Can medication given to those with learning difficulties have an impact on nutrition? | QCS

Can medication given to those with learning difficulties have an impact on nutrition?

November 14, 2014

The impact of medication on individuals with learning disabilities is often overlooked despite these individuals often taking a large number of different drugs, both those prescribed by medical practitioners and over-the-counter medicines.

Medications can include psychotropics such as:

  • Anti-psychotic medication used to treat mental health conditions (schizophrenia, agitation, severe anxiety) and behaviour that challenges
  • Antidepressants used to treat different types of depression
  • Mood Stabilisers used to treat mental health conditions
  • Anxiolytics or anti-anxiety agents used to treat different types of anxiety disorder
  • Sedatives (including hypnotics)
  • Stimulants often used for ADHD treatment
  • Anti seizure medications (Antiepileptics)

Medications may be taken regularly, or as required.

These medications may cause side effects that can impact on an individuals nutritional status. Side effects vary depending on the type and particular medication but can include:

  • Feeling and being sick
  • Indigestion
  • Stomach pains
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Dry mouth
  • Gain or weight loss
  • Drowsiness
  • Salivation changes

Not everyone will experience side effects nor will they experience them all. Individuals may experience one or two and for some none at all. The side effects of such medications may result in other medications being prescribed to manage the side effects experienced, such as laxatives for constipation.

Changes in appetite and food intake:

The side effects of these medications may result in marked changes in appetite and food intake, and can impact on the individuals nutritional status.

  • Laxatives and some anticonvulsants can have a direct impact on nutrient absorption
  • If the medication causes drowsiness, individuals may miss meals and snacks

Individuals with learning disabilities may also have other nutritionally related health problems, such as swallowing difficulties, gastro-oesophageal reflux, diabetes, constipation and poor oral health. These can also impact on the individuals ability to eat and drink.

It is important to remember that individuals with learning difficulties may be unable to report side effects due to difficulties in communication. Staff should be aware of the side effects of the particular medications being taken, and act promptly to report any concerns to the individuals GP.

Monitoring of the individual’s weight and nutritional risk should be undertaken using the MUST tool.

A detailed medication care and support plan, as well as any associated risk assessments is important to support individuals.

Medication reviews:

Regular reviews of medication among individuals with learning disabilities should be undertaken, and any side effects which may impact on eating, drinking and nutritional status must be carefully considered. Medication reviews are important not only when discussing the impact of a new drug, but also the continued combination of current medications.

Reviews should be yearly (NICE 2017) or sooner if required.

Individuals should also be supported following stopping over medication of people with a learning disability and autistic people (STOMP).

 

 

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