One of the most troubling aspects of self medicating is the unintentional mixing of drugs that should not be taken together. If you were to sample ten random individuals on the street, you could bet that none of these individuals would be taking the exact same medications. Also consider the numerous over the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements that are available and are widely considered to be “safe.” It is because of this that negative drug interactions occur in certain individuals and that people may be unknowingly poisoning themselves.
This is extremely problematic among older adults, especially individuals who are sixty-five and older. According to a journal article by Curry, Walker, Hogstel, and Burns, this age group accounts for the majority of medical services, prescriptions, and purchases of over-the-counter medications each year. Many self-medicate and are uninformed about the consequences of mixing certain drugs together. It is often assumed to be safe, and even healthy, to take vitamins and herbs; however this is not always the case. According to Curry et. al., ginkgo biloba hinders the formation of clots. While this herb is typically used as a memory enhancer, it should not be used by an individual who is taking aspirin, warfarin, or Plavix, which are drugs that also impede clot formation. The video below is a news clip with Dr. Barry Ramo discussing the issue on mixing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Anyone who is on medication, whether it be over the counter or prescribed, should consult a doctor or pharmacist before adding a new drug into the mix. When seeing a physician, be sure to present an updated list of all of the medications, vitamins, and illicit drugs that you are currently taking. This could potentially help the doctor to understand your symptoms better, as well as to know which medications would be safe to prescribe to you. Nurses and other health care professionals should carefully educate their patients on the use of medications, so that the patient may safely administer the medication to themselves when they are back at home. Potential side effects of medications should also be discussed with patients. By increasing the knowledge you have regarding your health and medications, you can be proactive in your care and lead a healthier life.
Sources:
Curry, L., Walker, C., Hogstel, M., & Burns, P. (2005). Teaching older adults to self-manage medications: preventing adverse drug reactions. Journal Of Gerontological Nursing, 31(4), 32-42. http://libproxy.uta.edu:2066
Karen B. Felbus, MD, 2006
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/UCM102777.pdf
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2009
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/TipsforSeniors/default.htm
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Wow, I never realized that this could be such a big problem.
ReplyDeleteI know that you mentioned it is a bigger problem in older adults, but it seems as thought the amount of young adults taking medications for ADHD, anxiety, depression,and other drugs that effect the central nervous system is increasing. Along with that, they are also self medicating with caffine, alcohol, cough medicines, anti allergies, and other drugs. I think less attention gets paid to this population, becasue alot of the prescription drugs and OTC drug they use are not chronic, so they are not educated about interactions. Also, with the younger population, they have a sense that they are invicable and they can mix anything they want.
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents used to take literally 20-30 pills a day...both prescription as well as the herbs/vitamins they thought would help boost their immune system, help their memory, etc. Its crazy. When my grandma moved up here, she started seeing a new doctor and the doctor literally took several of her pill bottles and threw them in the trash.
ReplyDeleteA problem with self-medication is that people do not realize that they are taking the same medication but with different trade name, which leads to over dosing or toxicity. Also, mixing medication with other substance such as vitamins, alchohol or certain food, can alter the body's physiology and change the kinetic and dynamic of the drug.
ReplyDeleteMy dad is suffering from memory loss, not dementia, but stress related memory loss. I was going to go to the pharmacy this weekend and buy him ginko biloba, but after reading this article, I will ask more specific questions of him and the types of prescription medication he is currently taking before I force the issue.
ReplyDeleteTona Clough, a good resource to use is the Pharmacist. They have the education and knowledge of drug interaction with other prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and herbals. Sometimes when the pharmacy is busy, and/or there is alot of customers in line, the pharmacist tech might suggest just reading the drug information sheet. Make the effort to wait for the Pharmacist to look the information up in the database.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important for people to realize that over the counter medication is just as important as prescription medication and they they need to be sure to tell their provider about that as well!
ReplyDeleteHighmedicinecost
ReplyDeleteYes you are right that self-medicating is found in both young and older adults. With younger adults or teens, it is more found that they are purposely mixing many drugs together, to gain the sense of "getting high". On the other hand, older adults are not realizing they are mixing drugs together that can cause a serious adverse or side effects. Most commonly, the older adults are using many different types of prescription, OTC and/or herbals on the intention to be heal, treat their health problem, or simple want to be healthier.