rise in the United States and a fairly new discussion in the medical community. The 2006 Slone Survey out of Boston University reports the following statistics about medication* use in the United States:

·                  82% of adults take 1 medication

·                  29% of adults take 5 or more medications

·                  17-19% of adults 65 and older (largest medication consumer age group) take at least 10 medications

·                  Since 2000, polypharmacy increased from 23% to 29% for those using 5 or more medications and from 6.3% to 12% for use of at least five prescription medications.

·                  56% of children take at least one medication, 27% take two or more, and 21% take at least one prescribed medication.

*Medications include: prescribed drugs, over the counter medications, herbal/natural medications, vitamins

Elderly adults are the highest risk group for polypharmacy, however a 2005 Psychiatry journal article reports pediatric polypharmacy is also on the rise in the United States. Children are being prescribed more medications especially for psychiatric disorders like ADHD. The article further asserts there is no research on drug interaction for children taking multiple prescriptions. This is a concern for parents to be aware of as children are often not able to comprehend the serious health risks associated with taking medications. Please talk with your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbs, and so forth your children are taking before adding on additional medications.

The following are signs and symptoms of polypharmacy:

·                  Confusion

·                  Memory loss

·                  Cognitive Impairment

·                  Decreased ability to completed Activity of Daily Living (e.g. taking a shower, getting dressed)

·                  Incontinence

·                  Vision problems

·                  Dry Mouth

·                  Dizziness

·                  Drowsiness

·                  Malnutrition

·                  Repeated falls

·                  Sleeping problems

·                  Decreased quality of life

     One step that can be taken to reduce complications resulting from polypharmacy is to have regular medication reviews. Reviewing medications with your doctor can allow for an open discussion about medication effectiveness, side effects, and duration. Sometimes we don’t need as much or we might need more of a medication to have the same effect overtime. For any and all questions on this topic please consult with your doctor.

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Comments

[Herb]

I was prescribed medication for ADHD when I was a kid. I had several side effects. Sleeping problems, lack of appetite, and also depression. The use of prescriptions are rampant. Through time I don't have symptoms of ADHD. To me it's just an excuse for kids that CHOSE not to listen and behave. I was one of those kids. I don't take any medications now and I feel better for it. I don't have any aches and pains or anything for that matter. This may change as I age but at 34 I still feel 18.

[Jonny]

Really 18 at 34? I've been taking prescribed medications for pain for 20 years. I guess some are luckier than others. I have some lower back problems. The pain is a daily struggle. Doing regular everyday things would be impossible without my singular pain meds. I'm glad you don't need any thing but there are absolutely people who need to take meds. along with other physical therapies. There is probably a happy medium that I have found. Good food, good family/friends and some long walks.