How GeriatRx Helped a Patient Cut Medications in Half & Reclaim Their Life

The Hidden Dangers of Overmedication

For millions of older adults, the path to better health is paved with prescription after prescription. While medications are essential for managing chronic conditions, they often come with a hidden cost—side effects, drug interactions, and increased risks of falls, confusion, and hospitalizations.

In fact:

• 30% of U.S. adults take five or more medications.

• Every day, 750 older adults are hospitalized due to medication-related harm.

• Only 13% of primary care physicians consult with a pharmacist before prescribing new medications.

These numbers are more than statistics—they represent real people, real families, and real consequences. But what if there was another way?

This is the story of an 88-year-old patient who, with the help of GeriatRx and deprescribing strategies, reduced their medication burden, avoided further falls, and improved their overall quality of life.

A Patient’s Struggle with Polypharmacy

Before connecting with GeriatRx, this 88-year-old individual was experiencing multiple serious health challenges:

• Frequent Falls – Three falls in the previous year, leading to emergency visits.

• Syncope (Fainting) – Episodes of losing consciousness in the shower.

• Chronic Constipation – Linked to multiple medications, including Welchol.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Persistent digestive issues.

• Cognitive Fog and Medication Non-Adherence – Difficulty managing 18 different medications.

Their family was deeply concerned. Despite frequent doctor visits, the cycle of prescribing never stopped.

A New Approach: Deprescribing for Safety and Quality of Life

GeriatRx stepped in to conduct a comprehensive deprescribing review in collaboration with the patient’s primary care physician at Duke Health.

The focus was clear:

• Reduce the risk of falls by identifying medications that contributed to dizziness or instability.

• Address medication overload by discontinuing unnecessary or duplicative prescriptions.

• Improve adherence and simplify treatment by streamlining the medication regimen.

• Enhance overall well-being by eliminating medications that caused more harm than good.

Key Changes That Made a Difference

• Stopping Metoprolol eliminated fainting spells in the shower.

• Discontinuing Welchol relieved chronic constipation.

• Reducing medication count from 18 to 9 improved adherence and mental clarity.

• Adjusting GERD treatment reduced digestive discomfort.

  
  

The Results: A Life Transformed

After six months of deprescribing, the changes were undeniable: 

• Zero Falls – No further emergency visits due to falls.

• Resolved Chronic Constipation – Significant digestive relief.

• Eliminated Fainting Episodes – Improved safety during daily activities.

• Improved Quality of Life – Better mood, mobility, and independence.

The patient’s daughter, once fearful for her parent’s safety, felt a newfound confidence in their ability to age safely at home.

The Financial Impact of Deprescribing

Beyond improving health and well-being, deprescribing also saves money—for patients, families, and the healthcare system.

Patient’s Investment – $575/month for 10 months of deprescribing collaboration with their provider.

Estimated Cost Savings from Fall Prevention – $192,000 saved by preventing three fall-related hospitalizations.

Compare that to the staggering costs of untreated medication-related complications, and the investment in deprescribing becomes even clearer.

Why This Matters for Every Aging Adult

This case isn’t unique—polypharmacy is a silent epidemic. Too many older adults are caught in a cycle of "over prescription", leading to unnecessary suffering and preventable health risks.

The problem?

• The healthcare system incentivizes more prescriptions, not fewer.

• Many prescribers lack the time to thoroughly review medication interactions.

• Patients and caregivers often don’t know that deprescribing is an option.

  
  

GeriatRx: Leading the Deprescribing Movement

At GeriatRx, we believe that medications should help, not harm. Through expert deprescribing strategies, we help patients and caregivers:

• Identify unnecessary medications that may be causing harm.

• Reduce medication burden to improve quality of life.

• Partner with healthcare providers to ensure safe, effective medication use.

By integrating pharmacists into the care process, we can prevent falls, hospitalizations, and unnecessary suffering—one patient at a time.

Is Deprescribing Right for You or a Loved One?

If you or someone you love is on five or more medications, it may be time for a deprescribing review.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do they seem more confused, fatigued, or off-balance?

• Have they experienced falls or dizziness?

• Are they taking multiple medications with overlapping effects?

• Has a pharmacist reviewed their medications recently?

If any of these sound familiar, deprescribing could be the key to a safer, healthier life.

Learn More & Take Action

Schedule a deprescribing consultation today: www.GeriatRx.as.me 

Join the movement & stay informed: https://www.geriatrx.org/blog

Don’t wait until the next fall or hospitalization. The right medications—not more medications—are the key to healthy aging.