What are the signs my doctor may be overprescribing medications?

Signs Your Doctor May Be Overprescribing Medications

If you feel like your doctor is giving you too many prescriptions or medications you don’t really need, you’re probably right to be concerned. Overprescription is way too common these days. Here’s some signs to watch out for that could mean your doctor needs to ease up on the prescription pad.

They Prescribe a Medication Without Much Discussion

Doctors should take time to talk to you about any new mediation they want to put you on – what it does, why you need it, potential side effects, etc. If they’re just calling out meds without much convo, red flag! Makes you wonder if they’re even thinking about what’s best for you.

You Get the Same Medication Refilled Over and Over

Some medications are meant for short-term use. Like antibiotics – you take ’em till you finish the bottle then you’re done. Others, like blood pressure meds, you may need long-term. But some docs keep people on temporary meds for way too long. Just filling the same prescriptions month after month without even checking if you still need them. Make sure to ask why if you notice this!

They Prescribe Brand Name Drugs When Generics Are Available

Brand name drugs are way more expensive, often hundreds more per prescription. Generics have the same medical ingredients and work just as well for most people. Sure, some special cases may call for a brand. But if your doc’s not even mentioning generics or trying ’em first, they likely have some kinda relationship with the drug companies. Not cool.

Every Visit Ends With a New Prescription

Obviously if you’re really sick then yeah, you may need some new meds. But if you go in with some minor complaint and walk out with the latest drug every single time? Hmm. Some docs think drugs are the answer to everything and overprescribe. Or they get perks for meeting prescription quotas. Sketchy!

They Prescribe Off-Label Drug Uses Without Discussion

Sometimes doctors legally prescribe meds for issues they aren’t specifically FDA approved for. This can be fine – but the doc should explain that the drug is used off-label and why they think it could help you. If they’re just casually throwing out prescriptions for random off-label uses, it seems like they’re experimenting on you!

You’re On Multiple Meds With the Same/Similar Effects

Unless there’s a specific medical reason, being on many drugs that essentially do the same thing is overkill. Like blood pressure meds – some combo therapies use two types, but five meds all lowering BP is probably too much. Ditto antidepressants. If your doc keeps adding without adjusting others or checking interactions, time for a med review!

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They Prescribe New Meds to Treat Side Effects of Other Meds

Some side effects do need to be treated, especially if serious. But constantly piling on new scripts to bandage issues caused by other scripts leads to a dangerous cycle. It’s better to rethink the original med instead of just papering over problems with more meds.

Your Pharmacy Questions All the Medications You’re On

Pharmacists review potential medication issues, like interactions, every time you fill a script. If your pharmacist is commenting that your regimen seems excessive or risky, take that very seriously! They know meds and see all your scripts. A wary pharmacist often means overprescribing.

Friends/Family Say You Take an Excessive Amount of Medications

Hopefully you have trusted peeps in your life who know your health situation. If they’re worried about the sheer volume of medications you’re taking, even if you feel fine, don’t dismiss their concern! It may be hard to recognize overmedication when you’re used to it. Listen to loved ones on this.

You Have Symptoms of Overmedication

Clues like fatigue, stomach issues, mental fog, generally feeling crappy – could be from meds, not some mystery ailment needing more meds! Track symptoms to see if they correlate to starting any new prescriptions. If so, could be your body screaming “too many meds!”

Your Lab Tests and Vitals Are Out of Whack

Bloodwork coming back all weird despite feeling fine? Weird spikes or dips in heart rate and blood pressure? May be med interactions or accumulative side effects throwing things off. If your health markers don’t match how you feel, time to investigate your prescription load.

You’re On Meds Longer Than Guidelines Recommend

Medical groups give dosing guidelines for how long most people should take various meds. Your specific case could differ of course. But if you notice you’ve been on something for way longer than the general recommendations, ask why. Could mean you were overprescribed from the start.

Your Doctor Shows Signs of Overprescribing Too

If your doc displays other questionable behavior like always running late, poor listening skills, not explaining things, etc. – maybe rethink trusting them with your prescriptions too. Subpar doctors often overprescribe meds instead of practicing quality care.

Of course, always chat with your doctor openly if you’re worried about overmedication. But these red flags mean it’s crucial to advocate for yourself and get a second opinion. Your health depends on the right medications at the right doses – not excessive polypharmacy!

Sources:

Overprescription of Medicines, American Family Physician
Combating Overprescription of Antibiotics, Harvard Health
Over-the-Counter and Herbal Medications, Choosing Wisely