Swallowing a handful of pills is a daily ritual for many people, ranging from young adults dealing with anxiety to older adults managing chronic conditions. In the U.S., 13% of people take five or more prescription medications daily. For those aged 65 and older, this number skyrockets to 42%. While managing multiple prescriptions can be necessary, it also comes with potential risks and challenges that are important to understand.
The Risks of Medication Overload
Taking multiple medications can lead to a phenomenon known as a “prescribing cascade.” This occurs when one medication causes side effects that require additional medications to manage. For instance, a medication might lead to dizziness, prompting the need for another medication to address that symptom. This can create a cycle of escalating medications and side effects, complicating the treatment process.
Dr. Elizabeth Bayliss from Kaiser Permanente’s Institute for Health Research highlights that our metabolism changes as we age. “Everyone’s ability to metabolize the medications they’ve been taking for a long time may change,” she explains. Medications that were well-tolerated at first might become problematic over time. Some can cause harm if taken for years, and others might stop working or interact negatively with new medications.
Additionally, the risks of cognitive decline and injuries from falls can increase with medication overload. The nonprofit Lown Institute has identified this issue as a significant concern, predicting that medication overload will lead to 4.6 million hospital visits this decade.
The Importance of Deprescribing
Given the complexities associated with medication overload, it’s essential to periodically review your medication regimen. Deprescribing involves evaluating and potentially reducing or discontinuing medications that may no longer be necessary or that could be causing harm.
Start by scheduling a medication review with your healthcare provider. During this review, discuss all the medications you are taking, including their purposes and potential side effects. Assess whether each is still necessary and consider whether there are alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that could reduce or eliminate the need for them.
It’s also crucial to monitor any changes in your health following adjustments to your medication regimen. Ensure that any modifications have a positive impact and that no new issues arise. Staying informed about the potential interactions and long-term effects of your medications can help you make more informed decisions about your health.
Taking Control of Your Health
Managing multiple medications can be challenging, but understanding the risks and benefits of each medication is crucial for maintaining your health. If your daily pill routine feels overwhelming, take the initiative to discuss a medication review with your healthcare provider. By exploring the process of deprescribing, you can help reduce the risk of medication overload and improve your overall well-being.
