THE LEDGER-STAR
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 27, 1994 TAG: 9407270606
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CHICAGO LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
PROBLEM DRUGS
Prescription drugs considered inappropriate for people over 65,
and the problems associated with them, according to an independent
panel of experts that met in 1991. The drug's generic name is
followed in parentheses by its common brand names. (The panel listed
23 drugs that it considered inappropriate, but Harvard researchers
consider only the first 20 on the list inappropriate.)
TRANQUILIZERS AND SLEEPING AIDS
Diazepam (Valium), tranquilizer. Addictive and too long-acting,
causing possible drowsiness, confusion and falls.
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), tranquilizer. Too
long-acting, may cause falls.
Flurazepam (Dalmane), sleeping aid. Too long-acting, may cause
falls.
Meprobamate (Miltown, Deprol, Equagesic, Equanil), tranquilizer
sometimes combined with an antidepressant or pain reliever.
Addictive, too long-acting, may cause falls.
Pentobarbitol (Nembutal), sedative. Addictive, long-acting.
Secobarbitol (Seconal). Addictive, long-acting.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, Etrafon, Limbitrol, Triavil). Often
causes inability to urinate, dizziness and drowsiness in the
elderly.
ARTHRITIS DRUGS
Indomethacin (Indocin). Can cause confusion, headaches. May be
appropriate in some elderly patients under certain conditions.
Phenylbutazone (Butazolidin). Risk of bone marrow toxicity.
DIABETES DRUGS
Chlorpropramide (Diabinese). Can cause dangerous fluid retention.
Stays in the body a long time, and because of that, if an overdose
occurs, can take a long time to treat.
PAIN RELIEVERS
Propoxyphene (Darvon Compound, Darvocet, Wygesic). Addictive and
little more effective than aspirin. Has more side effects than
morphine for patients who need a narcotic. Has been associated with
seizures and heart problems.
Pentazocine (Talwin). Addictive, has been associated with
seizures and heart problems.
DEMENTIA TREATMENTS
Cyclandelate. Not shown effective.
Isoxsuprine. Not shown effective.
BLOOD THINNERS
Dipyridamole. (Persantine). Except in patients with artificial
heart valves, not shown effective.
MUSCLE RELAXANTS, SPASM RELIEVERS
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril). Can cause dizziness, drowsiness,
fainting.
Orphenidrine (Norflex, Norgesic). Same as above.
Methocarbamol (Robaxin). May cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Carisoprodol (Soma). Potential for central nervous system
toxicity is greater than potential benefit.
ANTI-NAUSEA, ANTI-VOMITING DRUGS
Trimethobenzamide (Tigan). May be less effective than other
agents, may cause drowsiness, dizziness and other reactions.
ANTI-HYPERTENSIVES
Propranolol (Inderal). Feeling slowed mentally and physically.
Methyldopa (Aldoril, Aldomet). Same as above.
Reserpine (Regroton, Hydropres). Depression.
KEYWORDS: PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
by CNB