Are You Taking More Drugs Than You Need?

Half the people in the US over 65 are taking 5 or more prescription drugs, and 12% take 10 or more. (And that’s without all the supplements, vitamins, and herbs they take, too). Maybe that’s more than they need, in many cases. Here’s a checklist, taken from Consumer Reports on Health, to see if you are taking too many drugs:

• Ask yourself “Why do I need this drug?” If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• “Does this drug duplicate another drug I’m taking?” Again, seek help if in doubt.
• “Is this drug meant for long- or short-term use?” Maybe the problem is past.
• “Have lifestyle changes (e.g. weight loss, exercise) made this drug unnecessary?”
• “Is this drug cost-effective? It’s expensive and I’m not sure what it’s doing.”
• “Can I try a lower dose?” But ask your doctor before experimenting!
• “Does this drug interact with other meds or herbs I take?” You may have added a drug without thinking of this. Your pharmacist can advise.
• “Now I’m older, is this drug more risky?” Aging alters the way we handle some drugs.

Remember, the more drugs you take, the more likely you are to run into an undesirable drug-drug interaction, a drug-supplement interaction, or an unexpected side effect.

In all cases, check with your doctor before cutting out or altering doses of your meds. And whenever your doctor (or another health professional) wants to add a medication to your collection, tell them what you’re already taking.