Senior Medication Review: What It Is and Why It Saves Lives

When you’re over 65, taking five or more medications isn’t unusual—it’s common. But each extra pill adds risk. A senior medication review, a structured evaluation of all medications an older adult is taking to identify risks, overlaps, and unnecessary drugs. Also known as medication reconciliation, it’s not just a checklist—it’s a safety net. Many seniors get prescriptions from different doctors, fill pills at different pharmacies, and never sit down to ask: "Do I still need all of these?" That’s where a senior medication review steps in.

This isn’t about cutting pills. It’s about matching the right drugs to the right needs. For example, someone on polypharmacy risks, the dangers of taking multiple medications that can interact or cause side effects in older adults might be taking a sleep aid, a painkiller, an antidepressant, a blood pressure drug, and a cholesterol pill—all without anyone checking how they work together. One study found that nearly 40% of older adults on five or more drugs had at least one potentially harmful interaction. The most common culprits? Benzodiazepines, NSAIDs, and anticholinergics. These don’t just cause dizziness or confusion—they can lead to falls, hospital stays, or even death.

A good senior medication review looks at more than just prescriptions. It asks about over-the-counter meds, supplements, and even herbal remedies. Did you know that taking iron with thyroid medication can block absorption? Or that mixing antihistamines with alcohol doubles drowsiness? These aren’t edge cases—they’re everyday mistakes. The review also checks if any drug is being used for a symptom that’s actually caused by another drug. That’s called a prescribing cascade. It happens often.

Who does this? Usually a pharmacist, sometimes a geriatrician, or a nurse trained in medication management. You don’t need a fancy clinic. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer it for free. All you need is your pill bottle collection—or a list. Bring it to your next appointment. Ask: "Can we go through these together?"

What you’ll find below are real stories and guides from people who’ve been there. You’ll learn how to spot dangerous drug combinations, how to talk to your doctor without sounding confrontational, and how to track what works and what doesn’t. There’s advice on statin intolerance, thyroid interactions, opioid constipation, and how to report bad reactions to the FDA. Every post here is rooted in the same truth: when you’re older, your body doesn’t handle drugs the way it used to. A senior medication review isn’t optional—it’s essential.