Anyone who takes more than one drug at a time - prescription or over-the-counter - or who drinks alcohol while taking medication may suffer adverse side effects from their interactions. The elderly are especially vulnerable. Here's how to help prevent this problem:
Keep an updated list of all the drugs you take; go over it with your doctor whenever a new medication is suggested.
Take samples of all your drugs along whenever you see a new doctor.
If you develop new symptoms at any time, especially after starting a new drug, put all your drugs into a bag and take them to your doctor for a review of your prescriptions. The doctor can check the latest medical literature for information about interactions with other drugs, food and alcohol, as well as possible allergic reactions.
Check that your chemist has a complete record of all the drugs you take, your allergies to foods and drugs, and your doctor's name and address. When a new medication is prescribed, this record will identify incompatible drugs.
