First, changing  Prescription Habits are Affecting  Elderly men and women.  Second, health care professionals are prescribing drugs in a different way. The elderly,  have been on prescription drugs for years  and years.  However,  doctors are becoming less inclined to keep prescribe them.  The goal,  finding a method to stop taking the same drugs time after time.  Henceforth, less pills in the programmable pill dispenser with alarms.

New technology is changing senior Prescription Habits

This is not new information.  In fact, back in the late 80’s , research showed problems. For example, the studies warned that seniors were becoming overly reliant on “benzodiazepines”.

Benzodiazepines (also called “benzos”) are a class of agents that work in the central nervous system.  It is used for many different reasons.  They act on specific receptors in the brain, called gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors

In 2010,  11% people over 65  were given  Benzodiazepines.  Again,. these are  commonly prescribed for anxiety as well as insomnia.In fact,  the most y prescribed antidepressant on the planet.   Valium, Lorazepam as well as Xanax are commonly used benzos.  New studies  warn that “Despite their wide therapeutic range, elderly patients are particularly prone to negative reactions.  Side effects as well as negative reactions include:

• tiredness
• feeling light-headed
• bouts of confusion
• feeling unsteady
• dizziness
• slurring one;s own speech
• muscle weakness
• memory issues
• constipation and diarrhea
• feeling nausea
• getting dehydrated
• having some blurred vision experiences

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Negative side effects of benzos are worse in seniors

The drugs affect older people different.  Seniors are more susceptible to the effects related to physical issues. Unsteadiness is a  minor side effect to a young person.  However, with a senior , it greatly raise the chances of a fall.  Falls will lead to  other serious health implications.

Seniors are prescribed more drugs than any other section of the population.

Seniors makeup 13% of the U.S. population and account for 35% of all written prescriptions. To illustrate, seniors and their caregivers must take even more care.  The reason,  they are taking pills that may interact with their other medications or supplements. In addition, most seniors have several doctors.  For example, the primary care physician, cardiologist  as well as a diabetes specialist.  Furthermore, the average senior takes six plus medications every day.  Again, more pills lead to more [possible  drug interactions that can cause real bad issues. At least 18% of seniors suffered some kind of  medication problem each year.   For example, forgetting or overdoing.  Hence, the need for a smart pill dispenser of pill box with alarms.

Changing Prescription Habits are Affecting the Elderly

Seniors are most likely taking these drugs for the long term. The longer a person is taking the drug, the more likely it is that the dose is the highest permitted dose. There is  big chance of long-term drug use among seniors that causes negative side effects. First of all, most seniors are taking multiple prescription drugs,.  Second, these drug combinations often interact with other medications that are being taken on a long term basis.

The issues that this can cause are every obvious. Maybe grandma started  a new prescription drug in her 50’s. Back in time, doctors just kept prescribing it.  In fact, grandma stayed on it for a almost 20 years. But,  she is now much older and is at increased risk of negative side effects. Suddenly, the possible side effects of the drug are too risky for her.  The doctor has  decided to cut back.  

Seniors will have possible side effects from withdrawal from high dosage.   Many say withdrawal is worse for seniors.   Withdrawal can last from a couple of days to several months.  To sum up,  as much as 12% of seniors could feel withdrawal symptoms even some years later.

Solution for Changing Prescription Habits in the Elderly

Managing the Changing Prescription Habits that are Affecting the Elderly need direction.  The Department of Veterans Affairs, believe “tapering”  is the solution.,   Trying to wean seniors off prescription medications they have been taking is the goal.  Doctors will prescribe the patients reduced doses/  For example, over 6-8 months  lowering their dose.  To sum up,  detoxing their body and dependency until they are eventually no loner addicted.

Withdrawing from a drug is not easy.  The body doesn’t know if the drug was legally used.  First,  it will be stressful and distressing time for anyone.  Second, this is worse for seniors who are already dealing with constant physical change.  Hence, the medication and  care needs to evolve and accommodate.  Be careful if  your loved one must stop taking a prescription drug.  Be prepared for it taking some time.  Family, friends or a professional caregiver will offer support during withdrawal.

Caregivers can help loved ones monitor when to take the medication

While caregivers cannot administer prescription drugs, they can help your loved one by monitoring when to take the medication.  In addition, reminding the person of the new routine.  For example, using a smart pill dispenser with alarms.  Remember,  the loved one has been entrenched in the old way for a long, long time. Caregiver ought  to be able to help with the negative symptoms that come with the withdrawal.  To illustrate,  your loved one has become confused and disorientated.  Again, the caregiver is there to reassure as well as making certain they are not in any danger. Importantly, when your loved one is with the professional caregiver, you can be free from worry, safe in the knowledge that he or she is in good hands. Without a caregiver or companion, your loved one will be tasked to handle this extremely difficult situation alone.