Medication reconciliation: Who do I talk with to review all my meds?

Posted by gcranor @gcranor, Aug 27, 2022

Has anyone just got tired of taking so many medicines that they want to see what drug is causing other sign effects?
I am currently takeing;
Gabapentin 1800 mg daily
Metronic’s drug pump
Sumatriptan
Migraines monthly injections
Sterling
Purple pills for stomach
Tylenol 3000 mg daily

I want to stop all of them to see what I really need.

Any suggestions?

I know what the medical staff will say talk to you doctor, however I have 4 different doctors and I know they do not really read all the other doctors notes.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

I will check it out. Thank you

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@sueinmn

@gcranor WAIT! I know what it feels like to be in pain, on a ton of meds, and not know "what to do" next. But...
Before you take a drastic action like this, you need to know how to safely make the change. Many medications must be tapered - stopping suddenly can cause physical withdrawal symptoms - a potentially dangerous or even fatal reaction. Others can cause psychological withdrawal symptoms - extremely unpleasant issues like mood swings, hallucinations, depression. Among those you need to be especially concerned about tapering are: gabapentin, pain meds from pump, Sumitriptan and Sterling (Sterane.)

If you really want to stop the medications, you need to find a clinical pharmacy specialist (may be a pharmacist or a specially trained nurse) or advanced practice pharmacist, who will work with you and your doctors to help identify potential drug interactions, age or condition related drug changes needed, and safe ways to taper off unwanted medications.

With such a wide array of medications, you will need a written taper plan, with regular follow-ups, to do this safely.

Are all of your specialists part of a single clinic and/or hospital system? If so, they may have someone who will have access to all of your records and be able to coordinate with your doctors. If not, you need help to find a professional to help with this.

Another option is to seek treatment in a Pain Rehabilitation Clinic, such as at Mayo, where they not only help get off the meds, but also work on other strategies for living with and managing your pain with fewer medications. You can read about it here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/sections/overview/ovc-20481691

Do either of these options sound like something you can do?
Sue

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Yes, thank you

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Here is a helpful related discussion:
- Multiple conditions: How do you keep track of all your medications? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/where-to-turn-1/

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I am so sorry to hear you have 4 doctors, so do I. That’s crazy, someone should have a voice for your medications. I wish you luck.

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I agree with you about getting tired of taking so many medications.

Have you ever considered going to a pain rehabilitation program like Mayo Clinic offers?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/sections/overview/ovc-20481691

The Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Center concentrates on drug elimination and provides a care team of nurses and doctors to help wean you safely off non medically necessary medications. Their pharmacy researches your medication list then meets with you for consultation and drug education. They help determine what is actually helping you versus not.

The PRC teaches coping skills, self help and self management of symptoms without chemical assistance. Is this an approach you'd be interested in?

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@samz0429

I am so sorry to hear you have 4 doctors, so do I. That’s crazy, someone should have a voice for your medications. I wish you luck.

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Yes one doctor should be looking over my care.

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@rwinney

I agree with you about getting tired of taking so many medications.

Have you ever considered going to a pain rehabilitation program like Mayo Clinic offers?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/sections/overview/ovc-20481691

The Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Center concentrates on drug elimination and provides a care team of nurses and doctors to help wean you safely off non medically necessary medications. Their pharmacy researches your medication list then meets with you for consultation and drug education. They help determine what is actually helping you versus not.

The PRC teaches coping skills, self help and self management of symptoms without chemical assistance. Is this an approach you'd be interested in?

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Yes very interested.

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@samz0429

I am so sorry to hear you have 4 doctors, so do I. That’s crazy, someone should have a voice for your medications. I wish you luck.

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Yes, I agree with the doctors. Need to rule them down to 2 doctors.

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How do you find one doctor to look after your medications?

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@samz0429

How do you find one doctor to look after your medications?

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Hi @samz0429 It’s frustrating when you have so many doctors, especially if they aren’t in the same clinic. They often aren’t aware of the other prescriptions we take. So it is important to always have that med list updated and carried in a wallet or purse to present any time we have an appointment.

The one doctor who would be able to put this together for you is your pharmacist. They can look at all of your medications and give you a comprehensive overview of what you’re taking and possible interactions. It’s easier if you use the same pharmacy for all of your meds, but if you don’t, and you go for a consultation, bring ALL of your pill bottles, your supplements and even all of the over the counter meds you have so that they can make a complete evaluation.
The best way to handle this is to make an appointment to see the pharmacist, don’t just want in. You can contact them first by phone to discuss what you need. Pharmacists are overwhelmed these days with changes in their hours and lack of support help. So setting up an appointment can help get the consultation you need.
I found this guideline from the Food and Drug Administration that you might find helpful.

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-you-drugs/stop-learn-go-tips-talking-your-pharmacist-learn-how-use-medicines-safely#:~:text=Tell%20your%20pharmacist%20Every%20medicine%20you%20use%2C%20especially,medicines%2C%20vitamins%2C%20herbals%2C%20and%20other%20supplements%20you%20use.

Do you have a single pharmacy for all of your prescriptions?

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