The Counter-productive Problem of Overmedication in the United States

What is Overmedication? Overmedication is a very broad term with many definitions, each centering around the concept of administering too much medication(s). Though not to the point where it may be considered an overdose, it is still considered excessive/unnecessary and can lead to side-effects. In the context of this presentation, I will be referring to the more specific definition of “over-prescription,” – the concept that a patient is prescribed more medication than is necessary to resolve their condition. Top 5 most overused medications in the US To better understand the problem of overmedication, it may help to focus on some of the top ten most prescribed drug classes in the US. A study in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) focused on drug classes which may warrant closer analyses on their benefits vs. side-effects. It was identified that Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) for indigestion, Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, Statins, Opioids for chronic pain, and Antidepressants were some of the most frequently prescribed drugs [1]. Submitted as part of the BMS-515 Public Health and US Healthcare System course for MUCOM Research Day.

Creator

• Gupta, Ansh

Language

• English

Mot-clé

• Overmedication
• over-prescription
• Levothyroxine
• Proton Pump Inhibitors
• Statins
• Antidepressants

Date created

• 2023

Resource type

• Poster

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/