Most of us want to stay as active and independent as possible as we age. Managing medications is a proactive way to make sure you’re not at risk of a medication-related fall.

Prescription medications, vitamins and herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medicine can support our health and wellness. But taking multiple medications can increase your risk of falling.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that three out of four older adults take at least one medication that can increase the risk of falls.¹ Certain types of medications can increase this risk. And the more medications we take, the larger the chance of interactions and side effects—such as dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion—that could increase your risk of falling.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and take medications as prescribed. And it is equally important to let your doctor know if you are experiencing side effects after starting a new medication. Your doctor can review your medications and work with you to reduce your risk of falling. They often can prescribe replacement medications that will meet your needs with fewer side effects and interactions. Your doctor may also recommend deprescribing, which is the process of identifying and stopping medications where potential harm outweighs the benefits.

The resources below describe common medications that increase the risk of falling. Learn how to:

• Recognize potential side effects
• Know when to ask about alternatives
• Understand what is involved in changing your medication routine
• Understand how to work with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure the medications you take support your health without increasing your risk for falls

Deprescribing resources

• Patient Empowerment Brochure: Antihistamines
• Patient Empowerment Brochure: Antipsychotics
• Patient Empowerment Brochure: Gabapentin/Pregabalin
• Patient Empowerment Brochure: Muscle Relaxants
• Patient Empowerment Brochure: Opioids
• Patient Empowerment Brochure: Sedatives
• Patient Empowerment Brochure: Tricyclic Antidepressants

Source

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medications Can Be Linked to Injuries as We Age. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/older-adult-drivers/media/pdfs/Medicine-Fact-Sheet.pdf