It's important for you to know as much as you can about the drugs you're taking. This helps you get the most benefit from your medications and avoid medical errors.

Drug safety
Food and drug interactionsIt's important for you to know as much as you can about the drugs you're taking. This helps you get the most benefit from your medications and avoid medical errors.
In people 65 years and older, medical studies show that some medicines should be reviewed by patients and their doctors because they can cause serious side effects. These harmful side effects include falls, confusion, sleepiness, drowsiness and weakness. According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), these drugs, known as “High Risk Medications,” should be avoided or used with caution in the senior population.
Even if you are not experiencing any side effects now, it is a good idea to continually evaluate your medicines for potential side effects or issues so that good health and well-being can be maintained over time.
Here is a list of the most commonly-prescribed high-risk medications and possible alternatives (if clinically appropriate)
Non-Medication:
Better sleep habits
Medication:
Melatonin Trazodone
Carisoprodol
CyclobenzaprineMetaxalone
Methocarbamol
Baclofen
Tizanidine
Digoxin (daily doses greater than 0.125mg)
Adjust other heart failure
medications
Estrogen containing products
Hot Flashes:
Sertraline Venlafaxine
Dryness:
Premarin® cream
Bone Health:
Alendronate
Glyburide
Glimepiride
Glipizide
Nitrofurantoin
Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim
CiprofloxacinCephalexin
Zolpidem
Non-Medication:
Better sleep habits
Zaleplon
Eszopiclone (Greater than 90 day supply total in 1 year)
Medication:
MelatoninTrazodone
To reduce your risk of medication problems, make a complete list of:
Here are some other ways to use medications safely:
Drug safety
Food and drug interactionsMedication adherence
Managing multiple medicationsTreatment options
Drug Dictionary