Seniors, Here Are the Meds That Can Harm Your Driving Skills

In this study, though, Carr and his colleagues were able to account for many factors, including participants' medical conditions, memory and thinking skills, vision problems and whether they lived in more affluent or disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, he added, during busy, time-limited doctor visits, discussions of medication side effects may fall by the wayside.

So that's where patients need to be proactive, Carr said: Ask questions about potential side effects when you get a new prescription. And if you're wondering whether your sluggishness or other symptoms could be due to a medication, talk to your health care provider.