The month of October is home to Pharmacy Week (October 20-26, 2024), an annual week that recognizes the pharmacists in our communities and celebrates their expertise. Pharmacists are an excellent source of information, especially for older adults who take more than one prescribed medication. The next time you’re picking up a filled prescription for your aging loved one, take a moment to thank the pharmacy professional who passes it to you! Then, be sure to ask about any side effects to watch out for with the medication, even if it is not a new one.
You might be surprised at how the side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications affect older adults. In fact, you might not even realize that a certain behavior or symptom could be a side effect of something your loved one is taking. Here’s what to keep an eye out for.
Constipation
Constipation is a common side effect of many over-the-counter medications including Benadryl and Oxytrol. Prescription medications that can cause constipation include opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin, iron tablets, and even some anti-depressants.
If your loved one has chronic constipation, consider speaking with their pharmacist to determine if medications could be the culprit. While you wait, ensure your loved one is drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise.
Confusion
Believe it or not, medications can cause seniors to be acutely, or suddenly, confused. This symptom can often alarm family members and can even lead to the emergency room to rule out diagnoses like a stroke. Confusion is a common side effect of over-the-counter medications like Tylenol PM or Advil PM. Prescribed medications that commonly cause confusion include opioids, antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, and some medications that help with bladder control issues. Anesthesia can also confuse seniors who are coming out of surgery, as well as cause ongoing confusion or disorientation that lasts for hours or even days.
Dizziness
Dizziness is one of the most common side effects of both over-the-counter and prescribed medications. Be sure to take it seriously, especially if your loved one is already at an increased risk for a fall.
Medications that can cause excess dizziness include antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxants. Dizziness can increase when medications interact with one another or with another substance such as alcohol.
If your loved one is experiencing dizziness, a stop to talk with the pharmacist is certainly warranted. There might be a way to switch out medications or try different dosing times to reduce the dizzy feeling and maximize safety.
Dry Mouth and/or Dry Eye
A dry mouth or dry eyes can be more than annoying; these side effects can sometimes lead to decreased appetite or even trouble sleeping. Common medications that can cause dry mouth and/or dry eye include decongestants, and analgesics like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Prescription medications that cause the same side effects include antipsychotics and diuretics.
If your loved one has a dry mouth or dry eye due to medications, talk with your pharmacist. There could be a change to the dose, type, or time of medication to avoid dryness. They may also be able to refer you to an over-the-counter remedy to relieve dryness, boost appetite, or increase comfort while sleeping.
CaringGivers Can Help
The team of caregivers at CaringGivers are trained to be observant, noticing small changes in physical, emotional, or mental health and then documenting them for follow-up. Your loved one’s caregiver will keep their eyes peeled for any changes and we are there to follow up to ensure we are catching side effects and working with other healthcare professionals to see if there is a remedy. Contact us to learn more about our in-home services.