The Beers Criteria lists more than 40 medications that
are "potentially inappropriate" for adults older than 65.

Even with this well-known list out there, doctors still prescribe the
medications. Sometimes when the benefit of a drug outweighs its
potential risks, and they should write the prescription.

The list includes a few medications that people with Parkinson's
disease should avoid. Metoclopramide (brand name Reglan) is a
medication that relieves digestive issues like nausea. Tacrine is an
Alzheimer's medication. Both of these medications often make
Parkinson's symptoms worse.

Many common antipsychotics are not recommended for people with
Parkinson's. They can actually increase the intensity of delusions,
paranoia, and hallucinations.

This week the medical journal Annals of Internal Medicine published
an article that showed that few of the medications on the Beers
Criteria list are responsible for negative reactions. However, there
are three medications which account for approximately one-third of
the emergency room visits for adverse drug events. They are:

Warfarin, a the popular blood thinner also called Coumadin.
Insulin, the hormone that helps diabetics process blood sugar.
Digoxin, a heart medication also known under the brand names,
Digitek, Lanoxicaps, and Lanoxin.
Putting the issue into perspective, if a person with type 1 diabetes
did not use insulin the results would be alaming within 24 hours.
Insulin's side effects are preferable to not taking it. Doctors and
patients need to consider the risks and the benefits of a medication
before making a decision. People living with Parkinson's disease
should almost certainly avoid mainstream antipsychotics,
metoclopramide, and tacrine. Nevertheless, doctors and pharmacists
know when there are exceptions.

People with Parkinson's over the age of 65 may need digoxin, insulin,
and warfarin. It is just important to remember that these medications
and the other medications on the Beers Criteria list come with higher
risks.

Source:
Annals of Internal Medicine