The Hidden Risk of Polypharmacy
Every year around Diwali, we clear out cupboards, dust forgotten corners, and let go of what no longer serves us. But what about the pills lined up in your medicine box? With an overstuffed cupboard, too many medicines can slowly pile up until they weigh you down, more than they help.
Why do older adults take so many medications? As we age, medications can be lifesaving: lowering blood pressure, easing pain, improving sleep, or stabilising mood. But when the number of prescriptions piles up, so can the risks.
So, how many medications is too many for seniors? The answer often depends on the individual, but research shows nearly half of older adults take five or more medications, and as many as one in five of these may be unnecessary or inappropriate.
Each new pill adds not just potential benefit, but also a higher chance of side effects, drug interactions, and even hospital visits.
For many seniors, the slow creep of extra prescriptions feels almost invisible until one day, the medicines meant to help start causing more problems than the illness itself.
Why This Matters
Medicines are meant to heal, but when too many are taken together, the harm can outweigh the help. This is the hidden danger of polypharmacy.
Medication overload can lead to:
- Falls and fractures from dizziness or low blood pressure
- Confusion and memory problems that may be mistaken for dementia
- Drowsiness or slowed reactions can make driving unsafe
- Hospital visits for adverse drug reactions
- Loss of independence and, in severe cases, even death
These aren’t rare events. In fact, 1 in 10 hospital admissions among older adults is due to medication side effects.
Polypharmacy doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up over years of well-intentioned prescribing. However, without regular review, a helpful medicine from the past can quietly become a hidden risk in the present.
What Is Deprescribing?
The good news is that there’s a safe, proven way to lower the risks of polypharmacy. It’s called deprescribing. Deprescribing doesn’t mean suddenly stopping all medicines. Instead, it’s a careful process where your doctor or pharmacist:
- Reviews each prescription
- Decides whether the benefits still outweigh the risks
- Adjusts to the lowest effective dose
- Safely tapers or stops medicines that are no longer needed
Done thoughtfully, deprescribing can reduce side effects, improve energy and clarity, and help seniors stay independent longer.
Red Flags to Watch For
Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a new symptom is just another symptom of ageing or something caused by the pills we take. That’s why it helps to watch out for small changes that may actually be warning signs of medication overload:
- New or worsening drowsiness, dizziness, or unsteadiness
Feeling more sleepy than usual, lightheaded when standing, or less steady on your feet can point to medication side effects. These symptoms increase the risk of dangerous falls. - Confusion, forgetfulness, or mood changes
Sometimes what looks like memory loss, irritability, or even depression isn’t ageing or dementia at all, it’s the effect of too many medicines interacting in the body. - Duplicate medicines
Taking two drugs for the same problem (like two different painkillers or two types of blood pressure pills) can easily happen if prescriptions come from multiple doctors. It raises the risk of side effects without added benefit. - “Legacy” prescriptions that were never stopped
Some medicines are meant for short-term relief, such as heartburn tablets, sleeping pills, or antidepressants, but often end up being continued indefinitely. Over time, these can cause more harm than help if not reviewed.
Tip: If any of these red flags sound familiar, scheduling a medication review with your doctor or pharmacist is a good idea.
A Consultation Checklist: 5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Bringing up medication concerns with your doctor can feel intimidating, but remember, your health goals come first. A quick review of your medicines could make daily life safer, clearer, and more comfortable.
At your next appointment, bring an up-to-date list of all your medicines, prescriptions, over-the-counter tablets, and supplements. You can use a checklist for deprescribing with your doctor to make sure only the medicines you need stay on your list.
- Why am I taking this medication?
Every pill should have a clear purpose. Understanding why you’re taking it helps you decide if it’s still needed. - What are the benefits and possible harms for me now?
Medicines that once worked well may not offer the same benefit years later — especially if health priorities have changed. - Could this medicine affect my memory, balance, or risk of falls?
Side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion are common in older adults. Spotting them early can prevent serious harm. - Can I safely reduce the dose or stop this medicine?
This is the heart of deprescribing. Sometimes a lower dose, or no dose at all, may be the best option. - Who will follow up with me, and when?
Stopping or tapering medicines safely takes monitoring. Make sure you know which doctor will guide you and when you’ll check in.
These simple questions open the door to shared decision-making, where you and your doctor work together to ensure your treatment fits your life, not just the prescription pad.
A Lighter Pillbox, A Brighter Tomorrow
Ageing may bring new challenges, but it doesn’t have to mean living under the weight of too many pills. Good health isn’t about the number of pills in your box; it’s about keeping only the ones that truly support your life.
CTA: Talk to your doctor today about a medication review. Small changes could add years of steadier steps, sharper memory, and brighter days.
FAQs
1. Is cutting down medications safe for seniors?
Yes, when done under medical supervision. Doctors plan tapering schedules, monitor for withdrawal symptoms, and restart medicines if needed.
2. Will my doctor be upset if I ask about stopping a medicine?
Not at all. Most doctors appreciate proactive patients and caregivers. These conversations help tailor care to your current health goals.
3. Can lifestyle changes replace some medications?
Sometimes. Healthy food choices, exercise, sleep, and stress management can reduce the need for medicines like heartburn pills or sleeping tablets.
4. How often should medications be reviewed?
At least once a year, or sooner if you notice new symptoms, start with a new doctor, or add another prescription.
5. What about vitamins, herbal remedies, or over-the-counter pills?
They count too. Even “natural” supplements can interact with prescriptions, so include them in your medicine list during reviews.
