Authored by George Citroner via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
Americans are taking medications at a surprising rate, with most of their choices being self-selected, rather than prescribed by doctors.
A recent study published in JAMA revealed that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults take at least one pill per week, with one in six taking five or more. This highlights the significant role that medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, play in everyday health.
The study, which surveyed 21,000 adults aged 18 and older between 2023 and 2024, aimed to identify the most common drugs used by Americans.
Top 10 Drugs Taken by Americans
The study’s findings provide insight into the most prevalent health concerns in the United States.
The top four drugs reported were acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, all of which are over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat fevers and mild pain.
Among prescription medications, atorvastatin (cholesterol-lowering), lisinopril (blood pressure), and levothyroxine (thyroid conditions) were the most frequently mentioned.
Less common over-the-counter medications included diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for fevers and allergies, and omeprazole for acid reflux, which ranked ninth.
Demographic Trends
Women were more likely to report medication use compared to men, with a 10% difference between the two genders.
Women were more likely to use levothyroxine and antihistamines, while men tended to use atorvastatin and metformin for Type 2 diabetes.
Participants were asked to recall their medication usage over the past week, aided by sample labels and prompts related to common ailments and medical history to enhance accuracy. Medications were categorized by active ingredients, excluding herbal supplements and topical treatments.
Risks of Drug Interactions
The study’s results serve as a reminder that over-the-counter medications are not without risks.
One in six adults reported taking five or more medications in the previous week, with 3.3% taking ten or more.
Reshma Patel, a pharmacist and founder of WiseMedRx, emphasized the importance of understanding how medications can interact and contribute to side effects, particularly in older adults taking multiple drugs.
Combining daily pain relievers with other medications can impact the kidneys or stomach, Patel noted. She highlighted the need for regular medication reviews to prevent cumulative effects from becoming severe over time.
Tawna L. Mangosh, an assistant professor, warned of the risks associated with over-the-counter pain and fever medications, advising patients to be cautious when using products containing acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
Enhancing Medication Safety
Experts advocate for smarter medication use rather than limiting access to drugs.
Pharmacists should play a more significant role in educating patients about potential interactions and ensuring safe medication use. Clearer labeling, public education, and routine medication reviews for patients on multiple therapies are recommended to enhance safety.
Patients are encouraged to read medication labels carefully and understand the benefits and risks associated with their medications. This includes paying attention to active ingredients, dosing instructions, and warnings.
Changing Trends in Medication Use
The study noted significant shifts in drug use patterns compared to data from the late 1990s.
While acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin have remained popular choices, the use of pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion declined following regulatory restrictions.
Loratadine and omeprazole saw increased use after becoming available over the counter, highlighting the impact of regulatory decisions on medication trends.
The widespread use of medications underscores the importance of ensuring access while prioritizing safety. While increased accessibility may reduce healthcare costs, concerns about misuse and adverse effects remain.
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