What should we ask at a medication review appointment?

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To maximize the value of a medication review, prepare a complete, up-to-date list of all substances your mother takes, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, along with specific questions regarding side effects, interactions, and the necessity of each item.

• Compile a Master List: Gather exact brand and generic names, doses, frequencies, and the purpose of each medication. Include timing details, such as whether pills are taken with food or at bedtime. According to the CDC, having this organized documentation helps providers identify polypharmacy risks, especially for adults taking five or more regular medications.
• Document Symptom Changes: Note any new or worsening symptoms, such as dizziness, confusion, nausea, or sleep disturbances, and link them to when specific medications were started or adjusted. The NIH emphasizes that correlating symptoms with medication changes helps clinicians distinguish between natural aging effects and drug side effects.
• Ask About Redundancies: Inquire if any medications are treating the same condition (therapeutic duplication) or if a drug is prescribed for a condition that has since resolved. For example, ask if a statin is still necessary if her cholesterol levels have stabilized on a different regimen.
• Discuss Falls and Cognition: Specifically ask if any current medications, such as sedatives, muscle relaxants, or antihistamines, increase the risk of falls or cognitive impairment. The National Institute on Aging recommends reviewing these high-risk drugs annually in older adults to maintain safety and independence.
• Verify Adherence Barriers: Explain any difficulty swallowing pills, confusing dosing schedules, or cost issues. Providers can often switch to once-daily formulations, recommend generic alternatives, or connect you with patient assistance programs to improve adherence without compromising treatment.

admin · 2026-09-30 03:20:36