Often we intentionally contribute to the prescribing cascade. Potassium supplements with a diuretic is one of those scenarios, but I want to teach you about what to think about when you see potassium supplements without a diuretic. What’s the potassium level?...
There are many medications that cause insomnia. With any new symptoms, we must first rule out the possibility of medication adverse effects. Here’s 3 classic examples of the prescribing cascade due to drug induced insomnia. Corticosteroids. They are used for...
Assessment of medication and goals of therapy need to be continually monitored. In this scenario, I pick out a few medications that should be looked in consideration of age and goals of reducing medication burden. A 98 year old female is on the following...
A 79 year old female has a medical history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, falls with orthostatic hypotension, osteoarthritis, depression and anxiety, constipation, COPD and insomnia. Her current chief complaints are shortness of breath, edema, and falls. Her...
“How to taper off medication” is a question that I have been asked on a frequent basis. Honestly, it is a really challenging question to address and the answer of “it depends” certainly applies. Here’s a few factors that you must think...
A 95 year old female has recently entered a hospice program. Whenever a patient is enrolled in hospice, it is very important to assess the medication regimen and identify medications that are no longer necessary. Quality of life is the top goal when a patient is on...
