If too many meds create too many side-effects, "deprescribing" might be the answer

[PeppermintPatty]

My mother in law takes 14 to 18 pills a day
She broke her shoulder a few weeks ago so was on morphine. I worry about her a lot.
I take one prescription a day. It helps keep me calm.

 

[gruntlabor]

My mother in law takes 14 to 18 pills a day
She broke her shoulder a few weeks ago so was on morphine. I worry about her a lot.
I take one prescription a day. It helps keep me calm.

But that is what worries me, Peppermint Patty. Anything that might disrupt the balance of the chemicals of the brain might trigger or act as a fertilizer for dementia.

 

[againstthegrain]

My mother in law takes 14 to 18 pills a day
She broke her shoulder a few weeks ago so was on morphine. I worry about her a lot.
I take one prescription a day. It helps keep me calm.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

I take it you mean my mother in law. She seems to be healing quite well. Thank you.
There is no recovery for what I have. It’s an on going disorder I need to just learn to live with but thanks all the same.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

But that is what worries me, Peppermint Patty. Anything that might disrupt the balance of the chemicals of the brain might trigger or act as a fertilizer for dementia.

I understand what you are saying. It’s my main reason for quitting my use of cannabis. I could sense my cognitive function slipping

 

[Brookswood]

FWIW, the latest issue of Consumed Reports has a good discussion on supplements that people might actually benefit from. The increased needs of older people is a common theme.

 

[againstthegrain]

Hopefully as the "weight loss drugs" are used more widely many will be able to get off BP, cholesterol, and many other meds even if they have to use the weight loss drugs for the rest of their lives.

 

[ChiroDoc]

Yeh Big Pharma is a propaganda machine but it takes willing doctors and patients who find it easier to take pills. Yes medication helps alot of people with a lot of issue many are impatient and don't even to think about alternatives, nutrition, lifestyle, fitness, supplements etc.

You've hit the nail on the head. Here is an expose interview by two knowledgeable whistleblowers who lay out how Big Pharma controls much of our lives:
https://tuckercarlson.com/tucker-show-casey-calley-means

 

[VaughanJB]

If too many meds create too many side-effects, deprescribing might be the answer

Taking charge of your medications includes identifying ones you don't need anymore
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/prescription-drugs-medication-1.7272477

I personally think this is somewhat dangerous advice and buys into the trope that big Pharma is always evil.

Medications have side-effects, fair enough. On the other hand, no-one would/should put up with the side effects if they didn't also bring benefits. It's a balancing act. Doctors prescribe in order to treat illnesses, and we should keep a perspective.

The US is a little...... weird. For example, you allow medications to have TV commercials, something banned in the UK. So you end up with people going to their doctors to ask about something they saw in a commercial. Then you have the healthcare for profit on top of that, and it can be a poisoned mess.

I go to the doctor when I'll ill, or if something is wrong. I'm on several medications, and they help me. Some of them have side effects, but the good outweighs the bad.