AARP Hearing Center
Pills, Prescriptions, and Prepared Questions for Your Doctor’s Visit
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As we get older, many things become easier with experience. We often know ourselves better, recognize what matters most, and make more informed decisions about our health. But one area that can become more complicated with age is medication management.
Prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, supplements, and chronic health conditions can overlap in ways that are not always obvious. A medication that worked well years ago may need adjusting now. A supplement started without much thought may interfere with a prescription. Symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or confusion are sometimes dismissed as “just getting older” when they may actually be related to medications.
The good news is that many medication problems can be prevented with better organization, routine medication reviews, and open conversations with your healthcare team.
Why Medication Safety Matters More With Age
Medication use is common, especially later in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 7 in 10 U.S. adults ages 40 to 79 used at least one prescription medication in the previous 30 days, and about 1 in 5 used five or more prescriptions.
Many adults are successfully managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, reflux, thyroid disorders, or sleep concerns. Treating multiple conditions often means taking multiple medications, sometimes prescribed by different clinicians.
This is often referred to as polypharmacy, commonly defined as taking five or more medications. Polypharmacy is not automatically a problem. Many people appropriately need several medications to stay healthy. However, it does increase the importance of regular medication review.
The more medications involved, the greater the chance of side effects, interactions, duplicate therapies, missed doses, or confusion about when and how to take them.
Over-the-Counter Does Not Mean Risk-Free
One of the most common mistakes I see in practice is patients reporting only prescription medications and leaving out nonprescription products.
That can create gaps in care.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can still affect your body and interact with prescriptions. Common examples include:
- Ibuprofen or naproxen: May affect kidneys, stomach lining, or blood pressure
- Sleep aids: Can worsen grogginess, balance problems, or fall risk
- Cold medicines: May raise blood pressure or heart rate
- Antacids: Can interfere with absorption of certain medications
- Allergy medications: May cause drowsiness or dry mouth
Supplements matter too. Vitamins, herbal products, CBD products, teas, powders, and gummies may affect bleeding risk, blood sugar, liver function, or how prescription medications work. “Natural” does not always mean harmless.
Symptoms Worth Discussing
Some people assume new symptoms are simply part of aging. While aging can bring changes, sudden or unexplained symptoms deserve attention. Talk with your healthcare professional if you notice:
- New dizziness
- Frequent falls
- Brain fog or confusion
- Excessive sleepiness
- Constipation
- Swelling
- Poor appetite
- Rash
- Difficulty remembering doses
- Symptoms that started after a new medication or dose change
As a nurse practitioner, I often remind patients that the timing of symptoms matters. If a problem started soon after a medication was added, increased, or switched, it should be reviewed.
Never stop a prescribed medication suddenly unless instructed to do so. Instead, ask whether the medication could be contributing and whether a safer plan is needed.
How to Prepare for a Better Doctor’s Visit
One of the most helpful things you can bring to any appointment is an updated medication list.
Include:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Dose and how often you take each item
- Allergies or previous reactions
- Your preferred pharmacy
A printed list works well. Keeping a photo of the list on your phone can be just as useful.
If possible, use one pharmacy for all prescriptions. Pharmacists are medication experts and can often identify interactions, duplications, or dosing concerns before they become bigger problems.
Helpful Questions to Ask
You should never feel uncomfortable asking questions about medications. Informed patients often have safer outcomes. Consider asking:
- Why am I taking this medication?
- How long do I need it?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- Does this mix safely with my other medications or supplements?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are there foods, alcohol or activities I should avoid?
- Is there a lower-cost generic option?
- Do I still need everything on my medication list?
- Do I need lab work or monitoring?
- Can my schedule be simplified?
These are thoughtful questions, not difficult ones.
Ask for a Medication Checkup
At least once a year—or anytime your medications change—ask for a complete medication review.
Some people call this a “brown bag review,” where you bring all prescriptions, OTC products, and supplements to your visit.
A review may uncover:
- Duplicate medications
- Expired products
- Medications no longer needed
- Safer alternatives
- Easier schedules that improve consistency
Medication plans should evolve with your current health, not stay frozen in time.
When to Seek Immediate Help
Get urgent medical care for:
- Trouble breathing
- Severe rash or swelling
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Suspected overdose
- Sudden confusion
- Uncontrolled bleeding
The Bottom Line
Medication safety is not about fear. It is about staying informed, asking questions, and making sure your treatment plan still works for the life you are living today.
Keep an updated list. Mention everything you take. Review medications regularly. Speak up if something feels off.
You know your body better than anyone else. Your voice matters.
***The information shared in this article is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911. Always consult your healthcare provider for any medical concerns, and do not delay seeking professional advice based on the content found on this website. AARP is not responsible for the consequences of any decisions or actions taken in reliance upon or as a result of the information provided.***
Courtesy of Alice Benjamin
ABOUT NURSE ALICE BENJAMIN
With over 25 years of healthcare experience, “Nurse Alice” Benjamin, MSN, ACNS-BC, FNP-C is a nationally board-certified family nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist. Her expertise spans from critical care and emergency medicine to cardiology and community health.
In addition to her clinical work, Nurse Alice is a respected educator, media health contributor, and public speaker who has collaborated with organizations such as the American Heart Association, AARP, and NBC News. She’s the host of the “Ask Nurse Alice” podcast, an AARP ambassador, and a passionate advocate for making healthcare clear, compassionate, and empowering for everyone.
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