Too Many Pills? Understanding Polypharmacy

Staying Safe When You Take Several Medications

Helping older adults simplify and protect their health

Tips for managing many medications

● Schedule a “medication check‑up” at least once a year with your primary care doctor.

● Bring all pill bottles, patches, inhalers, and over‑the‑counter products to that visit.

● Ask which medicines are essential and which might be reduced or replaced.

● Use a pill organizer with clearly marked days and times.

● Keep a written list of all medicines and update it after any change.

● Ask whether any new symptom might be a side effect rather than a new disease.

When to call your doctor or pharmacist

● New dizziness, confusion, sleepiness, or falls after starting a medication.

● Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or memory.

● Difficulty managing complicated medication schedules.

● Worry that you are taking too many pills or not taking them correctly.