How to Prepare for a Useful Medication Review

Medicines can improve and protect health, but the list often becomes more complicated over time. Different prescribers, over-the-counter products and supplements can create duplication or interactions that are difficult to spot from memory.

A medication review is not an invitation to stop treatment on your own. It is a structured conversation about whether each product is still needed, effective, safe and practical.

Build one complete list

Include prescriptions, inhalers, eye drops, creams, injections, pain relievers, sleep products, allergy medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Record the name, dose, timing and reason you believe you take it.

If the list is difficult, place the original containers in a bag and bring them. Include products used only occasionally. The clinician needs the real pattern, not the ideal one.

Write down what has changed

Note dizziness, falls, unusual sleepiness, confusion, constipation, bleeding, swelling, appetite changes or difficulty swallowing tablets. Record when the symptom began and whether it appears after a particular dose.

Also mention practical problems. A medicine cannot work as intended if the instructions are impossible to follow, the package is hard to open or the cost prevents regular use.

Ask direct questions

Useful questions include:

What is this medicine for, and how will we know it is helping?
Is the dose still appropriate for me?
Could it contribute to dizziness, falls, sleepiness or confusion?
Does it interact with my other medicines, food, alcohol or supplements?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Is monitoring or a blood test required?

Take notes or bring someone you trust if the discussion is complex. Ask for an updated printed list at the end.

Do not make abrupt changes alone

Some medicines can cause serious problems if stopped suddenly. Never split, crush or discontinue a prescription unless a qualified professional confirms it is safe. “Natural” products can also interact with medicines and are not automatically harmless.

Seek urgent help for severe allergic symptoms, difficulty breathing, fainting, signs of major bleeding or another acute reaction. For non-urgent concerns, contact the prescriber or pharmacist rather than waiting for the next routine visit.

Sources

Reviewed under our editorial policy. Please also read our medical disclaimer.