Wednesday, April 27, 2005

The number of drugs that older adults are taking is mind boggling and boggling their minds probably. Ten different drugs for some is not uncommon. I know someone who is taking six. He has two antidepressants and an antipsychotic among them. I can understand the antidepressants but not the antipsychotic which his wife said she thought was for helping him get to sleep!! He seems to be getting worse in his gait and movement and I'm worried. I asked if he had an assessment done for abnormal involuntary movement or if the primary doctor even realized that he was taking all this (he sees several docs), no I don't think so she said. Some of my colleagues (health care professionals) don't go to the doctor or take any drugs. Thinking that it really makes no difference in the end and may make things worse. They may have a point. Nurses should be stepping in if they aren't already and helping their patients keep track of the meds, reasons and looking out for side effects. This has inspired another Healthy Hints page about drug safety for the near future on the Therapy Resources INC site.