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. A prescribing cascade example cited in the research involves older patients taking calcium channel blockers for blood pressure control, which can cause ankle swelling side effects. Instead of first adjusting the blood pressure drug, some doctors immediately prescribe a diuretic to reduce the swelling — which for some, can create an unnecessary drug pair.