You’re not sick – you’re over-medicated

by Dr. Alan Inglis

An elderly woman was once brought into the local hospital where I worked, exhibiting symptoms that included confusion, uncoordinated movement and memory problems.

When faced with such symptoms, most doctors think "stroke." Once they rule that out, they turn to dementia. But here was the real problem-she was over- drugged.

It made me wonder: How many elderly patients are diagnosed with dementia each year that are really just taking too many-or the wrong-medications?

The fact is, you can be so saturated with drugs, you’re not even able to advocate for yourself anymore. In the case of this woman, an anti-anxiety drug had left her barely conscious.

I can’t caution enough against taking any medication until you have completely reviewed all that fine print on the packaging that lists all possible side effects. Also, be aware of the Beers Criteria list of inappropriate medications for older patients, developed by a doctor. Just go to www.google.com and plug in "Beers Criteria" for a copy of this lifesaver.

I recommend you print out the list, march it into your doctor’s office and make sure you’re never given any of the mentioned drugs. Tell him you’re not looking for a misdiagnosis or some other problem caused by side effects.