Sleep Medications
A person who is taking sleep medications may not be able to tell whether or not he had a bad reaction to the drug. This is why some people recommend against using sleep medications as a treatment for insomnia, unless it’s absolutely necessary. Some of these drugs can remain in your system for an extended period of time. Which means that you may experience side effects from taking them even if they’re no longer active in your body. In most cases, over-the-counter sleeping aids are a safer option.
Like all types of medication, sleep aids or sedatives should only be taken when they’re essential to a person’s health and well-being. Seniors should not take these drugs for a longer time than is medically necessary.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Seniors with anxiety disorders may be at risk for experiencing negative side effects from taking anti-anxiety medications, which can include drowsiness, blurred vision or impaired coordination. In most cases, it’s best to discuss any medicines you’re taking with your doctor before he prescribes something new for your condition.
If you wish to try an herbal form of relief , make sure that this treatment has been approved by a medical professional. For example, St. John’s Wort is a plant-based medication that some people use to treat depression . However, this herb can create negative reactions in a person’s body when he takes certain medications or consumes certain foods.
Muscle Relaxers
Seniors who have muscle aches may be tempted to take a muscle relaxer, but these medications can have dangerous side effects. This includes drowsiness, impaired coordination and dizziness. These could lead to falls and other injuries. In some cases, a doctor might recommend that an older patient see a physical therapist or chiropractor instead of taking medication for aches and pains. Some people turn to massage therapy, yoga or meditation as less-invasive forms of relief from pain.
Certain Allergy Medication
People who have allergies may be tempted to take an over-the-counter allergy medication for relief, but some types of these medications can cause problems when a senior takes them on a regular basis. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Sominex) and Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) are examples of common OTC allergy drugs. Which can lead to dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. In some cases, it’s best to avoid taking antihistamines altogether.
This is because even OTC varieties may make you feel overly tired. In addition, natural remedies such as decreased exposure to allergens or dampening your home’s dust levels might be more beneficial than taking medication that can cause side effects.
Conclusion
It’s important for seniors to discuss all medications they’re taking with their doctors. In order to determine which ones might be causing problems. If your doctor prescribes you a new medication , make sure you understand how it works, whether or not is can cause side effects and how to avoid problematic reactions with other types of medications. If you’re concerned about any side effects that come with taking regular medication, contact your doctor for advice.