Falls, troubles concentrating, dry mouth and more. Is it getting older or is it your medicines?

Falls, confusion, trouble remembering and concentrating, dry mouth, constipation and trouble urinating. It is easy to think these are just signs of getting older, but they could be caused by your medicines. NPS MedicineWise is calling for people taking multiple medicines to watch for these symptoms as some medicines can cause these effects, and the more of these medicines you take, the worse it may get.

“There are lots of commonly used medicines that can cause these effects,” says Dr Kate Annear, NPS MedicineWise medical adviser and GP.

“The list includes medicines for depression and anxiety, allergy medicines, pain medicines, medicines that treat Parkinson’s disease and medicines to improve urination. The problem can be worse for older people as they often take more medicines, but also, the body changes as you age, and these medicines have a stronger effect on older people.

“Taking too many of these medicines called anticholinergic (an-tee-koh-li-nur-jik) medicines, is associated with a 60% increase in falls that lead to hospitalisation, a 50% increase in the risk for dementia and a 30% increase in risk of death,” she says.

NPS MedicineWise is running an educational program on this class of medicines where we are visiting doctors across Australia to talk about the latest evidence and recommendations around these medicines. Part of the program is about reviewing the medicines a person is taking and considering stopping some of the medicines or finding alternative treatments.

“Many people put down some of these symptoms down to just getting older, but they may be related to the medicines you are taking. It is important to know your medicines and ask your doctor if you are unsure about anything. Your doctor may recommend a home medicines review,” says Dr Annear.

“A home medicines review can help you get the most out of your medicines.

“The review involves you, your carer if you have one, your doctor and a specially trained pharmacist working together to help you manage your medicines. Some of your medicines may not be needed anymore, and the review may find and prevent medicine-related problems.

“If you or the person you care for lives in an aged-care home, the medicines review can be done there,” she says.

NPS MedicineWise has produced information in collaboration with the Older Peoples Advocacy Network (OPAN) and Carers Australia to help people prepare for a medicines review, ask questions and understand the options around changing your medicines and make any changes to the medicines you are taking.