The Curious Clinicians
97 - Cascading Prescriptions
Oct 2, 2024
This discussion dives into the complexities of prescribing cascades, particularly the side effects of gabapentin. The hosts highlight how gabapentin can lead to peripheral edema, sparking questions about its unexpected impacts. They emphasize the dangers of unnecessary prescriptions and the importance of understanding medication side effects for better patient care. The conversation also touches on myogenic tone and how medications influence vascular health, alongside gabapentin's role in blood pressure management. Tune in for insights into smarter prescribing!
22:11
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Quick takeaways
- Prescribing cascades exacerbate health risks, particularly in the elderly, due to the common practice of treating medication side effects with additional drugs.
- Gabapentin can cause peripheral edema through a specific mechanism, highlighting the importance of understanding drug effects to prevent improper prescriptions.
Deep dives
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.
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