![]() The pollsters at the Univeristy of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation discovered that more than one third of those over 65: According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, however, half of older adults are convinced that sleep problems “come naturally with age.” Many think that sleeping pills for seniors are a simple solution to insomnia. ![]() Pills and alcohol photo available from Shutterstock.Do you have trouble sleeping? That’s just a natural outcome of accumulating lots of birthdays, right? Actually, insomnia is not a normal consequence of aging. Those who are going to take medication must do so responsibly in order to minimize the risk of a deadly drug combination. Americans are quick to take medications from doctors who are quick to prescribe them (studies show most patients walk out of their doctors office with an average of two prescriptions per visit), often without weighing the risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor before increasing the dosage of a medication or using a medication other than as prescribed.Īdverse drug interactions are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any over-the-counter, herbal or illegal substances you are taking and ask about possible interactions.ĭont take a medication prescribed for someone else. Obtain all prescription medications through the same pharmacy so that there is a record of the medications you are taking. Know what drugs you are taking, why, what their side effects include and if any special precautions are needed. In these cases, patients should take the following precautions: The best protection is not to mix drugs, though in some cases this is unavoidable. Mixing drugs always presents some danger, though the degree of risk depends on a number of factors, including the type of drugs and amount used and the patients medical condition. Protecting Against Adverse Drug Interactions Statins can also be dangerous when combined with prescription oral fungal/yeast infection medications because of the impact on the kidneys, as well as grapefruit juice, which increases the risk of liver and kidney damage and the breakdown of muscle cells. The combination of popular prescription cholesterol drugs (statins) and over-the-counter niacin (a type of B vitamin that lowers cholesterol) can increase the risk of muscle pain and damage. Certain over-the-counter decongestants may also be problematic as they can decrease the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. Potassium and potassium-rich foods may be recommended for those on certain blood pressure and heart rhythm medications, while foods like black licorice and certain herbals teas and sweeteners may lower potassium levels, putting patients hearts at risk. The risk is even higher when taken with garlic pills or leafy, green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage or Brussels sprouts.Ĭombining this blood pressure drug (also known as Zestril or Prinivil) with potassium can cause irregular heart rhythms or death. #5 Warfarin and AspirinĬombining the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin) with aspirin can significantly increase the risk of bleeding. Since the stimulant drug class also includes caffeine, nicotine, diet pills, and certain over-the-counter cold remedies and decongestants, it can be dangerous to use these products when drinking (especially if driving). This can lead to increased blood pressure and tension as well as overdose when alcohol and cocaine are mixed. Stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, meth, speed and cocaine mask the effects of alcohol, which can cause users to drink more than they intended. Johns wort, the bronchodilator albuterol and some over-the-counter antihistamines. Other medications and supplements that may interact with certain antidepressants are prescription painkillers, the herbal remedy St. Effects can include impaired thinking, dangerously high blood pressure, intensified depression symptoms and death.Ĭertain antidepressants may also interact with MAOIs, causing dizziness, seizures, confusion and coma and putting users at risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. #3 Antidepressants and AlcoholĪlcoholism and depression are common co-occurring disorders, which puts individuals at high risk for interactions between alcohol and antidepressant medications such as Prozac and Elavil. Combining these drugs enhances the sedative effects of both substances, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and overdose. ![]() In many cases, the individual takes an opiate painkiller to manage pain from an accident or injury and finds greater relief (and even a sense of euphoria) when supplementing with alcohol. ![]() Another class of drugs frequently combined with alcohol is opiates, such as heroin, morphine, codeine, Ox圜ontin and Vicodin. ![]()
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