Beers Criteria: What Seniors Need to Know About Risky Medications
When you’re over 65, some medications that work fine for younger people can do more harm than good. That’s where the Beers Criteria, a list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults, updated regularly by the American Geriatrics Society. It’s not a ban—it’s a warning system. Doctors and pharmacists use it to spot drugs that increase the risk of falls, memory loss, kidney trouble, or even death in seniors. These aren’t always bad drugs—they’re just risky when your body changes with age.
Many of the drugs flagged in the Beers Criteria, a guide for safer prescribing in older adults are common. Think diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for sleep, oxybutynin for bladder issues, or benzodiazepines like diazepam for anxiety. These are anticholinergics, a class of drugs that block acetylcholine, a brain chemical vital for memory and muscle control. They’re linked to brain shrinkage, confusion, and higher dementia risk. Even over-the-counter sleep aids and allergy pills can be trouble. And it’s not just one drug—it’s the mix. When seniors take five or more meds at once, known as polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications simultaneously, often leading to harmful interactions, the chance of a bad reaction shoots up. That’s why the Beers Criteria doesn’t just list bad drugs—it tells you which combinations to avoid.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of risky pills. It’s real-world stories and science-backed advice on how to spot danger, talk to your doctor, and find safer alternatives. You’ll see how common drugs like digoxin can mess with blood sugar, how anticholinergics quietly hurt memory, and why switching to generics isn’t always the simple fix people assume. These aren’t theoretical warnings—they’re the kinds of issues that show up in ER visits, nursing home admissions, and confused family members asking, "Why did Mom get worse after that new pill?" The Beers Criteria is your tool to ask better questions, push back when needed, and protect your health as you age.
