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Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Drug misuse

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Polypharmacy In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2003

Polypharmacy In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Polypharmacy is the ingestion of four or more medications. This is a common occurrence in correspondence with the aging process, as 30 percent of older adults are taking eight or more medications, and 80 percent of older adults are taking an average of three prescription medications per day. Awareness of this topic is crucial to avoid drug misuse and to promote healthy living for as long as possible.


Benzodiazepine Use And Misuse In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2003

Benzodiazepine Use And Misuse In Older Adults, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Benzodiazepines are utilized by an average of 25 percent of individuals over the age of 65. They are the most commonly misused medication by elders. It is important to know the risk factors of inappropriate usage of these drugs, and to openly discuss this with your doctor.