Is there a limit on how many medications you can take at once?

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – There's a large portion of Americans who take five or more prescription medications, according to health experts.

Taking multiple medicines can be tricky. If you're not careful, it could lead to complications.

As part of our "Ask the Expert" series, in partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis , 7NEWS spoke with a doctor about how to prevent side effects and bad interactions.

"There's always a risk and benefit to doing anything we do in life and medicine is no different," said Dr. Steve Newman.

With nearly 25 years of experience, Bon Secours' Medical Director of Primary Care, Dr. Steve Newman, has helped treat a number of patients.

"It's estimated that over 50% of Americans over the age of 65 are currently on five or more medicines, and 13% of Americans under the age of 65 are currently taking five or more medicines," said Newman.

Dr. Newman said the reality is, many people people will be prescribed some sort of medication during their lifetime. Some people will need more than others.

"Taking multiple medicines is not necessarily a bad thing," Newman said.

While a lengthy list may be concerning to some, doctors said that's not always the case. Health experts said there should always be direct lines of communication between you and your provider.

"I think it's very important that we always look at what we're taking and make sure that what we're taking is appropriate and necessary," explained Newman. "But just because you're on multiple medicines does not mean that your doctor is doing or providers doing anything incorrectly, or that's not looking out for your best interest."

So, is there a limit on how many medications a person can be on at once?

"The number of medications that a patient takes is going to be dependent upon their medical conditions. So there is no number that's too much or too little. And the reason being is because you individualize the care of the patient based on what their current medical problems are," said Newman. "It would be unfair for me to say that eight medicines are too much, because in reality, if you have eight medical problems that require medicines to treat those problems, eight is not enough. Eight's just right and it's not too much."

Health experts said everything you take has potential for a side effect or bad reaction if you are not careful. Which is why it's important to stay in constant communication with your healthcare providers, especially if you're seeing more than one doctor.

"The reality is, each medicine, everything you take, has the potential for a side effect," Newman said. "In other words, taking one medicine has its own risk factors. Taking two medicines has their own unique risk factors. But if this, if the side effects are the same, there is theoretically an increase both in intensity and frequency of that side effect."

Remember, always review and look at your options with a health expert before taking more than one medication at a time. There could be other option that will help you accomplish your same health goals.

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