Why are you still taking these drugs? (URGENT)

Let’s continue our conversation about potentially inappropriate drugs for older adults.

(In case you missed it—yesterday, we talked about nifedipine, amiodarone, and warfarin.)

As a quick reminder, I’m discussing drugs included on the list from the American Geriatric Society (AGS). This isn’t my list of dangerous medications. (I’d need an entire year’s worth of e-letters to cover those!)

Without further ado, let’s look at three more…

Risks outweigh any benefit

First up for today: Amitriptyline, an antidepressant.

(For the sake of being more thorough, I’m going to highlight clomipramine and paroxetine to the list as well.)

These drugs are often prescribed for anxiety, too. But they can lead to sedation, dizziness, and low blood pressure—all of which could contribute to potentially life-threatening falls among seniors. So, as outlined in the AGS’s list, these medications should be avoided.

(I’m not quite sure why anyone is taking these drugs. Especially when there are safer options available. Like these supplements, which I often recommend to my patients: Fish oil, SAMe, 5HTP, and L-theanine. As well as exercise and meditation.)

Let’s move on to sulfonylureas, used to treat Type 2 diabetes.

This is an older class of medication. (Given that we are in the midst of a diabesity epidemic, Big Pharma has created many newer and—dare I say it—safer medications.)

But that doesn’t mean seniors aren’t taking it. And when used long-term especially, they pose a problem. Namely, and ironically, with low blood sugar… as well as a heightened risk of cardiovascular events and even all-cause mortality.

Meanwhile, metformin is an older, very safe drug alternative. Or you can check out my Metabolic Repair Protocol to learn about a drug-free plan for preventing and reversing Type 2 diabetes.

The safer choice

Let’s talk about proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), used most commonly for acid reflux.

I was happy to see these included on the AGS’s list, as Americans seem to pop these like candy. After all, the Standard American Diet (SAD) upsets our tummies. And for most people, instead of changing their diet, they pop a PPI and go about their business.

But let me remind you that these drugs were never intended for long-term use. They’re not even studied beyond a 12-week window! Yet they’re a staple to many people’s day.

And that’s BAD news, as these drugs can increase risk of C. difficile infections, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, bone loss, fractures, and more.

If you take a PPI for heartburn, indigestion, chest pain, or more, try making dietary changes instead. Get rid of carbohydrates and embrace more protein and fiber-rich veggies.

Well folks, that concludes our two-part conversation on some of the drugs included on the AGS’s list of potentially inappropriate drugs for older adults.

To learn about what I consider to be some of the most dangerous drugs out there, check out the December 2021 issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives (“Tackling the ‘overdosing’ of America”).

Subscribers can access that article by signing in with their credentials after clicking here.

On the flip side, if you’re eager to learn about 16 supplements you can’t afford to be stranded without, read the August 2020 issue of Logical Health Alternatives (“My 2020 ‘Desert Island’ supplement list”) by clicking here.

Not yet a member? No problem! Scroll down to learn about becoming one—or click here.

Sources:

“American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2012. (doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.03923.x)

“Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” Guideline Central, 05/16/2023. (guidelinecentral.com/guideline/340784/)


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