Study reveals how medication side effects can lead to dangerous medication cycles in adults 65+

Study reveals how medication side effects can lead to dangerous medication cycles in adults 65+ 
McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Donna Shryer; 7/31/25 
When doctors treat drug side effects as new illnesses, older adults may be prescribed even more medications — a cycle known as a “prescribing cascade.” A new study says this prescribing cycle can increase the risk of harm. 
Guest Editor's Note, Drew Mihaylo, PharmD: Practicing clinical vigilance regarding medication utilization is essential at any stage of illness. Prescribing cascades are common, under-recognized and often harmful. Approaching the emotional topic of medication change must be done with compassion and sensitivity tied to patient specific goals of care. Creativity to this end has been a focus of mine for sometime now as a clinical pharmacist serving serious illness patients nationally.