Complex Medication Regimens
Like many individuals with I/DD, complex medication regimens are common for those with Down syndrome, who are at increased risk of a variety of health problems like heart disease, epilepsy, and mental health issues. To treat these conditions, medications commonly taken by individuals with Down syndrome include:
- Diuretics and digoxin: Diuretics are used to treat heart failure by flushing excess fluids out of the body while digoxin can improve heart function and regulate heartbeat.
- Thyroid hormones: According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), up to 60 percent of individuals with Down syndrome develop hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. And at least 30 percent have thyroid autoimmunity.
- Anticonvulsants: One in 10 individuals with Down syndrome will develop epilepsy at some point, according to the Down’s Syndrome Association. That’s compared to one in 100 in the general population.
- Psychiatric medications: Depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and behavioral issues like aggression are common in individuals with Down syndrome.
- Medications for dementia: The NIH National Institute on Aging estimates suggest that 50% of individuals with Down syndrome will develop dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease as they age.
Why individuals with Down syndrome take multiple mediations:
They have a one in 10 chance of developing epilepsy during their lifetime;
60% have hypothyroidism and 30% have thyroid autoimmunity;
50% will develop dementia due to Alzheimer's disease as they age;
Up to 50% have cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death in this population;
50-65% are born with congenital heart defects; and
They are 12 times more likely to die from an infectious disease compared to the general population.