Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Over Medicated and the Solution

By Kristi Marie Gott Thursday, October 23, 2008

Symptoms of drowsiness, falling asleep at unusual times, slurred speech, lack of balance and cognitive difficulties occurred for an elderly aquaintance of mine who had drifted into taking all of his medicine at one time of the day for convenience.  Doctors were not aware that he had gradually simplified the complexities of taking 7 different meds by drifting away from using different times of the day for different meds. 

 

Having not seen him for awhile, I was very worried about the change in his condition and so he went to see his doctor and see if his meds needed to be adjusted, or if he needed some tests.

 

Since he lives alone, no one was aware he had begun combining the medication times until they all were taken at once, in the early morning.  This resulted in difficulty staying awake, and trouble walking, talking and remembering things. 

 

A trip to the doctor and a review of the meds and times resulted in a new schedule that involves taking them at 4 different times of the day and evening.  Not being over medicated anymore by taking everything at once, he is now feeling and acting like a new person.

10/26/08 10:38pm

Gosh it really is important to take medications when and how the doctor prescribes, particularly when taking mutiple drugs. 

 

It also brings to mind  the need for folks to be aware of their elderly neightbors, who might not have family in the area.  Though you might not be able to go to the doctor for your neighbor, there are many ways to check in and mak esure everything is going all right.

 

Thanks for this greta post - much needed information.

 

All the best, sue

 

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By Kristi Marie Gott— Last Modified: 03/07/11, First Published: 10/23/08