Medication
Brand Name (generic name)
|
Use
|
Risks for Older Adults
|
|
Talwin (pentazocine)
|
Pain
|
- Commonly causes side effects such as confusion and hallucinations
- Can reverse the actions of other painkillers
|
Elavil
(amitryptiline)
Sinequan
(doxepin)
|
Depression (most commonly)
|
Strong muscle-relaxing (anticholinergic) and sedating properties
|
Valium
(diazepam)
Dalmane
(flurazepam)
|
Anxiety and insomnia
|
Very long-lasting action in the body, leading to increased and prolonged sedation
|
Norpace
(disopyramide)
|
Abnormal heart rhythms
|
Strong anticholinergic properties and may worsen heart failure
|
Diabinese
(chlorpropamide)
|
Diabetes
|
Very long-lasting action in the body, leading to a chance of prolonged low blood sugar
|
Benadryl
(diphenhydramine)
Chlor-Trimeton
(chlorpheniramine)
Phenergan
(promethazine)
etc.
|
Allergy, rash, cold and cough(these antihistamines are found in many over-the-counter products)
|
Strong anticholinergic and sedating properties
|
Demerol
(meperidine)
|
Pain
|
- Can cause central-nervous-system side effects, such as hallucinations
- Not very effective by mouth
|
(Adapted with permission from Table I in Cameron, K.A., and Richardson, A.W. (2001) "A Guide to Medication and Aging." Generations 24:14-20)
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