4 Warning Signs Your Doctor Overprescribes—and How to Protect Older Loved Ones

Prescription medications save lives, but what if the very drugs meant to heal you are causing harm? Overprescribing is a growing problem, particularly among older adults, leading to dangerous side effects, dependency, and unnecessary health risks.

Polypharmacy—the use of multiple medications—can happen at all ages, but as you or a loved one ages, it can become more common. Doctors are entrusted with our well-being, but not all prescriptions are essential—or safe.

Overprescribed medications can impact your health, and noticing these signs can help you make more informed decisions. Knowing the signs of overprescribing can help you take control of your health and advocate for better care for yourself or an aging loved one.

Common Warning Signs of Harmful Prescription Practices

1. Frequent Prescriptions Without a Thorough Examination

One of the most telling signs of an overprescribing doctor is the habit of writing prescriptions without conducting a thorough examination. Effective treatment requires an understanding of a patient's medical history, symptoms, and potential underlying conditions.

If your doctor routinely prescribes medication after a quick conversation—without ordering tests or performing a physical examination—this could indicate a rushed approach that prioritizes medication over a comprehensive health assessment.

If a doctor routinely prescribes medication after a brief conversation—without ordering tests or conducting a physical exam—it could be a sign of a rushed approach that prioritizes prescriptions over a thorough health assessment. For older adults, this can lead to unnecessary medications, increased side effects, and overlooked underlying health issues.

For older adults, this practice is especially concerning, as symptoms often overlap among different conditions. A misdiagnosis due to a lack of proper evaluation can lead to unnecessary medications, which may do more harm than good.

Additionally, older adults often see multiple doctors, including primary care physicians, specialists, urgent care providers, and emergency room doctors. This fragmented care increases the risk of duplicated prescriptions, conflicting treatments, and lack of coordination between providers. Always ask your doctor about the necessity of each prescription and whether alternative treatments exist.

One of the most telling signs of an overprescribing doctor is the habit of writing prescriptions without conducting a thorough examination. Effective treatment requires an understanding of a patient's medical history, symptoms, and potential underlying conditions.

If your doctor routinely prescribes medication after a quick conversation—without ordering tests or performing a physical examination—this could indicate a rushed approach that prioritizes medication over a comprehensive health assessment.

For older adults, this practice is especially concerning, as symptoms often overlap among different conditions. A misdiagnosis due to a lack of proper evaluation can lead to unnecessary medications, which may do more harm than good. Always ask your doctor about the necessity of each prescription and whether alternative treatments exist.

2. High Dosages and Long-Term Prescriptions Without Reassessment

Another warning sign is the tendency to prescribe high doses or long-term medications without periodic reassessment. While some conditions require sustained treatment, others may benefit from lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or gradual medication tapering.

According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), nearly 40% of older adults take at least five or more prescription medications daily—a phenomenon known as polypharmacy. This increases the risk of drug interactions and side effects, leading to further complications.

Too often, one medication is prescribed to counteract the side effects of another, creating a cycle that can compromise an older adult's overall health—making regular medication reviews and discussions about alternatives essential.

Patients should inquire about dose adjustments, reassessment schedules, and potential non-medication alternatives. If your doctor insists on long-term use without reviewing your progress or discussing discontinuation strategies, it may be time to seek a second opinion.

3. Multiple Medications for a Single Symptom

If a doctor prescribes multiple medications to treat a single symptom, such as pain, insomnia, or anxiety, this may indicate an overprescribing tendency. While some conditions warrant combination therapy, excessive prescriptions can increase the risk of adverse drug interactions, confusion, and medication dependency.

For older adults, managing multiple prescriptions becomes even more challenging. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) warns that medication errors are a leading cause of hospitalizations among seniors.

Without regular medication reviews, what starts as treatment can quickly turn into a cycle of overmedication that does more harm than good.

If you or a loved one receives multiple prescriptions for the same condition, ask your doctor why each medication is necessary and whether alternative treatments exist.

4. Dismissive Attitude Toward Patient Concerns

A dismissive attitude from a doctor regarding medication concerns is another red flag. A healthy doctor-patient relationship requires transparency, communication, and shared decision-making.

Older adults and their caregivers have every right to ask questions, review prescriptions, and explore alternatives—healthcare should be a conversation, not a one-way directive.

If a physician avoids answering your questions about medication necessity, side effects, or alternatives—or becomes irritated when you bring up concerns—it could signal an overreliance on prescribing as the default treatment.

Patients and caregivers should feel empowered to ask about the risks and benefits of each medication. A responsible doctor will take the time to discuss treatment options and ensure prescriptions align with the patient's needs.

Growing Risk of Overprescribing in Aging Populations

The risks of overprescribing increase as you or a family member ages. Seniors are more vulnerable to adverse drug reactions, cognitive impairment, falls, and hospitalizations due to medication misuse or overuse. Additionally, older adults often see multiple specialists, leading to duplicate prescriptions or conflicting drug therapies.

A 2025 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that over 20% of emergency room visits among seniors are linked to medication-related complications.

Regular medication reviews, open conversations with doctors, and a cautious approach to new prescriptions are essential to preventing avoidable health crises.

Given these risks, regularly reviewing medications with a health professional is essential.

How to Review Medications with Older Family Members

If you are caring for an aging loved one, reviewing their medications on a regular basis can prevent complications. Here's how:

• Schedule a medication review: Meet with your loved one's primary doctor or pharmacist to review all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.
• Ask about necessity and alternatives: Determine whether each medication is still needed or if lifestyle changes could replace certain prescriptions.
• Monitor side effects: Keep track of potential side effects, interactions, or any new symptoms after medication changes.
• Use a medication management system: Pill organizers, reminder apps, or caregiver assistance can help ensure medications are taken correctly.

Monitoring Medications in Long-Term Care and Home Care Settings

If your family member receives in-home care or lives in a long-term care facility, medication monitoring becomes even more critical.

With multiple caregivers involved in a long-term care situation, the risk of dosing errors, overmedication, or harmful drug interactions increases, making regular oversight and communication essential for their safety.

Here's what you can do:

• Request regular medication reviews: Ask caregivers or facility staff how often they reassess prescriptions.
• Verify proper administration: Ensure that caregivers follow prescribed dosages and schedules.
• Check for excessive prescriptions: Be cautious if your loved one suddenly receives new medications without a clear explanation.
• Advocate for deprescribing when appropriate: If a medication is no longer necessary, work with the care team to reduce or discontinue it safely.

Finding Quality Caregivers and Facilities

When interviewing in-home caregivers or long-term care facilities, it's essential to ask about their processes, not only on how medications are administered but also how they are monitored and why they are being prescribed.

Caregivers, or the lead nurse, should be able to explain the purpose of each medication, recognize potential side effects, and identify any changes in the patient's condition that might indicate a need for reassessment.

Ask about their process for coordinating with healthcare providers, how often medication regimens are reviewed, and what steps they take to prevent overmedication or harmful drug interactions.

A strong medication management system should prioritize safety, regular evaluations, and open communication with family members and medical professionals.

Find quality caregivers and long-term care facilities for a loved one by using the LTC News Caregiver Directory. You can search from over 80,000 providers to narrow down the options and interview those who may fit your loved one's needs.

• Find Quality Long-Term Care Services Near Me

If your loved one has a Long-Term Care Insurance policy (typically purchased when someone is between ages 47 and 67), tell the home care agency or admissions director at the facility that they have an LTC policy. You often will get them at the top of the list when waiting for the best caregivers and facilities.

LTC News has combined efforts with Amada Senior Care, a leading in-home healthcare agency with locations throughout the country, to help you process a claim from any LTC Insurance policy.

There is no cost or obligation for this service - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Taking Control of Health Care Decisions

Recognizing the signs of overprescribing is key to maintaining a safe and effective treatment plan. If you suspect your doctor may be overprescribing, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Open discussions with healthcare providers and proactive medication management ensure that you or your loved one receive appropriate, beneficial, and safe treatments.

By regularly reviewing prescriptions, asking questions, and exploring alternative treatments, families can help ensure that older adults receive the safest and most effective care possible.

As your loved one ages and potentially requires long-term care, having the right legal protections in place allows you to oversee their medical decisions better. Consider establishing:

• Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care – Gives you the authority to make medical decisions if your loved one is unable to do so.
• Financial Power of Attorney – Helps manage finances related to medical expenses and long-term care planning.
• Advance Directives or Living Will – Ensures medical preferences are respected, including end-of-life care decisions.

By staying informed and engaged in your health care, you can reduce the risks associated with unnecessary prescriptions and make more confident decisions for yourself and your aging family members.