Simple curiosity question: how many prescription meds do you take?
August 5, 2024 10:26 AM Subscribe
I hope this question is ok -- This is just simple, bold-faced curiosity, after reading through this AskMe- I've never thought about it before. If you care to share, how many prescription medications do you take? And (again if you're ok to share) what's your age range? Your decade is fine, and feel free to fudge that a bit -- so, if you're, say, 52 and started your current regimen at 47, saying "late 40s" is fine.
I'm in my 50s and take 7 daily medications. As of just 6 months ago, I took one. It's been a heck of a year.
You might find this data from the US Centers for Disease Control interesting. Click the link for table 39 to see age groups.
posted by OrangeDisk at 10:35 AM on August 5, 2024 [3 favorites]
You might find this data from the US Centers for Disease Control interesting. Click the link for table 39 to see age groups.
posted by OrangeDisk at 10:35 AM on August 5, 2024 [3 favorites]
60 -- nothing.
posted by JanetLand at 10:35 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by JanetLand at 10:35 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for sharing, suelac! For anyone else who wants in on this informal poll, you don't need to share the names of your medications if you don't want to (tho that's ok too). I'm mostly curious about the number of medications.
posted by Silvery Fish at 10:37 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by Silvery Fish at 10:37 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Mid-40s, one prescription (for acne of all things!)
posted by mskyle at 10:40 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by mskyle at 10:40 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
3 prescription pills, plus insulin. And about 3 OTC meds I take daily, and a bunch of supplements. Age 59.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 10:42 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 10:42 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Ballpark of 4 since I was a teenager. I am 38.
I've got a congenital neurological condition that was only diagnosed at puberty, if it had been diagnosed before then I would have probably been on drugs sooner to manage symptoms. The current drug I'm on for it started when I was 18.
+1 drug to manage the symptoms of that neurological condition, +1 drug to manage a side effect of that drug
I also have endometriosis so can't have a normal life unless I've got this shit locked down with some hormonal regulation.
+1 drug to manage that
And I have pretty bad environmental and seasonal allergies, so I need to manage that year round if I'd like to continue to breathe
+1 prescription drug for allergies, +1 drug that is encouraged my by doctor in tandem but available OTC
In addition to that my PCP writes me a scrip for a low dose valium for dental appointments, and I throw my back out about once every 2 years that I'll take a dose of prescription muscle relaxer for.
I would have extremely low quality of life if not for modern healthcare and I would have no coverage for any of these preexisting conditions if not for the ACA (thanks, Obama). Please vote for universal healthcare. Thank you for coming to my ted talk.
posted by phunniemee at 10:42 AM on August 5, 2024 [22 favorites]
I've got a congenital neurological condition that was only diagnosed at puberty, if it had been diagnosed before then I would have probably been on drugs sooner to manage symptoms. The current drug I'm on for it started when I was 18.
+1 drug to manage the symptoms of that neurological condition, +1 drug to manage a side effect of that drug
I also have endometriosis so can't have a normal life unless I've got this shit locked down with some hormonal regulation.
+1 drug to manage that
And I have pretty bad environmental and seasonal allergies, so I need to manage that year round if I'd like to continue to breathe
+1 prescription drug for allergies, +1 drug that is encouraged my by doctor in tandem but available OTC
In addition to that my PCP writes me a scrip for a low dose valium for dental appointments, and I throw my back out about once every 2 years that I'll take a dose of prescription muscle relaxer for.
I would have extremely low quality of life if not for modern healthcare and I would have no coverage for any of these preexisting conditions if not for the ACA (thanks, Obama). Please vote for universal healthcare. Thank you for coming to my ted talk.
posted by phunniemee at 10:42 AM on August 5, 2024 [22 favorites]
I'm almost 40 and have been settled into my current medication regimen for almost 10 years. I take three daily psychotropic medications (one for ADHD, one for autism-related executive functioning issues, one for anxiety), one medication for hormonal acne, and one medication for restless leg syndrome. So, five prescription meds total.
posted by theotherdurassister at 10:43 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
posted by theotherdurassister at 10:43 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
I find this interesting!
45 - just started my first prescription this year, a statin. (If you're counting supplements, I've been prescribed iron for decades, so I suppose 2)
posted by unlapsing at 10:43 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
45 - just started my first prescription this year, a statin. (If you're counting supplements, I've been prescribed iron for decades, so I suppose 2)
posted by unlapsing at 10:43 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
67 ... one.
posted by lpsguy at 10:45 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by lpsguy at 10:45 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
54. None.
posted by spamloaf at 10:46 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by spamloaf at 10:46 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
36F: 1 prescription that I've been on for 15 years (HBC). handful of supplements (B12, magnesium, multivite, zinc).
posted by rachaelfaith at 10:50 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by rachaelfaith at 10:50 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
43, 5 medications, 1 of which is preventative so not strictly necessary.
posted by rhymedirective at 10:51 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by rhymedirective at 10:51 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
52, 3: one for depression/anxiety, one for adhd, one to sleep.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:53 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by Lyn Never at 10:53 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Seven that I must take every day, four or five more if I need them for one reason or another, and five more that are just topical things for my rosacea. In my sixties. My life would be so much worse without them.
posted by metonym at 10:54 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by metonym at 10:54 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Late forties, two - both, weirdly, because I was aware that my numbers were iffy and read some papers saying that it was better to treat early and then I went and asked for them. It could be zero except for PubMed.
posted by Frowner at 10:54 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
posted by Frowner at 10:54 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
46 - one
posted by koahiatamadl at 10:54 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by koahiatamadl at 10:54 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Late-50s - 0
posted by Pedantzilla at 10:55 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by Pedantzilla at 10:55 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
47, and two. One since childhood, one since 2022.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 11:03 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 11:03 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Late 50s -- 1 statin that I just started two years ago and 1 for Prep, which isn't medically necessary but prophylactic as my partner is HIV+.
posted by archimago at 11:08 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by archimago at 11:08 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
66 -- about 7 daily and one or two as needed.
posted by jgirl at 11:08 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by jgirl at 11:08 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
I'm 49, and I take 14, not counting things like OTC allergy eye drops and vitamins. I'm a Type II diabetic, plus when I moved to my current state I discovered that I was allergic to almost everything that grows here, and I'm on meds for anxiety (although my insurance has cut me off of the one that was working for six years and isn't happy with the first one proposed as an alternative.
I don't love taking so many, and sometimes wonder if my doctor is a bit pill-happy, but things are going along mostly ok and the labs look decent-to-good.
posted by PussKillian at 11:11 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
I don't love taking so many, and sometimes wonder if my doctor is a bit pill-happy, but things are going along mostly ok and the labs look decent-to-good.
posted by PussKillian at 11:11 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
50 -- None
Well, none now. About 5 years ago I was on Gabapentin for peripheral neuropathy but I didn't feel like it helped enough vs. how sleepy it always made me feel so I quit. I was on Paxil and then Effexor for a combined 10 years until I came off that 2 years ago. Therapy and other things got me to a point I thought I could get off that... so far so good.
Basically just out here raw dogging life.
posted by austinetsu at 11:17 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Well, none now. About 5 years ago I was on Gabapentin for peripheral neuropathy but I didn't feel like it helped enough vs. how sleepy it always made me feel so I quit. I was on Paxil and then Effexor for a combined 10 years until I came off that 2 years ago. Therapy and other things got me to a point I thought I could get off that... so far so good.
Basically just out here raw dogging life.
posted by austinetsu at 11:17 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Early 50s, 0. I suspect my PCP will want to start pushing statins soon but for the moment I'm good.
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 11:18 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 11:18 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
37. None unless you count occasionally a topical gel for rosacea.
posted by branca at 11:18 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by branca at 11:18 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Rx: 1 (statin)
OTC: 4 (magnesium, vitamin D, Flonase, Claritin)
posted by sacrifix at 11:22 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
OTC: 4 (magnesium, vitamin D, Flonase, Claritin)
posted by sacrifix at 11:22 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
42: 7 but I've got some complicated medical stuff going on
posted by jeszac at 11:23 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
posted by jeszac at 11:23 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
62. 2 plus an OTC allergy med.
posted by XtineHutch at 11:25 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by XtineHutch at 11:25 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
43 and I have two prescriptions I take as needed, as opposed to regularly.
posted by eekernohan at 11:32 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by eekernohan at 11:32 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
I'm in my mid-40s. I have:
- Two daily prescription meds
- One weekly prescription med
- One "as needed" prescription med which I need maybe once every couple of months
- An IUD in lieu of a third daily med for birth control
Plus a few OTC supplements/OTC allergy meds.
posted by Stacey at 11:34 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
- Two daily prescription meds
- One weekly prescription med
- One "as needed" prescription med which I need maybe once every couple of months
- An IUD in lieu of a third daily med for birth control
Plus a few OTC supplements/OTC allergy meds.
posted by Stacey at 11:34 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
62 - zero
posted by Redstart at 11:35 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
posted by Redstart at 11:35 AM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
Age 71.
4 RX and 2 OTC daily AM
Lamictal: off label for bi-polar
Levothyroxine: hypothyroid
Eliquis and Metoprolol: heart issues, avoid another stroke
Repatha every other week: cholesterol
OTC vit D and mega B
Repeat PM
Elquist and Metoprolol
On hand: PRN
I have on hand Doxepin HCL off label for sleep; Gabapentin and Cyclobenzaprine, for pain
Doctor suggests Gabapentin daily, but I hate being loggy all the time, so I eat a lot of Advil
I'm in the process of petitioning the insurance to start Wygovy for weight loss. If it works it may help a great deal with quality of life, but it won't make anything go away.
Now you know more than you probably wanted or needed to know. Don't get old, fat, or out of shape: it sucks
posted by BlueHorse at 11:42 AM on August 5, 2024 [5 favorites]
4 RX and 2 OTC daily AM
Lamictal: off label for bi-polar
Levothyroxine: hypothyroid
Eliquis and Metoprolol: heart issues, avoid another stroke
Repatha every other week: cholesterol
OTC vit D and mega B
Repeat PM
Elquist and Metoprolol
On hand: PRN
I have on hand Doxepin HCL off label for sleep; Gabapentin and Cyclobenzaprine, for pain
Doctor suggests Gabapentin daily, but I hate being loggy all the time, so I eat a lot of Advil
I'm in the process of petitioning the insurance to start Wygovy for weight loss. If it works it may help a great deal with quality of life, but it won't make anything go away.
Now you know more than you probably wanted or needed to know. Don't get old, fat, or out of shape: it sucks
posted by BlueHorse at 11:42 AM on August 5, 2024 [5 favorites]
49 years old, zero rx, one OTC allergy pill daily for the last five years.
posted by advicepig at 11:48 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by advicepig at 11:48 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
53, female.
Three meds that manage my asthma and make it possible for me to literally live, one thyroid med, one SSRI. So, five meds daily. Oh plus a rescue inhaler but I don't use that every day unless I'm suffering from a respiratory ailment. I also get oral steroids probably every two/three months.
posted by cooker girl at 11:51 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Three meds that manage my asthma and make it possible for me to literally live, one thyroid med, one SSRI. So, five meds daily. Oh plus a rescue inhaler but I don't use that every day unless I'm suffering from a respiratory ailment. I also get oral steroids probably every two/three months.
posted by cooker girl at 11:51 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
69. None. One regular aspirin a day (due to a heart condition; it acts as a cheap blood thinner).
posted by SPrintF at 11:53 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by SPrintF at 11:53 AM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
61. Two, soon to be three: a blood pressure med that I've been on for about a decade, the antidepressant that I go on and off depending on thing$, and about to go on a low level statin, so that will be new. I also have several PRN - take when needed - prescriptions for anxiety and pain and sleep and my golden real sudafed prescription that I hoard like crazy because it is the only thing that actually works in cold and flu season.
posted by mygothlaundry at 12:18 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by mygothlaundry at 12:18 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
68. Two: omeprazole (proton-pump inhibitor for acid reflux). steroid nasal spray for allergies.
posted by SageTrail at 12:19 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by SageTrail at 12:19 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
44. No Rx, though 3 or 4 OTC supplements that I take a few times a week (when I remember).
posted by chiefthe at 12:37 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by chiefthe at 12:37 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Just turned 70.
5 prescriptions.
The two most crucial:
Carbidopa-Levodopa for restless leg syndrome (the ONLY thing that works)
and
Celexa for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
posted by BostonTerrier at 12:37 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
5 prescriptions.
The two most crucial:
Carbidopa-Levodopa for restless leg syndrome (the ONLY thing that works)
and
Celexa for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
posted by BostonTerrier at 12:37 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
36, none. Was on an anti anxiety med for about a year and probably could stand to get back on one. The side effects weren't worth it for me long-term, but I don't regret trying it.
I take a couple supplements as needed (ashwagandha and magnesium).
posted by Eyelash at 12:50 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
I take a couple supplements as needed (ashwagandha and magnesium).
posted by Eyelash at 12:50 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
50s. Two prescriptions and a multivitamin.
posted by emelenjr at 12:51 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by emelenjr at 12:51 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
46F. 17. Holy shit. I had to list them out to figure out what they were.
posted by dpx.mfx at 12:56 PM on August 5, 2024 [5 favorites]
posted by dpx.mfx at 12:56 PM on August 5, 2024 [5 favorites]
Response by poster: Thing is all so fascinating - thanks everyone for sharing. Regardless of the count, it appears that you all are taking good, thoughtful care of yourselves. I love seeing it!
posted by Silvery Fish at 12:56 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by Silvery Fish at 12:56 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Early 40s, and I have a prescription inhaler that I use before running/hiking/XC skiing (0-4 days per week, depending on life and weather).
posted by Maarika at 1:30 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by Maarika at 1:30 PM on August 5, 2024
32, and 0. Sometimes my dentist prescribes me something before appointments to help me relax, so if that counts, then 1.
posted by birthday cake at 1:38 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by birthday cake at 1:38 PM on August 5, 2024
46 ... One prescription med (3x a day)
posted by Sauter Vaguely at 1:44 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by Sauter Vaguely at 1:44 PM on August 5, 2024
30. I take 10 daily meds, 1 monthly injection med, and 3 as-needed meds. The count has been roughly that high since my late teens/early 20s. Post-viral infection at 12 disabled me for life.
posted by brook horse at 2:03 PM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
posted by brook horse at 2:03 PM on August 5, 2024 [2 favorites]
77 here. About 8 or 9. Thyroid pill, D3, B12, tamulosin,folic acid, quercetin, calcitriol, fenofibrate, Zinc. Realize these aren't all prescription.
posted by Czjewel at 2:05 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by Czjewel at 2:05 PM on August 5, 2024
63 - two.
A basic blood pressure medicine for a couple of decades. Works great.
One for intermittent atrial fibrillation. Supposedly keeps me from dying or having a stroke.
posted by ITravelMontana at 2:06 PM on August 5, 2024
A basic blood pressure medicine for a couple of decades. Works great.
One for intermittent atrial fibrillation. Supposedly keeps me from dying or having a stroke.
posted by ITravelMontana at 2:06 PM on August 5, 2024
58. Since 1998 when I was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I've been on metformin, a statin and something for blood pressure every day. That has been joined by insulin and a weekly injectable. I have also been prescribed vitamins (folic acid and D), lansoprazole and an antidepressant. HRT patches twice a week. In all, that's seven pills in the morning, four plus an injection in the evening and a further injection and two patches a week.
I'd be in a very bad way without the NHS and the wonders of medical science.
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 2:07 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
I'd be in a very bad way without the NHS and the wonders of medical science.
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 2:07 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
53 -zero now. I was on a beta blocker for 6 months.
posted by warriorqueen at 2:15 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by warriorqueen at 2:15 PM on August 5, 2024
Hey also while all us sickos are gathered in the same place, something I should have mentioned above is CHECK MARK CUBAN'S COST PLUS PHARMACY to see if they stock your drug.
I am saving LITERALLY $400 every time I refill my prescriptions now over my (insured!!!!) normal pharmacy cost. Do you understand how much money that is?? Every refill!!!
Mark Cuban has literally changed my life.
*weeps in American*
posted by phunniemee at 2:16 PM on August 5, 2024 [9 favorites]
I am saving LITERALLY $400 every time I refill my prescriptions now over my (insured!!!!) normal pharmacy cost. Do you understand how much money that is?? Every refill!!!
Mark Cuban has literally changed my life.
*weeps in American*
posted by phunniemee at 2:16 PM on August 5, 2024 [9 favorites]
Late 40s--3 daily prescriptions + 1 monthly shot
posted by hydropsyche at 2:21 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by hydropsyche at 2:21 PM on August 5, 2024
47, thyroid meds and an SNRI.
posted by ClarissaWAM at 3:04 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by ClarissaWAM at 3:04 PM on August 5, 2024
47. None currently, though it's varied between 1-4 at a time intermittently since about 2005 (age 29). There was a few year stretch where I was NOT taking the two medications I needed at the time due to lack of insurance. (Current situation is different; have insurance but medical issues are behaving themselves.)
posted by stormyteal at 3:05 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by stormyteal at 3:05 PM on August 5, 2024
61. On three currently.
Metropol, due my having afib when I was nearly dying a few years ago, (not from the heart issue), and am not taking the prescribed dose, and will probably stop when is runs out.
Xarelto, for the full leg blood clot and the pulmonary embolisms I got from the previous nearly dying hospital stay. Doc suggests I can go off that, but haven’t yet.
And one other. But, seeing a psychiatrist tomorrow, so may get a bunch more…
posted by Windopaene at 3:34 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Metropol, due my having afib when I was nearly dying a few years ago, (not from the heart issue), and am not taking the prescribed dose, and will probably stop when is runs out.
Xarelto, for the full leg blood clot and the pulmonary embolisms I got from the previous nearly dying hospital stay. Doc suggests I can go off that, but haven’t yet.
And one other. But, seeing a psychiatrist tomorrow, so may get a bunch more…
posted by Windopaene at 3:34 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
57. Two daily prescription meds for diabetes.
I also take a prescription fish oil, but I don't count that because...it's fish oil. (It's just a better quality, and cheaper because insurance covers it.)
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 4:00 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
I also take a prescription fish oil, but I don't count that because...it's fish oil. (It's just a better quality, and cheaper because insurance covers it.)
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 4:00 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Late 50s: 13 (yikes), 9 of which are prescribed, and 4 are over the counter (but endorsed by my medical team).
On the plus side, I can use my tablet dispenser as a maraca if a percussion instrument should be required.
posted by JJZByBffqU at 4:30 PM on August 5, 2024 [6 favorites]
On the plus side, I can use my tablet dispenser as a maraca if a percussion instrument should be required.
posted by JJZByBffqU at 4:30 PM on August 5, 2024 [6 favorites]
68 - two
Levothyroxine (for low thyroid)
Lexapro (depression and anxiety)
posted by mmf at 4:46 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Levothyroxine (for low thyroid)
Lexapro (depression and anxiety)
posted by mmf at 4:46 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
60 - 12
posted by hworth at 5:01 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by hworth at 5:01 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
I'm in my late 30s and I'm on one which I've taken daily since I was 25. If I didn't have a copper IUD I'd also be taking some kind of hormonal birth control.
posted by potrzebie at 5:10 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by potrzebie at 5:10 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
52. Just started a third daily med, fourth if you count OTC ferritin pills for stubborn anemia.
I did not really win the genetic lottery when it comes to aging.
posted by humbug at 6:01 PM on August 5, 2024
I did not really win the genetic lottery when it comes to aging.
posted by humbug at 6:01 PM on August 5, 2024
53, and two, for the same reason as mareli above. I'm working on doing what I need to do to perhaps get off of them at some point, but it's not easy for reasons *looks around at the state of the world*.
posted by mollweide at 7:08 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by mollweide at 7:08 PM on August 5, 2024
71, five prescriptions, I'm a Type II diabetic
1 statin (1 year)
1 thyroid (20 years)
1 blood pressure (20 years)
1 insulin injection (20 years)
1 tricyclic antidepression (43 years)
plus Calcium-Magnesium, Iron, Omega 3-6-9, D3, and a Multivitamin.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 7:14 PM on August 5, 2024
1 statin (1 year)
1 thyroid (20 years)
1 blood pressure (20 years)
1 insulin injection (20 years)
1 tricyclic antidepression (43 years)
plus Calcium-Magnesium, Iron, Omega 3-6-9, D3, and a Multivitamin.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 7:14 PM on August 5, 2024
6 daily meds plus an additional prescription to take as needed. (Not counting OTC but directed by doctor to take.
I used to take more, but I've been able to streamline.
posted by litera scripta manet at 7:20 PM on August 5, 2024
I used to take more, but I've been able to streamline.
posted by litera scripta manet at 7:20 PM on August 5, 2024
Interesting. I’ve taken atleast 1 pill a day for the past 30 years, wow. I wish IUDs were more popular when I was younger. It would have been interesting to ask gender. I consider myself to have no serious health conditions, just lots of little things. Late 40s. 4 prescription pills (+1 I have to take for a bit every few months). 6 OTC pills and supplements. Oh, and 3 prescription topicals, sometimes more when things go wrong. Like, my derm told me recently “you could try a steroid” for something and I was like nah, don’t prescribe it I’ll go through my drawer and find some kind of steroid. My skin is trash and my longest relationship I’ve had to a person I’m not related to is my dermatologist.
If you travel a lot or need to take your pills with you my favorite case is this and it holds big vitamins. If it’s a 3 day trip you can just throw a few days in your bag. I left one of the containers at a hotel so I bought a new one and I fill 2 weeks at a time.
posted by Bunglegirl at 8:09 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
If you travel a lot or need to take your pills with you my favorite case is this and it holds big vitamins. If it’s a 3 day trip you can just throw a few days in your bag. I left one of the containers at a hotel so I bought a new one and I fill 2 weeks at a time.
posted by Bunglegirl at 8:09 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
74 - Currently, 3 prescriptions + baby Aspirin (stroke prevention) + vitamin D + cranberry supplement (UTI prevention).
This will change as soon as my NP figures out if I have rheumatoid or osteo arthritis.
posted by Scout405 at 8:21 PM on August 5, 2024
This will change as soon as my NP figures out if I have rheumatoid or osteo arthritis.
posted by Scout405 at 8:21 PM on August 5, 2024
37, I take 6 a day for a chronic neurological disorder, and 1 magnesium supplement.
posted by malum geminae at 8:59 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by malum geminae at 8:59 PM on August 5, 2024
46, 9 regularly and 4 as-needed. Amusingly one is to counter side effects and another is to counter the side effects of that one.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 10:22 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 10:22 PM on August 5, 2024 [1 favorite]
Early fifties, zero.
posted by TheophileEscargot at 11:05 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by TheophileEscargot at 11:05 PM on August 5, 2024
I'm on rifaximin and neomycin for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth at the moment. But normally, I take no prescription meds. 58, female.
posted by rabia.elizabeth at 11:24 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by rabia.elizabeth at 11:24 PM on August 5, 2024
42, five and really hoping to come off at least one soon. Used to be three until April when doctors got on my case about mildly elevated blood pressure and now we're experimenting. (Other three are hormones, Metformin and thyroid, going on for 7, 6 and 4 years respectively.) Plus B12 because Metformin and D because my body is very stupid, but that's not prescription.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:49 PM on August 5, 2024
posted by I claim sanctuary at 11:49 PM on August 5, 2024
I'm 60. No prescription drugs.
I take anti-histamines and painkillers almost every day, and I should get prescriptions because they would save me money, but I always forget it when I'm at the doctor's.
A decade ago, I did some anti-depressants, but the side-effects were worse than the depression (And it took many years to get rid of the IBS, though that was probably also because of a harsh antibiotic regime to treat Lyme disease).
posted by mumimor at 11:54 PM on August 5, 2024
I take anti-histamines and painkillers almost every day, and I should get prescriptions because they would save me money, but I always forget it when I'm at the doctor's.
A decade ago, I did some anti-depressants, but the side-effects were worse than the depression (And it took many years to get rid of the IBS, though that was probably also because of a harsh antibiotic regime to treat Lyme disease).
posted by mumimor at 11:54 PM on August 5, 2024
The question got me curious so I found this graph of Percentage of people in England who have taken prescription medicine in the last week, by amount and age group (source).
48% of people aged 45-54 and 64% of people aged 55-64 took at least one.
posted by TheophileEscargot at 12:04 AM on August 6, 2024 [1 favorite]
48% of people aged 45-54 and 64% of people aged 55-64 took at least one.
posted by TheophileEscargot at 12:04 AM on August 6, 2024 [1 favorite]
65. None.
posted by trip and a half at 2:24 AM on August 6, 2024
posted by trip and a half at 2:24 AM on August 6, 2024
40yo, 8 of which 5 daily once or twice and three as needed which is 2-3 times a week.
posted by ellieBOA at 3:54 AM on August 6, 2024
posted by ellieBOA at 3:54 AM on August 6, 2024
Looks like 8 daily plus 1 or 2 more as needed or occasionally. Early 60s.
FWIW I've been taking at least 1 prescription medication, and usually more, every single day since early 1982 - so more than 42 years now. They are a major reason I am still with you today.
I confess that people who are prescribed a simple blood pressure or gout medication and can't manage to take it because "Now I'll have to take a pill every single day for the rest of my life oh-boo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!!!!" really get under my nerves . . .
posted by flug at 4:59 AM on August 6, 2024 [1 favorite]
FWIW I've been taking at least 1 prescription medication, and usually more, every single day since early 1982 - so more than 42 years now. They are a major reason I am still with you today.
I confess that people who are prescribed a simple blood pressure or gout medication and can't manage to take it because "Now I'll have to take a pill every single day for the rest of my life oh-boo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!!!!" really get under my nerves . . .
posted by flug at 4:59 AM on August 6, 2024 [1 favorite]
45. One all of the time for high blood pressure, another two sometimes if arthritis is playing up.
For some reason I find it much easier to remember to take the meds if I'm taking three rather than taking one.
posted by deadwax at 5:40 AM on August 6, 2024
For some reason I find it much easier to remember to take the meds if I'm taking three rather than taking one.
posted by deadwax at 5:40 AM on August 6, 2024
Four daily, five occasionally, age 62.
Will probably be taken off two of the daily four eventually.
Born with some significant chronic issues.
posted by Jane the Brown at 6:16 AM on August 6, 2024
Will probably be taken off two of the daily four eventually.
Born with some significant chronic issues.
posted by Jane the Brown at 6:16 AM on August 6, 2024
Early 50s. I take 5 different prescription meds daily. Plus a couple I take occasionally.
posted by tangosnail at 6:58 AM on August 6, 2024
posted by tangosnail at 6:58 AM on August 6, 2024
Early 30s. One prescription, one OTC, one supplement.
posted by capricorn at 7:53 AM on August 6, 2024
posted by capricorn at 7:53 AM on August 6, 2024
(-by George Thorogood and the Destroyers)
posted by capricorn at 7:53 AM on August 6, 2024 [1 favorite]
posted by capricorn at 7:53 AM on August 6, 2024 [1 favorite]
Mid-60s. I’m currently taking two prescription meds. I began taking one of them over thirty years ago. The other only two years ago.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:34 AM on August 6, 2024
posted by Thorzdad at 8:34 AM on August 6, 2024
Late 50s. Four Rx daily (for headaches and depression), plus a multivitamin, fish oil, and B12. One Rx for headache rescue, only when needed. Also Rx drops for dry eye, Rx cream for lady bits. It's been 10+ years for this regimen, but I started the antidepressants back in my mid-20s and have taken them for most of the last 30 years.
posted by tuesdayschild at 1:38 PM on August 6, 2024
posted by tuesdayschild at 1:38 PM on August 6, 2024
Mid 40s. Two daily HRT treatments (oestrogen spray, progestogen capsules), plus twice-weekly oestrogen pessaries, because my body decided to go through menopause at 41. Also metronidazole cream for rosacea, though I don't use that as daily as I ought to. Nothing else.
You didn't ask about cost but I'll tell you anyway. Total cost is about £20/year total for the HRT because of the NHS HRT certificate, and £9.50 prescription charge for each tube of metronidazole cream (about one every three months).
posted by altolinguistic at 2:31 AM on August 7, 2024
You didn't ask about cost but I'll tell you anyway. Total cost is about £20/year total for the HRT because of the NHS HRT certificate, and £9.50 prescription charge for each tube of metronidazole cream (about one every three months).
posted by altolinguistic at 2:31 AM on August 7, 2024
48F
3 daily scripts. 1 monthly injection for migraines. 2 things for migraines if they do come. Multi, D3, B12, Iron, Calcium because I had bariatric surgery and I don't absorb vitamins like a person with an intact stomach.
posted by kathrynm at 10:23 AM on August 7, 2024
3 daily scripts. 1 monthly injection for migraines. 2 things for migraines if they do come. Multi, D3, B12, Iron, Calcium because I had bariatric surgery and I don't absorb vitamins like a person with an intact stomach.
posted by kathrynm at 10:23 AM on August 7, 2024
55. Currently 5 prescribed; 1 SNRI, 1 NDRI, 1 beta-blocker, 1 ACE inhibitor, 1 potassium-sparing diuretic. 2 for the head, 3 for the heart. Head meds since 2003, heart meds since 2015. The head meds for depression don't quite do it, but I'm at the max dose for both and I'm not keen on trying different meds at this point. The heart meds are for maintenance, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, currently stable. OTC, magnesium, Vitamin D.
posted by Techmudslinger_ at 11:43 AM on August 12, 2024
posted by Techmudslinger_ at 11:43 AM on August 12, 2024
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