Gerontology 130
Working with the Frail Elderly

UNIT 14

Signs and Symptoms of Medication Misuse

Overview
Medications and Older Adults
Signs and Symptoms of Possible Drug Misuse
Required Reading
Online Activities

Overview

Only licensed personnel such as Registered Nurses or Licensed Vocational Nurses can, by law, administer medications to patients within medical facilities. In the home paid caregivers can remind individuals to self-administer medications, and of course there are no restrictions for family caregivers. It is important for caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of medication misuse as elderly individuals are the highest users of prescription drugs and are at the greatest risk of the effects of drug interactions.

Top of page

Medications and Older Adults

Elderly individuals tend to have more than one prescription and complicated medication regimens. Due to physical changes that occur there are four changes that effect the proper utilization of mediation. These include:

Absorption: This refers to the amount of time required to enter the blood stream. Normal age changes that occur in the gastrointestinal system effect absorption of drugs.
Distribution: Refers to how effectively the medication reaches the target. Normal age changes in the cardiovascular system, changes in the kidney, and changes in body mass affect how medication reaches its target. Older individuals, therefore, require lower dosages of medications.
Metabolism: Changes in liver function effects how medications are metabolized. As we age metabolism is less effective which means medications stay in the blood stream longer than younger individuals.
Excretion: Normal age changes in kidney function have the greatest impact on changes on the levels of medication in the bloodstream, which again means that drugs stay in the blood stream longer.

Top of page

Signs and Symptoms of Possible Drug Misuse

There are many experimental drugs available for dementia. Several with severe side effects. Families must weigh the side-effects of the drugs with potential benefits. Aricept and Exelon are the current drugs commonly prescribed for individuals diagnosed with dementia. No matter what type of drugs are prescribed, family members should be aware of signs and symptoms of potential medication abuse and misuse. These include:

Mood swings—aggression, hostility, or defensiveness
Increased anxiety and irritability
Sudden confusion
Changes in balance
Changes in sleep patterns
Lethargy or apathy
Sleep changes
Unusual dizziness
Changes in Moods

Top of page

Required Reading

pp. 135-170, It Takes More than Love: A Practical Guide to Taking Care of An Aging Adult (2000) Beckerman, Anita G. and Tappen, Ruth. Health Professions Press, Baltimore, MD.

Top of page

Online Activities

None.

Top of page