As we age, we need more and more medications. This is only natural, and modern medicine helps us stay healthy for longer. The right drugs can help us manage or cure various chronic and acute health issues. Without them, our lifespan would be as short as it was throughout human history.
However, that doesn’t mean prescription medication should be taken lightly. That’s why we first need a prescription for these — to regulate their use. Taking too much or too little results in unwanted consequences, making elderly medication management essential.
Unfortunately, seniors abuse medication more than other people. With that in mind, let’s see why and how prescription medication abuse among seniors unfolds — and what we can do about it.
What Is Prescription Medication Abuse?
When you don’t take prescribed drugs in doses and times that your doctor prescribed them — you’re essentially abusing the medication. Prescription abuse happens in several ways, including:
- Exceeding the prescribed dosage.
- Taking medication more or less frequently than directed.
- Using prescription drugs without a valid prescription or using someone else’s medication.
The question is — why do seniors do this so often?
Unfortunately, advanced age brings all sorts of issues, including memory problems and chronic pain. A senior may not remember when they’d taken their last round of medications, causing them to take too much or too little.
The kinds of medications they take also play a role. For instance, many seniors with back issues or other types of chronic pain routinely get addicted to opioids prescribed for pain relief. They start taking too much or too often, as they can become less effective with time.
Besides opioids, seniors sometimes abuse stimulants and various anti-anxiety medications.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Senior Abuse of Medication?
Whether you’re a senior yourself or just someone taking care of an elderly family member, you need to realize something — this type of medication error can be difficult to deal with on your own.
Eliminating prescription medication abuse among seniors will take work from the seniors themselves and their caretakers — but also doctors and pharmacists.
What Can Doctors Do?
Each year, a huge majority of the population visits a doctor at least once. That puts clinical practitioners in a unique position to spot seniors who are abusing prescription medication.
They need to recognize the warning signs of prescription abuse and ask follow-up questions, as every attentive physician does. When doctors do this, a patient’s abuse of prescription drugs can be managed and reduced on time — which is why they have a major impact on seniors.
In the process, the doctor should ask about all the drugs a patient is taking at the moment — and how regularly. With that information, they can quickly conclude whether there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
Some of the warning signs include recurring and erratic refill requests. It’s the easiest way to notice if a patient is abusing their subscription. However, depending on the severity of the addiction, even seniors may indulge in “doctor shopping”.
This is a colloquial name for a practice where patients change multiple physicians rapidly — essentially going from one doctor to another. Patients addicted to prescription medication do this in the search for a doctor who will be willing to prescribe them the drugs they want.
While doctors need to be alert when prescribing medication, ultimately, the main responsibility rests with the senior patients, their families, and any other immediate caretakers.
What Can Patients Do?
Naturally, the fact that prescription medication abuse among seniors is rampant doesn’t mean seniors should avoid prescription medication. All legal prescription drugs are a crucial aspect of patient care — including opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. However, their positive effects can only be felt if the medication is taken within reason — and the doctor’s prescription.
To ensure that they’re taking medication responsibly, seniors should:
- Always follow their pharmacists’ instructions and anything that’s designated on the label,
- Keep in mind that the drugs shouldn’t be taken with alcohol or may have other interactions,
- Never change their medicine dose without consulting their healthcare provider,
- Never take drugs from someone else’s prescription or give their prescription drugs to someone else,
- Never keep medicine in overly hot or cold places; always store them safely according to their label.
Besides all of these precautions, seniors should also provide their doctor with information on every medication they’re taking. Omitting important information can lead to misdiagnosis and unwarranted prescriptions.
Additionally, this information should include all the medicine the senior is taking. Besides prescription drugs, this consists of any herbal or dietary supplements and over-the-counter medication.
What Can Pharmacists Do?
A pharmacist is crucial in the process of preventing prescription medication abuse among seniors. They can provide in-depth explanations to seniors who aren’t sure how they’re supposed to take their medications. Also, they can provide context by explaining how a drug helps with the senior’s condition.
Additionally, pharmacists can prevent drug abuse by not filling out falsified prescriptions or altered doses. In some places, pharmacists even communicate with their colleagues in other pharmacies when they spot a forged prescription.
Spotting Medication Abuse Among Seniors
As someone who is taking care of a senior, you should know some telltale signs of misused prescription drugs — both accidentally and intentionally.
Seniors who exhibit uncharacteristic mood swings are a frequent giveaway. If they’re abusing their prescription intentionally, they may change their behavior in other, subtler ways. For instance, they may become more uneasy and try to change the subject when discussing medications.
In general, seniors who become chronically irritable, depressed, or anxious may need their drug doses changed — even if they haven’t been tampering with medication. This is especially necessary if they feel lightheaded or drowsy — for a senior, even a minor fall could cause serious injuries.
Wrapping Up
Unfortunately, prescription medication abuse among seniors is an endemic problem. However, with care and attention from seniors, their physicians, pharmacists, and caretakers — it’s not an unsolvable problem on the individual level. We may need a more concerted effort to deal with this chronic issue as a society.
Written by: Allie Hinchman
About the Author: Allie Hinchman is the Director of Business Development at Time Wellness Georgia, where she focuses on fostering partnerships and driving strategic growth. She has a proven track record of creating impactful outreach initiatives. Passionate about building meaningful connections, Allie leverages her expertise to develop innovative solutions that improve lives.
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