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A list of dangerous drugs — and safer alternatives — for seniors

October 20th, 2008 · No Comments

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Consumer Reports has published a valuable article identifying common prescription drugs that can be dangerous for older patients. Healthcare consumers over age 65 are more than twice as likely to suffer from adverse drug reactions; the publication lists the following drugs as posing a high enough risk that they should be avoided if possible:

  • Antianxiety drugs

    Chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol); diazepam (Valium); quazepam (Doral)

    Recommended alternatives: alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and oxazepam (Serax)

  • Antidepressants

    Amitriptyline, doxepin (Sinequan) and Fluoxetine (Prozac)

    Recommended alternatives: citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft)

  • Antihistamines

    Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton); diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

    Recommended alternatives: Cetirizine (Zyrtec); fexofenadine (Allegra); loratadine (Claritin)

  • High blood pressure and enlarged prostate drugs

    Doxazosin (Cardura); prazosin (Minipress); terazosin (Hytrin)

    Recommended alternatives: Diuretics for high blood pressure; tamsulosin (Flomax) for enlarged prostate.

  • Pain relievers

    Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); oxaprozin (Daypro); piroxicam (Feldene); Meperidine (Demerol)

    Recommended alternatives: acetaminophen (Tylenol); ibuprofen (Advil ); capsaicin cream (Zostrix); morphine

  • Sleeping pills

    Barbituates (Butisol, Nembutal, Seconal); diphenhydramine (Sominex); flurazepam (Dalmane)

    Recommended alternatives: zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien)

  • Stomach drugs

    Bisacodyl (Dulcolax); Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)

    Recommended alternatives: Increased intake of fiber and fluids; change in diet; loperamide (Imodium AD)

Tags: Ambien · Anti Depression Medication · Anxiety · Ativan · Depression Medication · Drug safety · Flomax · Paxil · Prozac · Valium · Xanax · Zoloft · Zyrtec

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