A Thoughtful, Functional Approach to Medication Oversight
Modern medicine provides powerful tools to manage disease, but taking multiple medications without oversight can increase the risk of harm. Polypharmacy, which refers to the use of several medications at once, is especially common in older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions. Each medication may have a clear purpose, but together they can lead to side effects, drug interactions, and other complications that compromise well-being.
At Vida Revival in Thousand Oaks, Dr. Diana Alavi combines primary care with functional medicine to offer comprehensive medication management. Her patient-first approach ensures that each medication is evaluated not only for safety and effectiveness but also for how well it supports the patient’s broader health goals. She serves patients throughout Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, and nearby Los Angeles County communities with a commitment to safer prescribing and long-term wellness.
Why Medication Management Is Essential for Primary Care
Understanding the Risks of Uncoordinated Prescribing
Many patients see multiple specialists who each prescribe medications for specific issues. A cardiologist may prescribe something for blood pressure, a psychiatrist may recommend medication for mood, and a gastroenterologist may treat reflux with another prescription. When no single physician is coordinating the full medication list, the risks of adverse reactions or overlapping effects can increase.
Dr. Alavi recognizes that the absence of medication oversight can result in persistent fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, cognitive issues, or unexplained symptoms. Her approach goes beyond verifying what each drug is intended to treat. She evaluates how medications interact, whether any have become unnecessary, and if simpler alternatives might improve outcomes.
Identifying Who Benefits from Polypharmacy Review
Recognizing the Signs That Your Medication Regimen Needs a Closer Look
Certain groups are at higher risk for complications from multiple medications. Older adults, in particular, experience changes in how their bodies metabolize drugs, increasing vulnerability to side effects. People living with multiple chronic diseases may accumulate prescriptions over time. Others may struggle with subtle symptoms like confusion or imbalance that could be related to their medication regimen.
Patients who have recently left the hospital or rehabilitation facility often arrive home with several new prescriptions. These are frequently designed for short-term use and must be reviewed to prevent long-term dependency. Individuals who rely on both prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies, or who take supplements alongside medications, benefit significantly from a complete evaluation. Dr. Alavi helps bring clarity and safety to what often becomes a confusing mix of treatments.
Integrating Functional Medicine with Clinical Pharmacology
Looking Beyond the Prescription Pad
At Vida Revival, medication management is rooted in the principles of functional medicine. This means that Dr. Alavi takes the time to understand the underlying causes of symptoms rather than defaulting to medication as a first step. If a patient is experiencing sleep difficulties, she explores behavioral and biological contributors before relying on pharmaceutical sleep aids. If digestive discomfort is an issue, she considers diet, stress, and microbiome balance in addition to any medications involved.
Her process not only evaluates drug effectiveness but also questions whether medications are still necessary. Over time, some prescriptions may become redundant or even counterproductive. Dr. Alavi’s aim is to reduce the overall burden of medications when possible while ensuring that essential prescriptions are used wisely and with ongoing monitoring.
The Step-by-Step Process of Comprehensive Medication Review
What You Can Expect When You Work with Dr. Alavi
Medication management at Vida Revival begins with a detailed review of everything a patient is taking. This includes prescriptions, supplements, and any non-prescription remedies. Dr. Alavi collects information on dosing schedules, frequency, reasons for use, and any known side effects. She uses her clinical knowledge and medical tools to analyze the full list for interactions, duplications, or signs of overmedication.
She then meets with the patient to discuss any concerns, current symptoms, and the overall experience with each medication. This conversation allows her to identify problems that may not be immediately apparent on paper. Based on this assessment, she may recommend adjusting dosages, removing medications that are no longer necessary, or transitioning to safer or more natural options.
When medications are reduced, Dr. Alavi follows a safe and gradual process to prevent withdrawal effects or health disruptions. She also communicates with any specialists involved in the patient’s care to ensure continuity and avoid conflicting changes. Her goal is to create a manageable and effective treatment plan that supports the patient’s health without creating additional challenges.
A Preventive Lens on Medication Use
Reducing Long-Term Risks by Rethinking Daily Routines
Poorly managed medications are among the most common causes of avoidable emergency visits and hospital admissions in older adults. Common problems include falls, confusion, dehydration, and internal bleeding, many of which are linked to medications that are improperly dosed or combined.
Dr. Alavi treats medication review as an important form of prevention. With routine assessments, many adverse outcomes can be avoided entirely. Functional medicine emphasizes patient education, and Dr. Alavi ensures that every person under her care understands what they are taking and why. This transparency encourages better adherence, improved decision-making, and an overall increase in trust and comfort with the treatment plan.
A Long-Term Strategy for Health Maintenance
Planning for Aging, Stability, and Vitality
As patients age, their medical needs evolve. Medications that were once helpful may no longer be appropriate due to changing physiology, new health conditions, or lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Alavi provides continued oversight as these changes occur. Her long-term approach includes routine medication reviews, appropriate lab testing, and consistent collaboration with other healthcare providers.
Patients benefit from a more streamlined regimen, improved symptom control, and a decreased likelihood of drug-related complications. With personalized plans in place, they can focus on what matters most: maintaining independence, feeling well, and aging with confidence. Dr. Alavi is a trusted partner in that journey, offering clarity and support at every stage of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between regular medication checks and a comprehensive review?
A regular check might involve verifying refills and basic questions about side effects. A comprehensive review with Dr. Alavi goes deeper, analyzing the purpose, interactions, and long-term value of every medication and supplement.
Do I have to stop taking medications if I come in for a review?
Not necessarily. Dr. Alavi only recommends stopping or reducing medications if it is safe and appropriate. Any changes are made with a careful, gradual approach to protect your health.
How often should I have my medications reviewed?
Patients who take multiple medications or have chronic conditions should have a review at least once a year. More frequent evaluations may be needed after hospitalizations or when symptoms change.
Can Dr. Alavi help coordinate with other specialists?
Yes. She often reaches out to prescribing doctors to align treatment plans and ensure that all medications work together safely.
What should I prepare before my appointment?
Bring a full list or physical bottles of everything you are currently taking, including supplements. Also bring notes on any symptoms, questions, or changes you’ve noticed in your health.
Supporting Safe, Informed Treatment Choices
Your Medications Should Help You Thrive, Not Hold You Back
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your prescriptions or unsure about why you’re taking certain medications, you’re not alone. At Vida Revival, Dr. Diana Alavi offers clarity, insight, and an evidence-based path forward through medication management that is as thoughtful as it is thorough.
With a practice rooted in both primary care and functional medicine, she provides patients in Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, and surrounding areas with a more complete approach to health. Schedule a consultation today to take control of your medication plan and discover a smarter, safer way to manage your health.
