Understanding Prescribing Cascades

Prescribing cascades occur when a medication's side effects lead to the prescription of additional drugs, compounding potential health risks. Common examples include the use of anti-nausea medications alongside opioids, as side effects like constipation may require further medication. This phenomenon can be particularly concerning in the geriatric population, where polypharmacy is prevalent. The discussion highlights the complexity of managing multiple medications and the unintended consequences that may arise from treating side effects with additional prescriptions.