One is a symptom of the other
Individuals are more likely to suffer medication changes when they are hospitalized. This often means adding new drugs to the ones you already take.
It’s easy for us to get carried away and take drugs by routine without discussing with our doctor any alternatives, or indeed if we should continue to take them (at least in the same dosage).
But the real risk is the medical staff not knowing what you were previously taking before hospitalization. Meaning that by the time you are discharged from the hospital, you might have a long list of drugs to take. It's important that you keep all medical staff informed.
If you take multiple prescription drugs, it all adds up, and it can be really expensive. You can talk to your doctor about alternatives such as switching to a generic form of the meds you’re taking, for example.
Sometimes, some fine tuning is required to achieve the desired results, and this can be achieved by actually deprescribing some of the drugs you take or changing the dosages.
Antihistamines, anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, and sleep medications in general are the main culprits. Though over-the-counter meds and supplements can also cause this.
It’s always best to discuss this with your doctor. Sometimes lifestyle changes can help, or perhaps adjusting the dosages of your meds, or swapping some of them for others that you might not react to.
"As a physician, I want to know if the treatments I prescribe are inducing financial toxicity in my patients. I routinely ask patients about side effects of their medicine, and a drug's cost is often its most significant side effect," says neurologist Jason L. Crowell.
While sometimes these adverse effects can occur straight away, other times they can manifest days or months later. The more drugs you take, the higher the chances of experiencing these side effects.
Different meds are required to be taken at specific times. Equally important is the dosage, which many times is linked to the time interval you take the meds. If you’re struggling to keep on top of these, you might be taking too many meds.
Adverse side effects from drug interactions can range from mild (e.g. nausea, headaches, etc.) to really serious (heart attack or liver damage).
Add getting older to the mix, and episodes of forgetfulness, and you’re at a high risk of non-compliance with the correct way to take your prescription drugs.
Many people keep taking the same drugs and dosages for years and don’t even question it. It’s always best to talk to your doctor about it.
Medication fog is a common side effect when people take too many meds. The symptoms can be similar to Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
This is a common occurrence, especially when you’re taking lots of meds. It’s common for doctors to prescribe a drug to ease the side effects of another prescription drug you’re taking. This, however, has the potential to cascade.
It’s best to stick to one pharmacy. This way, the pharmacist may be able to advise you when you buy meds, based on your prescription history.
As we age, our bodies change how we metabolize certain substances. As an example, if you’re 40 but taking the same drugs and dosages you were taking when you were 20, you might be at risk.
Some conditions and medications have an interaction with specific foods and beverages. If you no longer remember the foods that can interfere with your medications, it might be a sign you’re taking too much.
Using multiple pharmacies may also be a sign that you’re taking too many prescription drugs. Pharmacists who don’t have a record of your previous prescriptions won’t be able to advise any possible side effects or interactions, for example.
Not only does this put you at great risk, including death by overdose, but it’s actually a criminal offense in some countries, including the US, where you can spend time behind bars for it.
Double doctoring, or doctor shopping, is when someone deliberately seeks out other doctors to get more prescriptions, often of the same drugs.
Examples include fruit juices interacting with antibiotics, or MAO inhibitors (antidepressant) interacting with cured meats and aged cheese. It’s important that you know exactly what you can and cannot eat and drink when taking meds.
“It is not uncommon for patients to be on multiple medications from multiple doctors at one time,” says Pawan Grover, a doctor from Houston.
Some people assume doctors work together when it comes to care for a patient, but this is not necessarily the case. One specialist probably won’t know you have another problem and are taking meds for that problem, unless you inform them.
This usually means that you can consult with different doctors, and have medications prescribed by them, increasing the risk of taking too many meds.
This increases the chances of drug interactions, including adverse drug reactions, side effects, and even overdose.
Yes, you can get addicted to some prescription drugs. If you’re worrying about it, then maybe you have a reason to.
Opioids and benzodiazepines are among the most addictive prescription drugs available today. If you’re concerned, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Sources: (The Healthy) (Health Digest)
In this gallery, we address the signs that you might be taking too many meds. Click on to find out more.
Signs you might be taking too many meds
Polypharmacy can be dangerous
HEALTH Prescription drugs
Many of us take prescription drugs on a regular basis. Indeed, some of us need them to stay healthy enough to have a good quality of life. The problem is when these meds start to add up, and of course the adverse effects this can have on our health and finances. Polypharmacy, a term used to describe the use of multiple drugs, can be dangerous.
In this gallery, we address the signs that you might be taking too many meds. Click on to find out more.