NUR119 - Drugs & the Elderly: Medications Commonly Misused by the Elderly

Course overview

Medication misuse is frequently not the “fault” of the elderly person, but rather of the providers. In too many instances, it is the system, made up of prescribers and dispensers that makes abuse possible and even furthers it. This is particularly true for such drugs as benzodiazepines and other sedative hypnotics. All too often, sedatives/hypnotics are inappropriately prescribed for insomnia that could be treated with non-pharmacological interventions. Other medication misuse also occurs with over-the-counter medications that the older person may self-prescribe which may lead to additional physical and/or cognitive problems for the elderly individual.