Today’s seniors often take more than one medication for a variety of chronic conditions. More and more people who reside in assisted living are being prescribed different drugs to address the side effects of medications they are already taking. Combining drugs can lead to side effects that range from uncomfortable to serious and life-threatening. If you have a senior loved one who takes several medications, know these side effects:
Changes in Mood
Individual medications or drug interactions can lead to mood changes. Your senior loved one could become withdrawn and depressed due to such issues. Notice how they present when you visit their senior community. Remember that seniors have less energy than they used to, so it’s natural that they think and move a little slower than they have in previous years. You can also keep tabs via phone and in person by asking how they feel. You may not be the only person who notices mood changes.
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Digestive troubles can stem from drug interactions.
Digestion Issues
It is common for seniors to experience digestive troubles as a side effect of medication. Combining different drugs can lead to constipation, diarrhea, and even incontinence. While you don’t need to ask your loved one about their trip to the bathroom, ask them if they have been feeling. The person may fess up to being uncomfortable because he or she hasn’t had a bowel movement in a while. Foods can alleviate or contribute to such problems, so consider what the person had for dinner the night before when wondering if digestive troubles are natural or caused by medications. Doctors can easily prescribe new medicines to address constipation and diarrhea or adjust the senior’s prescriptions to reduce this unfortunate side effect.
Susceptibility to Falls
Many seniors take medication that helps with their balance. Vertigo can make seniors susceptible to falling, but so can combinations of medications that cause similar inner ear issues. While not every fall a senior takes can be attributed to medicines, it’s a factor to consider. For example, your senior loved one may benefit from using an assistive mobility device like a walker to ensure he or she can still partake in daily life with added security while getting to and fro. Dizziness is another factor contributing to falls and can stem from medications.
Make sure your senior loved one keeps track of his or her medications. Medical staff must check all current prescriptions and over-the-counter medications before prescribing new ones to prevent negative interactions and side effects.
Talk to the senior’s doctor if you notice these side effects. The physician can monitor the issue and alter the senior’s medication plans to reduce the effects. Seniors could change their dosage or even brand of drugs and find they feel much better.
