11 Drugs With More Health Risks For Adults Over 60

There are at least 11 drugs with more health risks for adults over 60 and it’s wise to learn a little about them when possible. You should know and care what can affect you and your loved ones who are in this age range.

Antihistamines

Used for a variety of conditions such as allergies and sleeping problems, a lot of people will look to medications such as Benadryl. But the health risks from this type of medication come from the fact that it’s tough for the body to get rid of them as it ages.

Sleep Medications

A good part of the country is hooked on or at least relies on sleep medications. But for the elderly, they can cause delusion, cognitive issues, and other problems that are best avoided.

Muscle Relaxers

Some medications are indeed tough to do without, especially when they do help. But in older individuals, the health risks rise too swiftly, especially when the side effects are drowsiness and confusion.

Antispasmodics

Some folks might not know about these types of medications, which is fortunate for them. However, issues in your digestive tract can create a necessity for this type of treatment.

Antipsychotic Medications

This is another tough medication to avoid, but there are alternatives. Unfortunately, in the elderly, these types of medicines can cause dizziness and low blood pressure, which are serious conditions, and only a couple of problems that can arise.

Antidepressants

Many of these have been replaced by new medicines, but the effects are still present in older adults. Confusion, low blood pressure, and several other effects are the risks one faces when taking this type of medication past the age of 60.

Barbiturates

The idea of abolishing or decreasing needed medications is, understandably, nerve-wracking. However, for older adults, the health risks might warrant a different option since facing effects such as the possible risk of overdose are not attractive.

Indomethacin

This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication that is often used for gout and arthritis. However, in older people, it can cause confusion, kidney damage, and even ulcers.

Opioids

This has almost become a dirty word in many communities due to the horrible misuse that’s been seen over the years. But even when used properly, the drowsiness, constipation, and slowed breathing should be seen as deterrents.

Alpha Blockers

There are plenty of alpha-blockers that are used for hypertension. Unfortunately, in older adults, the risk of fainting and falling becomes a far more serious condition.

Long-Acting Sulfonylureas

In case you don’t know, this is used to control your blood sugar. It’s ironic then that in older adults the most common side effect is low blood sugar.