INSTANT appointment

With community pharmacist, Sultan Dajani.

Correct dose

QMy elderly mother keeps getting confused and isn’t taking her medication properly. Should I be worried? Ann, Colchester

AMany ny patients don’t take their medicine properly.

Either forgetting to take it, not taking it because they feel better, or not taking it as directed.

Medication dication is prescribed for a reason, so you are right to have concerns. Perhaps speak

Binning old meds

QI have lots of old and unused medication in my cupboards. How can I get rid of them safely? Lilly, Chichester with her and understand why she isn’t taking her medication properly. Maybe there’s too much to remember, maybe she is experiencing side effects and doesn’t want to take them. You, or both of you can visit her local pharmacist and discuss it, perhaps having a medicines review if needed. It may be as simple as the medication being sorted into a daily tablets box across the week so she knows what she has to take. Or she may benefit from a conversation with her doctor if side effects are the issue here.

AThe best way to return old medicine is to your pharmacist. Do not throw old medicines in the bin, wash them down the sink or flush them down the toilet.

Washing them down the sink or flushing them down the toilet means they enter the water supply and throwing them in the bin means children or pets could find them.

Take them to a pharmacy in a sealed bag, who will then responsibly dispose of them for you.

Whilst observing social distancing, package them into small bags and post through the pharmacy’s letter box with a note to say they need disposing.

Anxiety fears

QMy teenage daughter suffers from panic attacks when she’s anxious. How can she calm herself down? Linda, Swindon

AAnxiety can lead to panic attacks and then when a panic attack happens it can lead to even more anxiety.

The key is getting to the bottom of why your daughter is anxious and putting steps in place to help address it.

It may be helpful to speak with your GP about the situation and see if any counselling would be helpful.

When having a panic attack, the regulation of breath is important.

Try to help your daughter to slow down her breathing by inhaling and exhaling slowly.

Your daughter could practise breathing techniques each day, which could help her control her panic attacks.

The smell of lavender can also help with anxiety.

Inhaling essential oils helps activate a range of neuromessengers such as serotonin, endorphin and noradrenalin.

Try Puressentiel Rest & Relax spray, which is 100% natural and contains lavender, which can provide a relaxing environment.