Prescription Meds

16 years ago

I take 6 prescription meds a day, plus a baby aspirin. The nurse in my dr.'s office said that wasn't a lot but it sure seems like a lot to me, since I take them morning, noon & night. Just wondered how many everyone else takes if you're around my age or older (64). I have a friend who's 78 & doesn't take any. Of course, she never goes to the dr. either but I know for a fact she doesn't have half the medical things I do like diabetes & high bp, and she's 14 yrs. older.

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Comments (22)

Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
16 years ago
I've only had to take 3 for the past few years. Lately, I had to add 2 more. Now, I've also got a prescription for Chantex. That would be six total, but temporary.

Gayle
lydia1959
16 years ago
I'm 48 and take 3 a day - all thyroid/adrenal meds. I do have others I take as needed, but not on a daily basis.

I have a 48 year old GF who takes a lot! I would guess about 10 to 15 a day? She is on HRT, has migraines, allergies, depression, is on a experimental cancer prevention and who knows what else.
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So sorry you're having such a hard time trying to do the right thing, Susan. Over the last few years, since my husband's death and my quandary, our local attitude has changed considerably and we're now able to take unused meds to all of our local pharmacies plus the police stations. Perhaps all your calls will get the powers that be in your area to modernize their attitudes, as well. I'm sure that my dilemma contributed to our local action. I wasn't alone in my quest...and many a widow pleaded with our local system to relieve them of their burden. It became quite an issue. Although I'm sure the Clorox destroyed any harmful effects those meds may have had...I was still uncomfortable about disposing of the package so I understand exactly how you feel. Personally...I'm appalled that your hospital pharmacist gave you such dangerous advice. It would make me think twice about ever using their facility if he's indicative of their "talent". Anne
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azzalea
16 years ago
57 here.

On a daily basis, I take:

4 prescription meds--1 for bp, 1 for cholesterol and 2 different allergy pills

3 OTC meds, recommended by my dr--a senior vitamin, an extra Vitamin C, and glucosamine and condroitin (2 tablets of G&C)

so that's 8 pills a day. Well worth it, to keep the old body going. Can't hope to look like Tina Turner when I hit my late 60's, but at least I want to be still moving independently!
marilyn_c
16 years ago
I am 61 and I don't take any medicine. My blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels are all within normal range. I also don't go to the doctor unless I just absolutely have to.
I never get sick...altho I am accident prone and get hurt a lot, but I am very active and busy all the time, and I get careless and slip down or not paying close attention and an animal (rehabbing) bites me. Got another bad bite just last night.
ritamay91710
16 years ago
I am not kidding, my mom takes 35 pills a day, everyday.
sad huh? She's 75, and has lots of health problems.
bigack
16 years ago
I'm 64, and I take probably 5 prescription pills a day, plus a vitamin if I remember.
alisande
16 years ago
I'm 64 (65 in a couple of months) and don't take any meds. I work to keep it that way by being strict about what I eat. It takes some effort, too, because I inherited the genes for blood sugar problems and cardiovascular issues. But to me it's well worth it.
kathi_mdgd
16 years ago
I'm 70 next month and i take 3 prescription pills a day plus a baby aspirin.I take synthroid for the last 36 years,one pill for my stomach,and a water pill.I do have bad knees and some arthritis,so do take a vicodin from time to time if i need it,other wise i just take tylenol for arthritis.
Kathi
evatx
16 years ago
I take 7 pills every morning - that includes vitamin C and iron, allergy, blood pressure & arthritis meds. At night I take 3.
maryanntx
16 years ago
I'm 58 and I don't take any meds right now. I started taking meds for my high blood pressure last June, but after taking chemo and losing so much weight, my pressure went back to normal. So now I don't have to take anything!

I'm almost more afraid of the drugs than the illness!
vannie
16 years ago
I take 7 different meds a day and 8 on Thurs. (Actonel). I have added a cranberry tablet b/c of frequent bladder infections. My doc says craberry juice has a lot of sugar, so the tablet helps that. I also take a multi-vitamin daily. It seems like a lot, but I'm used to it.
Eliza_ann_ca
16 years ago
I also take 7 a day....3 of them being calcium,multi vitamin and extra vitamin D to aid the calcium.
Others are for HBP,diabetes,and cholesterol.
susan_on
16 years ago
I am supposed to take 4 pills a day, but I only take two.
frostedc
16 years ago
I'm 52, and take 2 for high blood pressure, 1
for high cholesterol, 1 for depression & anxiety,
and one for high blood sugar.
My mother had her first heart attack in her 40's,
so my doctor is treating me very aggressively.
susanjf_gw
16 years ago
i take 2...
judy_jay
Original Author
16 years ago
Well knowing that you guys take almost or as many pills as I do makes me feel better. Sometimes I do get depressed because it seems like I'm taking pills all day long. I, too, inherited problems from my folks like diabetes & heart disease & the high BP, so it's not ALL my fault. I do walk every day & watch what I eat & I feel good 95% of the time so I can't ask for more than that.
ronf_gw
16 years ago
I use 2 kinds of eye drops for my glaucoma at age 52.

Ron
lulie___wayne
16 years ago
Just one so far.
jannie
16 years ago
I take six different pills a day, plus two medications given intravenously when I get my kidney dialysis three times a week. My cousin died at age 82. When he entered the hospital, a week before he died, they asked what medications he took. He said he was embarassed to tell them "only a daily vitamin." I wish I could be like that!
gramzeeinmd
16 years ago
I take four prescription meds every day along with a OTC black cohash for hot flashes.
I take a blood pressure, one for high cholesterol, antidepressant and a water pill.
I think that is enough at my age of 51.
wildchild
16 years ago
I'm just shy of 57 and no meds for me other than an occasional Apirin for a headache or once a month or so an Immodium for IBS.
grammahony
16 years ago
63 here. 2 Celebrex for arthritis (knees), 1 BP, 1 Thyroid, and 1 Nexium. And vitamins & calcium if I think about it.
Leslie

Prescription Meds

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Prescription Meds

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