The Hidden Dangers of Polypharmacy

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 21, 2025

Lately, I’ve had patients coming to see me with shopping bags full of medications(yes, actual shopping bags), often prescribed by different doctors who never talk to each other.

If you’re like most folks our age, your medicine cabinet resembles a small pharmacy—a few prescriptions here, some over-the-counter (OTC) remedies there, and maybe a handful of supplements thrown in for good measure.

But that collection of bottles could be setting you up for a dangerous problem that most doctors won’t warn you about….

Polypharmacy—taking multiple medications at the same time—has become an epidemic among seniors.

The numbers are alarming: over 40 percent of adults over 65 take five or more prescription medications regularly.

The problem happens when they begin piling up without anyone considering the big picture.

Here’s what makes polypharmacy so dangerous…

First, there’s the cascade effect. You take Drug A, which causes a side effect. Instead of reconsidering Drug A, your doctor prescribes Drug B to treat the side effect. Then Drug B causes another issue, so you get Drug C… and suddenly you’re taking three medications when you might have needed just one (or none).

Then there’s the interaction nightmare.

Every drug can potentially interact with another drug in your system. With two medications, there’s one possible interaction. With five meds, there are 10 possible interactions. With 10 medications? A whopping 45 possible interactions!

No doctor—no matter how brilliant—can keep track of all those potential problems.

The consequences can be severe: dizziness leading to falls, confusion that mimics dementia, dangerous drops in blood pressure, bleeding risks, and even hospitalization.

So, what can you do to protect yourself?

• Create a “brown bag.” Put ALL your medications—prescription, OTC, supplements, everything—in a bag and bring it to your primary doctor. Ask for a comprehensive medication review.
• Question new prescriptions. When a doctor wants to prescribe something new, ask: “Is this absolutely necessary? Could we try non-drug approaches first? Will this interact with anything I’m already taking?”
• Ask about “deprescribing.” This is the process of systematically discontinuing medications that may no longer be beneficial or may be causing harm. It’s becoming a recognized practice in senior medicine.
• Ask your pharmacist. These professionals are often more available and have a deeper understanding of interactions than your doctor.

Now, I’m not suggesting you toss all your meds in the trash. Many prescriptions are essential and life-saving. And remember, you should never make changes to your medications without talking to a medical professional first.

P.S. Study reveals not all generic drugs are created equal.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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