Did you know? As we age, our bodies may become more sensitive to medications.

Did you know? As we age, our bodies may become more sensitive to medications—sometimes, a little goes a long way!

Aging makes it harder for your body to process medications and alcohol. This means that it takes less to create a risk of a medical emergency, such as an overdose or other harmful effects.

Here are some tips for healthy aging and medication use:

• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the risks of your medications.
• Ask about safer alternatives, especially for pain.
• Do not stop taking your medications without talking with your doctor.
• Avoid drinking alcohol when taking medications.
• Avoid driving until you know how the medicine will affect you.

When you talk to your doctor about your medications, ask:

• How much should I take and when should I take it?
• Can my medications be taken at the same time?
• Can my medications be taken with alcohol?

VT Helplink is here to help. Call 802-565-LINK or visit vthelplink.org.  Call 9-1-1 immediately if you think you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency.

Find more tips for staying safe with your medications from the National Council on Aging.

This campaign is brought to you by Northeast Vermont Prevention Consortium - Prevention Lead Region 3 and is supported by a grant from the Vermont Department of Health Division of Substance Use Programs.