DRUG DOSAGE NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are both seniors, and he just recovered
from a near tragedy. I am sure it could happen to anyone who takes
more than one prescription medication.

My husband was slowly deteriorating to the point of being unable to
take care of himself. He was less and less interested in anything;
his hands trembled; he couldn't write his name or drive a car; he had
difficulty putting two words together; he couldn't remember anything;
and his legs were very weak. In short, he was ready for a nursing
home.

He was taking 11 different medications several times a day. As his
caregiver and the dispenser of his medication, it occurred to me that
the drugs could be part of the problem.

I wrote his doctor describing his symptoms and listing all of his
prescriptions. Without seeing him, the doctor immediately eliminated
two of them and reduced the dosage of others. Within two weeks, my
husband's symptoms began disappearing. All of them are gone now,
except for the weakness in his legs. He's doing exercises to
strengthen them.

Please remind your older readers not to accept symptoms as "just
being part of growing old."

- - Lee in Walnut Creek, Calif.

DEAR LEE: People who have no reliable caregiver or mentor to
intercede for them when they start slipping are at a dangerous
disadvantage. Your letter is a powerful reminder that people who are
having their annual physical examinations should bring with them a
list of every medication, vitamin and over-the-counter drug and herb
they are taking. The effects can be cumulative and debilitating, and
a physician should regularly review them.