Doctors often prescribe complex medications to manage existing health conditions and prevent new ones as people age. The daily management of medications can be a daunting task for seniors despite their potential benefits.
When multiple medications are prescribed at different times and conditions, it increases the risk of adverse drug interactions.
The American Geriatrics Society reports that over 30% of US seniors experience negative reactions to their prescription medications annually.
Most of the time, these reactions often result from missed medication doses or accidental double-ups of medication.
So, seniors should develop and maintain an effective medication management plan to avoid adverse interactions between medications.
Let’s discuss this plan in detail.
Practical strategies for managing multiple medications quickly and safely
Take your medicines as directed
Make sure you follow all of the directions on how to take your medications. Avoid skipping doses or taking additional medication, as this may have negative effects. So, an online application to track your medicine can help you remember to take your prescription(s) and stay organized.
Use a pill box.
A weekly-marked pill box is an effective method for tracking daily medication intake. You can specify a box for each time you take various medicine doses—for example, in the morning and at night.
Keep a chart with your daily medicine schedule to ensure you’re filling the boxes correctly. Then, as you fill the boxes each week, carefully refer to this chart.
Use an alarm
Using an alarm clock to remind yourself to take medications can be a convenient and efficient way to schedule your daily routine.
Take your medicine even if you don’t have invisible symptoms
You know you’re probably sick if you have a temperature or the sniffles. However, a number of cardiovascular diseases lack symptoms that can be detected without a medical examination or blood pressure measurement.
Be aware of any food interactions.
Read the doctor’s prescriptions on whether your medication should be taken on a full stomach or an empty one. It might have an impact on how well your body absorbs it. Your dietary intake may also have a significant impact.
For example, alcohol consumption may alter the way your liver metabolizes prescription drugs. Sometimes, eating well can also result in a hazardous drug interaction between the food and drinks you drink and your medication(s).
Be aware of potential side effects.
Detailed information regarding potential adverse effects is often included with medications. Learn about the most common ones and be alert while beginning a new drug so you can spot adverse reactions promptly.
Although nausea, dry mouth, and sleepiness are common side effects of medications. Many people are unaware that they could cause them.
Make sure the medical expert knows if you have ever experienced any adverse drug reactions or allergies.
Regular Consultations with Healthcare Providers
It may seem overwhelming to remember details about your drugs, such as their dosages, uses, side effects, and how long it takes for them to start working. Also, it is difficult to understand every single aspect of one’s medications. To address any problems or questions, it is better to consult a healthcare practitioner.
If certain medications cause unexpected side effects like drowsiness or sleepiness, consulting a doctor is safer than conducting research independently.
Similarly, if you feel stuck and unable to move on after a traumatic experience or the wrong medication, then regular counseling from psychologists is the best option.