Organizing daily feedings can be a challenge even for the youngest. Depending on the medical treatment that we must comply with, establishing a schedule compatible with our routine can be complicated.

This fact becomes more acute with older generations. And, according to WHO data, approximately one in two older people does not properly follow up on their medical plan.

For this reason, it is not strange that cases of overdose occur accidentally among polymedicated people.

Avoid inappropriate drug consumption

One of the most important aspects when organizing shots is to always follow the treatment instructions. Trying to use less drugs could slow down the recovery process, and even neutralize their effects.

Likewise, increasing daily doses seeking to speed up the process can lead to an overdose of medication, putting our health at risk.

It is for this reason that IMA recommends always asking a series of key questions to our doctor, before starting to organize our own medication.

When are we taking too much medication?

Perhaps the last drug we think of when we talk about overdose is ibuprofen. However, improper use of this drug can cause damage that is not noticeable but that emerges over time. We mainly talk about damage to the stomach and digestive system, among others. However, in extreme cases this anti-inflammatory can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Depending on the medication, the symptoms will vary. Some of the most striking are tachycardia, difficulty speaking or breathing, dizziness and nausea, or dry mouth.

If you think you may be under the influence of an overdose, ask yourself the following questions:

    • Do you have sudden mood changes?
    • Do you need to sleep more, or on the contrary, do you have trouble falling asleep?
    • Do you feel like you suddenly lose or gain more energy than usual?

If you have emotional or physical status changes, you may be taking too much medication. On the other hand, this can also be synonymous with the drug is no longer working as it should.

In any case, and if you think it may be happening to you, we recommend that you go to a specialist. In the worst cases, we can call the emergency room (112) or the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences (91 562 04 20).

Methods to take pills correctly:

We present to you some of the tips to take into account to avoid accidental overdose.

Review the leaflet to find out the recommended amounts. For example, in the case of Ibuprofen, Drugs.com We recommend not exceeding 1200/1600 mg daily, depending on the weight and age of each person. On an empty stomach, after eating...? The absorption of the medication and its effectiveness may depend on whether our body is fasting or has already eaten a certain food that accompanies the drug. An example is pain relievers, which can cause stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach.

Follow the times established by the prescriber. There are extended-release medications that can last for long periods, so ingesting them in short periods of time can cause an overdose.

Organize your medication based on a schedule compatible with the prescriber's guidelines. If you can't do it, tell them to find a more comfortable method.

Take the exact dose: it is not strange that, sometimes, when going to buy a 1-gram drug, the pharmacist suggests that we take two pills of half a gram each, without this implying a difference in our treatment. In these cases we must be aware of this fact at all times, and not make mistakes.

Organize your medication safely

Establishing daily intakes easily and effectively is not as complicated as it seems. There are different tools that facilitate the organization of medications, and allow you to access them easily.

IMA Health, social impact company puts at your disposal the tools that will help you promote therapeutic adherence among the elderly and polymedicated dependent people.

    • Custom Dosage Service or SPD: If you are worried that you may make a mistake with the doses, or miss a dose, this service is ideal for you. With SPDs, a pharmacist will manage your medical plan, and will organize it in a weekly blister organized by days and hours.
    • From the pharmacy to your home: To prevent people with reduced mobility from having to go to pharmacies or other collection points for their medication, IMA goes in your place and brings it home, at no added cost.

There are also other methodologies to help you remember your medication. To do this, we recommend you read our previous post, 6 tips for organizing medication for polymedicated users.

Disclaimer: At IMA we offer advice and information about our products. Consult with an expert before making any decision that may affect your health.