For caregivers and care recipients (the people receiving care), medications can be both burden and blessing. Prescription medications have a substantial and positive effect on illness and disease - but those same medications can also have side effects.
Side effects vary from something as simple as a slight rash on your arm to more complicated issues such as daytime sleepiness or periodic unsteadiness and balance problems.
Medications that make a person tired, disoriented or unstable pose the greatest risk. Instability and unsteadiness can lead to:
- falls
- fractures
- hospitalizations
- possible greater dependency in the home
- possible nursing home placement
For caregivers, there are several approaches that may help reduce medication side effects.
- Stay vigilant about of the number of medications taken. Medications include non-prescription over-the counter (OTC) drugs as well as supplements. More medications mean a greater likelihood of side effects.
- Recognize individual differences and the importance of having a dosage tailored to need. People differ greatly in how they absorb, metabolize, and eliminate specific drugs.
- Ask the prescribing health provider and re-check with the involved pharmacist regarding medications. For example, “My grandpa has been on the same amount of blood pressure medication for five years — should that be re-evaluated?” or “The person I’m caring for becomes very agitated when she takes this. Is it the right medication? The right dosage?"
- Consider taking medications (prescription and non-prescription) with water - not coffee, soda pop, or herbal tea — water. Unless a medication specifically indicates you should take it with another type of beverage or your health provider advises differently, water is preferable. Sometimes placing the water in a favorite coffee cup instead of a glass makes a difference. Sometimes adding a little lemon juice or other flavoring helps.
- Use exactly as prescribed. If the directions indicate a specific pill should be taken before lunch on an empty stomach, make sure that is exactly what happens. And always ask the pharmacist - “What is the best approach if we forget to take this medication?” Pharmacists recommend taking medications exactly as prescribed as the single best way to reduce the likelihood of unwanted side effects.
For additional information, visit the Mastery of Aging Well learning lesson Medication in Later Life. After you complete the lesson, take the interactive quiz to see how much you've learned!
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