By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A medicine taken for years may deserve a fresh review as the body ages. For older adults, some familiar prescriptions and drugstore products can carry risks that outweigh their benefits, depending on the reason for treatment.
The American Geriatrics Society identifies potentially inappropriate medicines for adults 65 and older. Its guidance supports individual decisions with a clinician, rather than automatic discontinuation.
Five common medicines worth discussing include:
1. Diphenhydramine, sold as Benadryl. This older antihistamine also appears in some nighttime remedies. It can cause confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating.
2. Ibuprofen, sold as Advil or Motrin. Regular use can increase stomach bleeding risk, harm kidney function and raise blood pressure. Risks deserve particular attention when someone also takes blood thinners.
3. Omeprazole, sold as Prilosec. This acid reducer can be appropriate long term for specific conditions. However, geriatric prescribing guidance recommends reviewing scheduled use beyond eight weeks unless an ongoing medical reason supports it.
4. Alprazolam, sold as Xanax. This anxiety medicine can increase confusion, falls and dependence. Suddenly stopping it can cause dangerous withdrawal, including seizures; any reduction needs a clinician’s plan.
5. Aspirin taken daily to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. Bleeding risks may outweigh benefits in older adults. Aspirin may still be important for people with established cardiovascular disease, so its purpose must be reviewed individually.
“Don’t skip doses or stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your health care professional,” the Food and Drug Administration advises.
Huntsville-area seniors and caregivers can start by bringing every prescription, over-the-counter product and supplement to a medication review.
Ask a pharmacist or prescriber: What is each medicine treating? Is this dose still appropriate? Are there duplicate ingredients? Could a safer option meet the same need?