Caregiver in Piedmont CA
Talk About Prescriptions Month was established as a way to increase the awareness of potentially harmful medications that may be prescribed. If the elder’s doctor prescribe medication to help 
The problem with older adults who take several medications is the fact that these prescriptions can easily be switched and confused with other medications, including non-prescription over-the-counter varieties. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, over 40 percent of adults over the age of 65 take five or more medications, while a third of them will suffer from a negative side effect from the prescription. In order to prevent the serious consequences that could be caused by taking prescription medications incorrectly, here is a list of possibly harmful medications to keep an eye out for.
- Skeletal muscle relaxers: Like cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, methocarbamol, and orphenadrine
- Antidiabetic sulfonylureas: Including glyburide and chlorpropamide
- Nitrofurantoin
- Benzodiazepines: Such as flurazepam and diazepam
- Gastrointestinal antispasmodics: Such as propantheline, dicyclomine, and hyoscyamine
- Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics: Including eszopiclone, zolpidem, and zaleplon
- First-generation antihistamines: Such as promethazine, diphenhydramine, and hydroxyzine
Alternatives to these types of medications are available, so it is important the elder and their caregiver discuss these other options with their doctor if they are concerned.
Preventing Medication Misuse
In order to prevent your loved one from inappropriately using their prescription medications, here are some prevention tips to follow.
- Watch for allergic reactions. If you notice that your aging parent has developed hives, a rash, has problems breathing, the throat becomes narrower, or they have shortness of breath, they could be having an allergic reaction to their medication.
- Possible medication risks. Some medication may cause adverse side effects, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, or even liver failure. This could happen if the medication is not working like it is supposed to or if the medication causes a harmful interaction from other supplements, food, or drinks.
In order to prevent your loved one from having health problems that are caused by their prescriptions, go with the elder to their doctor appointment to ensure they get the right directions for taking their medications.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring caregiver services in Piedmont, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
Source: http://healthnetpulse.com/broker/2013/10/08/october-is-talk-about-prescriptions-month/
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