Avoiding A Drug Overdose

Most people picture the hard-core drug addict at the words “drug overdose.” But, they should be picturing their grandmother or great-grandfather instead. Did you know that more often than not, people aged 65 and older have just as much risk of an overdose as the stereotypical drug addict?

A new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 67% of drug-related hospitalizations among people age 65 and older had overdosed on one of four common drugs: blood thinners, insulin, antiplatelet drugs, and oral diabetes medications.

Older people tend to take more medications, especially prescription drugs, because of the body’s aging capacity which slows its ability to function normally. Such medications help control blood pressure, risk of heart attacks and diabetes. But, just because these medications are helpful in their own right doesn’t mean they cannot do harm if used inappropriately.

Over the past decade, studies have shown that as people age, their lack of general understanding and comprehension slows meaning that certain prescription medication instructions may not be understood and thus, not followed correctly. In these cases, the person can often overdose themselves without realizing it.

A few years ago, The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that nearly one-third of Americans ages 57 to 85 take at least five prescription drugs, and 68% take over-the-count medications. In combinations, these drugs can be dangerous causing severe side effects or death. Geriatric physicians have discovered that more than 100,000 deaths occur per year related to medication mismanagement. In many cases, the mixing of medications, supplements and over-the-counter drugs caused the fatalities. In other cases, it is the misuse or overuse of the medications that caused death.

With more pharmaceuticals out there to handle just about any illness that arises, it is hard for the physicians to keep them straight let alone their elderly patients. Here are some tips to help older citizens track their medications to avoid overdosing, misusing, and fatally mixing medicines.

1.       Maintain an up-to-date list of all your medications and dosages. This list should include all supplements, multivitamins, and any other over-the-counter drugs that you use. Have your family or friends sit down with you to sort them out.

2.       Make sure you provide a copy of this list to a family member or close friend in the event of an emergency.

3.       Provide a copy of this list to all of your physicians as well as your pharmacist.

4.       Use a weekly pill box as a dispenser. Fill it once a week and you will more easily track your daily intake. This will help you avoid overdosing as well as under-dosing. Weekly pill dispensers are often available free from your doctor or pharmacist. They can also be purchased at drug stores relatively inexpensively.

5.       Use all medications as prescribed and directed by your doctor. If you are given a prescription, don’t just take the piece of paper and rush out of the doctor’s office. Take a moment and ask questions. Find out what it will be for, how many you need to take daily, and what the dosage will be. Also, ask how this medication will mix with your present list of medications and supplements. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, ask a friend or family member to go with you.

6.       If you remain confused about any medication or supplement, ask your physician or the nurse to write down more clear instructions. Also, your pharmacist can take some time to explain the medications to you as well as how they mix with other drugs.

7.       Use only one pharmacist. Your pharmacist will know how many medications you are taking regardless of how many doctors you have received prescriptions from. He or she can monitor the list, and alert you of any harmful side effects that multiple medications may cause.

8.       Be vigilant with prescribed blood tests. Make sure you keep that appointment to have your blood tested. These tests reveal that you are taking the correct dose of your medications and that any potential adverse effects of mixing with other medications can be averted.

Medications can help improve the quality of your life, but when used inappropriately, they can end your life rather quickly. Be smart and follow these few simple tips to live a healthier and worry-free life!