Introduction

While medications can certainly be useful to promote a long and healthy life, there are types of drugs that can be dangerous if not used carefully.

As we age, drugs have different effects on our bodies. Our organs work differently as we age, and the makeup of our bodies change how drugs are used up inside of us. This can make medication effects harder to predict.

Elderly people outside of the nursing home take on average 9-13 medications each day (1)

Summary/Conclusion

Please discuss with your physician before making any medication changes

Bibliography(1) Task force on Aging Research: Medications and

Errors. 2009. https://www.ascp.com/sites/default/files/file_Task_Force_2009_FINAL-3.pdf Accessed April 17, 2017

(2) Gage, S. Billioti De, Y. Moride, T. Ducruet, T. Kurth, H. Verdoux, M. Tournier, A. Pariente, and B. Begaud. "Benzodiazepine Use and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease: Case-control Study." Bmj 349.Sep09 2 (2014)

(3) Wong, H. C. G. "Long-term Use of Diphenhydramine." Canadian Medical Association Journal187.14 (2015): 1078.

Maintaining Long-term

Independence: Medications to avoid

P

Opioids

Opioids are used to treat pain. They are commonly given to people after surgery. Opioids are good drugs to help with physical pain, but they have other effects that might be dangerous.

Common opioids● Hydrocodone● Oxycodone● Morphine● Fentanyl

Side effects● Sedation (feeling very tired)● Constipation (difficulty having bowel

movements)● Memory loss and confusion● Respiratory depression (the brain not

telling the body to breathe enough)● Addiction and dependence

Alternative methods to manage pain● Meditation ● Physical therapy● NSAIDs: ibuprofen, Naproxen ● Acetaminophen

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are used to treat seizures, sleep disorders, anxiety, and extreme agitation. These medications are very powerful and can have serious side effects. Many of these side effects are made worse when combined with other medications or alcohol. Long term use can result in dependence on the drug, which can make people sick when they try to stop the drugs.

Commonly prescribed● Xanax● Zolpidem ● Klonopin

Side effects● Drowsiness- leading to accidents and falls● Respiratory depression● Confusion and memory loss ● Dependence● Associated with increased risk of dementia (2)

Over the counter medications

Even over the counter medications can be dangerous. Several common medications can make people tired or sick, especially when taken together or with prescription drugs.

Diphenhydramine- Benadryl● Common allergy medication found in

many cold medications and sleep aids● Side effects: drowsiness, urinary

retention, confusion, dry mouth, dizziness

● Associated with increased risk of dementia (3)

● Medications containing diphenhydramine

○ Sleep aids-Tylenol PM, advil pm, aleve pm

○ Cold medications- theraflu nighttime cold and cough, robitussin night time cold and cough, Sudafed PE

● Alternatives: ○ Sleep aids like melatonin○ Nasal spray corticosteroids,

second generation antihistamines (zyrtec, claritin)

AlcoholWhile a moderate amount of alcohol might be acceptable for some people, heavy use is associated with dependence and life threatening withdrawal. Additionally, intoxication leads to increased risk of accidents and might change the way medications affect you.