Summary of "Polypharmacy and the Older Adult"

Key Wellness Strategies and Self-Care Techniques for Older Adults Managing Medications

Keep an accurate, up-to-date list of all medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, inhalers, injections, drops, sprays, ointments, creams, and patches.
Include natural health products, alcohol, smoking, and cannabis use in medication discussions.
Use one pharmacy consistently to fill prescriptions to help pharmacists maintain a complete medication record.
Regularly review medications with healthcare providers (doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists) to ensure all are necessary and safe.
Ask questions if unclear about why a medication is prescribed or how to take it properly.

Polypharmacy is common among older adults; about two-thirds take more than five medications daily, and nearly one-third take over ten.
There is an increased risk of drug interactions, side effects, and prescribing cascades (where medications are prescribed to counteract side effects of other medications).
Older adults’ bodies process medications differently, often leading to increased sensitivity and slower clearance of drugs.
Medications prescribed long-term (e.g., sleeping pills) may accumulate and cause cognitive or other side effects over time.

Regular check-ups and medication reviews help identify unnecessary or harmful medications.
Deprescribing: stopping or reducing medications when risks outweigh benefits.
Consider non-pharmacologic approaches such as:
- Exercise and physical activity.
- Addressing underlying conditions (e.g., sleep apnea) that may improve symptoms without medication.
- Encouraging mental and physical engagement.

Ensure communication among multiple healthcare providers to avoid outdated or incomplete medication lists.
Specialized geriatric services and medication optimization teams (e.g., Gerry Med Risk in Ontario) can assist in managing complex medication regimens.