The Mounting Case Against (Too Much) Medication

Modern healthcare is objectively impressive, with scientists, doctors, and other specialists working all the time to develop new treatments for ailments that have plagued humans for centuries.

But the flip side to that progress is that more people are taking more prescription drugs than ever before. And that’s not always a good thing.

Potentially harmful combinations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of adults between the ages of 40 and 79 take at least five different prescription medications. Many of those on the older end of that spectrum take even more.

This trend even has a name — polypharmacy — and while it can be helpful in treating serious diseases, there’s also the possibility that interactions between these drugs can cause a whole new set of problems.

Researchers have found that an increase in the number of medicines a person takes can result in higher rates of issues including:

• Cognitive impairment
• Memory loss
• Reduced coordination
• Low blood sugar
• Excess bleeding

This data has resulted in a growing trend among healthcare professionals who advise patients to re-evaluate their pharmaceutical cocktails and scale back where feasible.

How to take appropriate action

If you or someone you love is currently taking several different prescriptions, you might understandably be concerned about the way they’re interacting with each other. But doctors and pharmacists alike are wary about when and how to curtail the use of prescribed medications.

The best course of action for a patient involves regular evaluations with a primary care physician who can monitor health trends and answer questions.

If you’re not sure how to voice your concerns, consider asking whether some of your symptoms might be side effects from your prescriptions or if it’s possible to address certain health problems with changes in lifestyle instead of additional medication.

Chris Agee April 23rd, 2024

Share this story: