Guest guest Posted January 4, 2004 Report Share Posted January 4, 2004 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/senior_drugs.html Seniors' Big Drug Problem January 5, 2004 America's seniors have a big drug problem. With 40 percent of seniors taking five or more prescription drugs per week, they face the risk that some of the medications are inappropriate for older people or can be deadly if taken improperly or in combination with incompatible remedies. The odds of a bad reaction are even higher for the 12 percent of seniors who take more than 10 prescription drugs a week, along with vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter pills. It's estimated that drug-related injuries among seniors already number as many as 2.3 million each year -- nearly 200,000 of them fatal or life threatening. In fact, drug-related injuries have become the fifth leading cause of death among seniors. Medications which cause the most problems are sedatives, antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs, as well as pain medications. Because frequent drug reactions include falling, dizziness and confusion, many doctors simply write off these dangers as a consequence of growing old. Or they mistake them for symptoms of other diseases and prescribe still more drugs. Experts suggest that seniors who see several doctors should ask one to coordinate their care. Or hire a geriatric care manager or a consulting pharmacist to review medications and work with their doctors to manage them. Find out what made the Top Searches of 2003 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2004 Report Share Posted January 4, 2004 > Seniors' Big Drug Problem > January 5, 2004 > America's seniors have a big drug problem. With 40 percent of seniors taking five or more prescription drugs per week, they face the risk that some of the medications are inappropriate for older people or can be deadly if taken improperly or in combination with incompatible remedies. > As a nurse I agree with this Some of my PT can't wait to take their next round of pills and some even spent time worrying about it. It makes me sick. Also monitor for signs of confusion in the elderly with the drug Nerontion. Eldery PT taking narcotics for Pain also should be monitored. take care!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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