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Polypharmacy may sound like a complicated medical term, but simply put, it is when someone is taking 5 or more prescription medications at a time.

Diagnoses such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, acid reflux disease, and osteoporosis are all too familiar for those we love and care for. When your loved one has multiple health problems, you may find they are taking medicine to address the side effects of other medicine.

For example, certain blood pressure medications can cause a chronic dry, itchy cough. You may take allergy medication to address this issue (which really does not address the issue because the cough is not caused by allergies). Then, the allergy medication causes constipation, which leads to the use of stool softeners. The dominoes continue to fall. The use of many medications can lead to the use of more medications. And they can cover up the fact that an individual is not handling a medication well.

Polypharmacy can cause a range of issues: dizziness, drowsiness, brain fog, confusion, loss of appetite, anxiety, depression, etc. It can lead to increased risk for falls, kidney and liver damage, and even memory loss, which is compounded for those with dementia.

Certain drug interactions can even have fatal consequences. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) tends to be a common danger. For example, Mom is in severe pain from hip replacement surgery. The doctor prescribes Lortab, which includes Acetaminophen. Mom regularly takes Tylenol and continues regularly taking Tylenol while also taking Lortab. Unfortunately, mixing over-the-counter and prescription pain medications is a common mistake that can lead to liver damage and hospitalization.

What strategies can you put in place to ensure your loved one’s medications are a help and not a hazard to them?

1. Keep an updated medication list with you and take it to all doctor’s appointments. Never assume a doctor is already aware of this list or any changes since the last visit. Always verify.

• Verbally confirm that whoever is updating your medication list at the doctor’s office understands all changes. Repeat any changes to the physician when they walk into the room to ensure you are all on the same page.
• Closely observe and log any new behaviors you have noticed within a month of starting the medication and let your doctor know as soon as possible.
• For each prescription and over-the-counter medicine include the following:
  • Medication name
  • Start date
  • Dose
  • Time of day medication is taken

2. Educate yourself on each medication. The doctor, nurse, and/or pharmacist should be able to help with this.

• Ask the doctor/nurse/pharmacist to explain any new medications to you and any possible side effects that may be experienced. Never start a new medication without this information.
• Ask about any potential interactions the new medication may have with food, vitamins, herbal supplements, over-the-counter medication, or prescriptions. Make a note of these on your list.
• Never start a supplement, herbal remedy, essential oil, or over-the-counter medication without confirming it is safe with your primary physician first

3. Simplify the process of medication administration.

• If your loved one has memory impairment or shows signs of impaired decision-making, lock up medication or put it in an inaccessible place to ensure they do not take too much of it.
• Set up your loved one’s medicines in a pill organizer divided by day and time, so there is no guessing if they have taken their medicine. You can easily find inexpensive versions of these at your local pharmacy, Walmart, Target, or online on Amazon.
• Use a gadget to help you and your loved one know if the medicine has been taken at the proper time. Here are some useful gadgets on Amazon:
  • TabTime Timer Electronic Pill Reminder with 8 Alarms
  • Did You Take Your Medicine Reminder
  • LiveFine Automatic Pill Dispenser
  • Pill Popper Memory Aid
• Talk with your physician or pharmacist about taking advantage of a program like MedPak, which send medication to you monthly with pills organized and packaged for each day.

Dementia can be enough to manage without the dangers of polypharmacy to consider. Take action to make sure you know that your loved one is taking the proper medication at the right time and the right dose every day. Advocate for your loved one when you notice a change in behavior after starting a new medication.

Trust your physician and nurses, but always make sure are fully educated on each medication. Never assume medications are safe or appropriate – ask questions to verify. Continue to be the awesome caregiver you are, advocating for your loved one’s health and best interests.