Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse
What Is Medication Misuse?
Medication misuse is defined as the incorrect or inappropriate use of drugs intended to treat specific conditions. Misuse may include:
- Taking extra doses or taking medication when it is not needed
- Failing to fill a prescription
- Failing to follow the doctor's instructions
- Skipping doses, double dosing, or taking medications at the wrong time
- Stretching out medications to last longer or discontinuing earlier than directed
- Using outdated drugs, not monitoring side effects, improperly storing drugs
- Sharing or borrowing drugs
- Using drugs to hurt oneself
- Mixing prescription and over-the-counter drugs with alcohol in hazardous ways--intentionally or unintentionally
Older adults who drink alcohol while on certain prescription medicines risk serious side effects, even death. For more information, go to Medline Plus Health Information Page. Even some over-the-counter drugs taken with alcohol can cause serious side effects, such as liver damage, particularly among older adults, who are more susceptible to the side effects of drugs than younger people. Herbal remedies in the form of teas, tinctures, or tablets can also interact with some prescription drugs--side effects can be unpredictable, from decreasing the drug's potency to increasing it or even making the drug toxic.
Signs and Symptoms of Medication Misuse
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Confusion or disorientation
- Malnutrition
- Poor hygiene
- Neglecting one's appearance
- Slurred speech
- Incontinence, or difficulty urinating
- Complaints of blurred vision or dry mouth
- Tremors
- Shakiness
- Frequent falls and bruising
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Last Updated: 8/3/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
