On the path to improved wellness, your doctor may prescribe certain drugs to help maintain your health. However, for many families, the sheer volume of prescriptions can be overwhelming to understand and manage. Did you know that 36% of seniors take five or more prescription medications daily? This condition, known as polypharmacy in the elderly, makes tracking dosages and watching for interactions a full-time job.
In this guide, we’ll go beyond just listing the common medications for older adults. We will review why these drugs are prescribed, introduce you to the critical Beers criteria list for safety, and share practical medication management for seniors tips to keep your loved ones safe. We’ll also show you how prescription delivery for seniors through GoGoGrandparent can ensure you never miss a dose.
Safety First: The Beers Criteria & Medications to Avoid
Before we examine what seniors should take, it is essential to understand what they should avoid. As we age, our bodies process drugs differently. The liver and kidneys may work more slowly, causing drugs to stay in the system longer.
To help prevent adverse reactions, the American Geriatrics Society publishes the Beers criteria list. This guideline is for healthcare professionals, listing medications to avoid for elderly patients because the risks often outweigh the benefits.
Two major drug classes on this list that caregivers should watch for include:
- Benzodiazepines: Often used for anxiety or sleep (like Valium or Xanax), these can significantly increase the risk of falls and confusion in older adults.
- Anticholinergic drugs: Commonly found in some allergy meds, overactive bladder treatments, and sleep aids. These drugs block a chemical in the nervous system and have been linked to an increased risk of confusion and senior medication safety issues.
Always review your loved one's complete list of medicines for elderly relatives with a doctor or pharmacist to see if any should be deprescribed.
Regular Checkups are the Foundation for Senior Health
This guide covers the most commonly prescribed drugs for older adults, but it’s important to remember that each person's health plan is unique. Always consult your primary care doctor and specialists before starting or stopping any medication. Your healthcare providers will customize your treatment plan based on your individual health conditions, allergies, and possible interactions with other medications.
Whether you're on prescription medications or not, it’s important to schedule regular visits with your primary care doctor. These appointments help monitor your overall health, catch early signs of health issues, discuss any new symptoms, and assess how well your current or new medications are working. To make the most of these visits, check out our 12 tips for having a productive doctor’s appointment, which can guide you in asking the right questions.
Travel to your doctor’s appointments safely and reliably with GoGoRides. No smartphone is necessary; just call our operators to request a ride. Our GoGoGuardians will then connect you with a vetted, professional driver who can accommodate your accessibility needs.
Most Commonly Prescribed Drugs for Older Adults
The CDC states that the most common drug classes for people aged 60-79 are lipid-lowering medications, antidiabetic agents, and beta blockers. Below is a detailed overview of these medications for older adults, including specific side effects caregivers should monitor.
1. Statins (Cholesterol & Muscle Risks)
Statins (lipid-lowering drugs) help lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They work by slowing the liver’s production of cholesterol. While effective, caregivers should watch for side effects of statins in elderly patients, specifically complaints of unexplained muscle pain or weakness. There have also been reports of mild memory loss or confusion in some seniors, so it is critical to keep up with regular doctor’s visits.
2. Beta Blockers (Heart Health & Fall Risk)
Beta blockers are commonly prescribed due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease among elderly populations. They assist in controlling heart conditions such as arrhythmia and hypertension. However, since they reduce heart rate and blood pressure, they can occasionally lead to dizziness when standing up, raising the risk of falls.
3. Antidiabetic Medications
According to the American Diabetes Association, 29.2% of Americans aged 65 and older have diabetes. The primary medication used is Metformin. Although it is generally safe, prolonged use of Metformin can occasionally cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency, potentially resembling cognitive decline. Caregivers should make sure that doctors regularly check B12 levels. Other frequently prescribed medications include sulfonylureas and insulin.
4. Levothyroxine (Thyroid Hormone)
Hypothyroidism frequently affects older adults. Levothyroxine, a synthetic hormone, is prescribed to normalize thyroid function. For optimal effectiveness, it must be taken on an empty stomach and consistently at the same time each day.
5. Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
Drugs such as Eliquis or Warfarin are commonly prescribed to help prevent strokes in seniors with atrial fibrillation. Although they can be life-saving, these medications carry a notable risk of bleeding. Caregivers need to be especially careful to prevent falls among seniors taking these drugs, since even minor bumps and bruises can lead to serious problems.
6. Sleep Aids
Sleep is essential for health, yet unfortunately, one in three older adults uses sleep aids. Prescription sleep medications can be hazardous; many are listed on the Beers Criteria due to side effects like morning sleepiness and higher fall risk. If you struggle with sleep, try adding a daily exercise routine. Consistent physical activity can improve sleep quality. You might try these seven exercises at home daily or give yoga a try.
7. Antidepressants
Many seniors face depression and anxiety. While antidepressants can enhance mental health, certain types, such as Tricyclics, may cause anticholinergic side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, and confusion. Maintaining open communication with your doctor is essential for finding the appropriate treatment balance.
Medication Management: Tips for Caregivers
Taking care of one pill is simple; juggling ten is more difficult. Medication management for seniors is a key responsibility for caregivers. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Combat Polypharmacy: Maintain an updated list of all pills, both prescription and OTC, and bring it to each doctor's visit. Ask, "Is this medication still necessary?"
- Use the Right Tools: A basic pill box may not suffice. Consider the best pill organizers for seniors—preferably with large, easy-to-open compartments if your loved one suffers from arthritis. For individuals with memory challenges, automatic pill dispensers equipped with alarms can make a significant difference.
- Streamline Refills: Running out of medication is a leading cause of non-adherence.
The Importance of Reliable Delivery
Medication adherence is critical to managing your conditions. Skipping doses because you couldn't get to the pharmacy can worsen your conditions and lead to hospitalization.
Always have your prescriptions on hand with GoGo’s prescription delivery. Forgot to pick up your meds? Don’t feel like leaving the house? GoGo can arrange prescription delivery for seniors right to your door. Behind the scenes, our GoGoGuardians monitor and track your delivery so you can feel confident that your prescriptions are getting to you safely and quickly.
Prioritize Your Health with GoGo
Informed decisions and proactive healthcare management will significantly improve your quality of life. By prioritizing your health, understanding the risks of polypharmacy in the elderly, and utilizing GoGoGrandparent’s reliable services, you’re sure to lead a healthier, happier life. Register for GoGoGrandparent now to get access to prescription delivery services today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most commonly prescribed drugs for older adults?
According to the CDC, common medications for older adults include Statins (lipid-lowering), beta blockers, antidiabetic agents like Metformin, and blood thinners. With over a third of seniors taking multiple daily prescriptions, monitoring these for safety is vital.
2. What is the Beers Criteria list and why is it important for senior medication safety?
The Beers Criteria list identifies medications to avoid for elderly patients where risks like falls outweigh benefits. This includes Benzodiazepines and anticholinergic drugs. Consulting this list is a crucial step for senior medication safety.
3. What are the common side effects of statins in elderly patients?
Caregivers must watch for specific side effects of statins in elderly patients, particularly unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or mild confusion. Regular doctor visits are essential to manage these risks while treating cholesterol.
4. How can caregivers improve medication management for seniors dealing with polypharmacy?
To manage polypharmacy in the elderly, maintain an updated drug list and improve medication management for seniors by using the best pill organizer for seniors—such as those with alarms or large compartments to prevent missed doses.
5. How does prescription delivery for seniors help with health maintenance?
Prescription delivery for seniors prevents missed doses caused by transportation issues. Services like GoGoGrandparent ensure medicines for elderly individuals arrive safely at their door, supporting consistent adherence to health plans.
