Should Some Older Adults Shed Their Meds?

Should Some Older Adults Shed Their Meds?

As people age, they are more likely to take multiple medications for a variety of conditions. This can lead to a number of problems, including drug interactions, side effects, and difficulty remembering to take all of the medications as prescribed.

In some cases, older adults may be able to safely reduce or stop taking some of their medications. This is known as deprescribing. Deprescribing can be beneficial for a number of reasons, including:

* Reducing the risk of drug interactions and side effects

* Improving overall health and well-being

* Making it easier to take medications as prescribed

However, deprescribing should not be done without the guidance of a doctor. A doctor can help to determine which medications can be safely stopped and how to do so safely.

Here are some tips for deprescribing safely:

* Talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

* Be honest with your doctor about how well you are taking your medications and any side effects you are experiencing.

* Ask your doctor if there are any medications you can stop taking or reduce the dose of.

* Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when stopping or reducing the dose of a medication.

* Monitor your health closely for any changes after stopping or reducing the dose of a medication.

If you are concerned about your medications, talk to your doctor. Deprescribing can be a safe and effective way to improve the health and well-being of older adults.