Here at Quality Family Care, we recognize that fatigue is a common grievance among the elderly clients we engage with. As explained in a recent study published in the Journal of Gerontology and facilitated at Columbia University Medical Center, “almost 1 in 5 senior citizens report that they have so little energy that they spend most of the day sitting on the sofa.” Not only do health professionals, family and friends start to think of it as a regular process of growing old, but physicians and other home health care specialists also feel the same.
The reality is that there is commonly an underlying reason triggering fatigue. Several likelihoods exist such as heart and kidney disease, lung disease, anemia, depression, social seclusion and the side-effects of prescriptions.
A Couple of the Prescription Medications that May be the Perpetrator
- Standard antidepressants include Prozac and Zoloft. These medications prevent the normal functionality of serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters in the human brain.
- Tranquilizers or Benzodiazepines. These prescriptions are generally used to manage anxiety, depression, insomnia and muscle spasms. Popular brand names include Xanax, Valium and Ativan. Boosting dosages can encourage fatigue and dependence, especially among aging seniors.
- Blood pressure medications such as Beta blockers. A couple of popular brand names include Prinivil, Zestril, Lasix, Lopressor and Tekturna. Weakness may arise due to the body’s decreased heart rate and depression of the central nervous system. These medications may also diminish the human body of crucial vitamins and minerals.
- Statin Drugs. These prescriptions are applied to lower cholesterol levels. Typical titles include Lipitor, Crestor and Zocor. Statins are suggested to hinder muscle development as well as the development of energy in cells.
- Proton pump inhibitors. These medications are utilized to manage acid reflux and digestive conditions. A popular over-the-counter remedy is Prilosec. Regrettably, these drugs may diminish magnesium eventually leading to fatigue. An adjustment in diet can usually fix this concern.
- A few drugs designated to treat bacterial infections can trigger fatigue. These consist of amoxicillin, azithromycin and levofloxacin. According to a document released in the Journal of the American Medical Association by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “at least 30 percent of antibiotics prescribed in the United States are unnecessary.” Even though antibiotics can be life-saving medications, be sure your loved one’s doctor has verified a bacterial infection prior to ingesting the prescription.
What’s Next?
Create a checklist of all prescriptions, including over-the-counter and natural supplements that your loved one is consuming. Make a scheduled appointment with their main health care service provider or pharmacist to talk about the drugs they are taking including possible side-effects and interactions. There are often steps that can be taken to restrict possible life-altering side-effects. These consist of altering the dose, the medication, or the moment it is consumed.
It may also be practical to set up lifestyle modifications and use other therapies instead of some medications. As the family caregiver, you are your parent’s spokesperson. Understanding you have done all that can be done to guarantee beneficial and content years as they age will ensure peace of mind for both you and your loved one.
If you or a family member/loved one are researching Home Care Services in South Florida to assist with companionship, compassion and motivation, please reach out to our family here at Quality Family Care. Call today 877-513-7156.
