Older adults often have to take a number of medications. It is extremely important to keep track of your medications and take them properly. You can have a reaction to medication. Sometimes people are suspected of having Alzheimer's or other serious illnesses when they are actually having reactions to medications. This does not mean that you should stop taking medications for fear of side effects or interactions. It does mean that you need to be careful.

Here are some safety tips for taking medications:

• Always let your primary healthcare provider know when you are put on a new medication by another provider.
• Keep a list of all your medications and their dosages with you at all times.
• Make sure you include all over-the-counter medicines on your medication list. Don't take over-the-counter medications without consulting your healthcare provider first.
• If you take several medications, use a chart or use a pill organizer to help you.
• Never take medicine prescribed for someone else.
• Always finish the entire bottle of pills unless you have been told differently.
• Never stop taking a medicine suddenly without consulting the provider who prescribed it.
• Ask your pharmacy for an information sheet on each new medication.
• Look for expiration dates and flush away all out dated medicines.
• Ask for large print labels at your drugstore.
• Let your healthcare provider know if you drink alcohol and ask what medicines it might interact with.

If you have any unusual symptoms after starting a new medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately. This includes physical as well as emotional symptoms.

It can also be helpful to buy a book on medications that has been written for the general public. This can let you find out more about the medications you take.

Don't forget, your pharmacist can answer any questions you may have about how to take your medications. He or she will be happy to help.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go