To some medical professionals, this suggests a tremendous misuse of drugs by this group. Some of this misuse is by physicians unaware of the drug effect on older kidneys and livers, some by mistakes in taking drugs, and some by the interaction of the various prescribed drugs. For instance, incontinence can be caused by diuretics for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure as well as antihistamines and valium. Then, instead of looking for an alternative drug, the person must accept a more limited lifestyle due to the incontinence. Falls and depression can also be related to drug interaction.
Falls are a common problem for seniors.
Often they are from an imbalance in equilibrium and decreased vision. Here are some things important to know in determining if there may be a drug-drug interaction that you wish to discuss with your physician. Finally, consider that depression is widespread among seniors. Sometimes it goes unrecognized as it manifests itself differently from depression in the younger population. It is important to rule out drug interactions when dealing with these conditions.