Medication Safety: Start With Good
Communication at Your Doctor’s Office

As we age, our bodies may respond differently to medications. Some may stay in the body longer or cause stronger side effects. Medications can interact negatively with each other, too. For example, both opioids (pain medicines) and benzodiazepines (medicines often used for anxiety or sleep problems) cause drowsiness and slowed breathing.

Talk to your doctor about the medications you take to see if you still need them. Your doctor might lower the amount you take or stop ones you no longer need.

And for all your medications, make sure you understand:

• Why you're taking it
• When and how to take it
• The pros and cons of taking it
• Possible side effects
• Whether it can be taken with your other medications