As the seasons change, fall offers more than a shift in weather. It provides an ideal moment to pause and take stock of your overall health—including the medications you take every day. For many, especially those managing chronic conditions or multiple medication regimens, scheduling an annual medication review can protect against unnecessary risks and improve quality of life. At ARC Psychiatry in Beachwood, Westlake, Medina, Canton, and Youngstown, our psychiatric and medical professionals conduct careful reviews to ensure your medication regimens are safe, effective, and aligned with your current needs.
Why Medication Reviews Matter
Over time, the medications prescribed for various health conditions can accumulate. A prescription added for blood pressure, another for sleep, and yet another for anxiety may interact in unexpected ways. For older adults, who are more likely to take multiple medication regimens, the risk of adverse effects grows as the number of prescriptions increases. A thorough review helps identify potentially inappropriate medications—those that may no longer be necessary, may duplicate another drug’s effect, or may create more risks than benefits.
The Risks of Inappropriate Medications
Inappropriate medication use is a significant public health concern. Studies and controlled trials (RCTs) show that unnecessary prescriptions increase the likelihood of side effects, drug interactions, and even hospitalizations. For older people in long term care facilities, inappropriate prescribing can lead to falls, confusion, and worsening of chronic conditions. Even in otherwise healthy adults, interactions can reduce the effectiveness of treatments or cause new symptoms that complicate diagnosis.
What a Systemic Review Involves
A medication review is not a simple checklist—it is a structured process, sometimes referred to as a systemic review, conducted by qualified providers. At ARC Providers, our reviews typically include:
- A detailed history of current and past medication regimens
- An assessment of chronic conditions being treated
- Identification of duplicate therapies or potentially inappropriate medications
- Evaluation of side effects or adverse effects reported by the patient
- Recommendations for adjusting or simplifying the regimen
This process ensures medications are aligned with both current medical guidelines and the patient’s changing needs.
Timing Matters: Why Fall Is Ideal
The fall season offers several advantages for reviewing medications:
- It aligns with the start of many insurance plan renewals and medical checkups.
- It prepares patients for the upcoming winter months, when seasonal illnesses may complicate existing health conditions.
- It allows older adults and caregivers to address questions before the busy holiday season.
By scheduling in the fall, patients can enter the new year with a streamlined, safer approach to their care.
Supporting Older Adults in Care Facilities
In long term care and care facilities, regular medication reviews are especially critical. Staff and providers must carefully balance treatments for chronic conditions with the risks of polypharmacy. By reassessing needs, facilities can reduce unnecessary prescriptions and help residents maintain better cognitive function, mobility, and quality of life.
The Role of Evidence-Based Practice
Medication reviews are most effective when guided by research and clinical expertise. Controlled trials (RCTs) consistently demonstrate the benefits of deprescribing—safely discontinuing unnecessary medications—as part of routine care. These evidence-based strategies reduce adverse effects, lower costs, and improve outcomes for patients across age groups.
How Reviews Support Mental Health
Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, should also be re-evaluated regularly. Over time, dosages may need to be adjusted, or side effects may outweigh benefits. For patients managing mental health conditions alongside physical illnesses, medication reviews ensure treatment remains effective without adding new risks.
Key Takeaway
An annual medication review is a proactive step that benefits everyone, especially those managing chronic conditions, living in care facilities, or taking multiple medication regimens. By identifying potentially inappropriate medications, reducing adverse effects, and optimizing treatments, reviews improve both safety and quality of life. If you or a loved one are due for a medication review, contact ARC Psychiatry in Beachwood, Westlake, Medina, Canton, or Youngstown today. Our team of professionals will guide you through a careful, evidence-based process designed to protect your health and ensure your treatments meet your current needs.