A new study published September 24 in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that about 1 in 5 adults ages 62 to 85 take a mix of prescriptions that could lead to a harmful drug interaction. The share of seniors taking five or more prescriptions at once has also grown, from about 31% to nearly 36%.
That doesn’t mean anyone should stop a medication on their own. It does mean it’s worth taking a fresh look.
Here’s a simple step many pharmacists recommend. Put every pill bottle in a bag, including vitamins, supplements, pain relievers, and sleep aids. Then bring the bag to the next doctor visit or pharmacy and ask for a full review.
It also helps to watch for small changes that can show up when medicines don’t mix well:
- New confusion or forgetfulness
- Dizziness or feeling unsteady
- Unusual sleepiness
- Changes in appetite
These signs are easy to brush off as “just getting older.” Writing them down, with the date, gives the doctor something real to work with.
If several doctors are involved, ask one person (a family member, caregiver, or pharmacist) to keep an updated medication list.
Who in your family keeps track of the medications, and does everyone know where that list is?
