Does this medicine affect blood pressure?
Could it interact with my heart medication?
Is this the lowest effective dose?
Do I need blood tests or blood-pressure monitoring?
Are there safer alternatives for my situation?
Should I avoid certain over-the-counter medicines?
These questions are especially useful before regularly taking pain relievers, decongestants, or supplements.
Never Stop a Medicine Suddenly
Some medications can cause serious problems if discontinued abruptly.
Stopping treatment without guidance can lead to:
Dangerous
blood-pressure increases
Worsening chest pain
Abnormal heart rhythms
Blood clots
Withdrawal symptoms
Recurrence of the underlying disease
If you suspect a medication is causing problems, contact the prescribing clinician or pharmacist.
The Bottom Line
Certain medications can increase cardiovascular risk in some people, particularly NSAIDs, some decongestants, certain hormone treatments, stimulants, and selected cancer or immune-system therapies.
But the headline should not be interpreted as “these drugs cause heart attacks and strokes in everyone.”
The safest approach for older adults is to have medications reviewed regularly, avoid unnecessary over-the-counter drugs,
