Are you taking too many medications? A guide to deprescribing | Mayo Clinic Aging Forward Podcast

Are all of your medications still helping you — or could some be doing more harm than good? In this episode of Aging Forward, host Dr. Christina Chen sits down with geriatrician Dr. Bonnie Sohn to explore polypharmacy — the use of multiple medications — and the thoughtful process of deprescribing. As we age, medication lists often grow longer, but more medications do not always mean better health. Together, they discuss how prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products can contribute to medication burden, side effects, and unexpected drug interactions. You'll learn how prescribing cascades occur, why certain medications become riskier with age, and how regular medication reviews can help improve safety, function, and quality of life. In this episode: • What polypharmacy is and why it's common in older adults • How prescribing cascades can lead to unnecessary medications • Warning signs that medications may be causing harm • Risks associated with sleep aids, blood thinners, opioids, and other commonly used medications • Why over-the-counter medications and supplements deserve careful review • How healthcare providers approach deprescribing safely • Practical medication safety tips for older adults and caregivers • Three important questions to ask your doctor about your medications Whether you're managing multiple medications yourself or helping care for a loved one, this conversation offers practical guidance for making informed decisions about medication use while supporting healthy aging. For more Aging Forward episodes and resources, visit: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcas... 1:32 What polypharmacy means and why it matters 3:19 Why medication lists keep growing 5:24 Understanding prescribing cascades 7:06 Risks and warning signs of overmedication 10:05 High-risk medications in older adults 12:28 How medications affect the aging brain 15:06 Over-the-counter medications and hidden risks 17:28 What deprescribing really means 18:25 How clinicians decide what to stop 22:00 Deprescribing for frailty and life expectancy 23:38 Addressing fears about stopping medications 28:55 Practical medication safety tips 30:37 Real-life deprescribing success stories 34:22 Medication use and healthy aging 36:01 Three questions to ask your doctor From Mayo Clinic to your inbox, sign-up for free: https://mayocl.in/3e71zfi Visit Mayo Clinic: https://mayocl.in/2COVmlm Like Mayo Clinic on Facebook:   / mayoclinic   Follow Mayo Clinic on Instagram:   / mayoclinic   Follow Mayo Clinic on X, formerly Twitter: https://x.com/MayoClinic Follow Mayo Clinic on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mayoclinic