Module 4: Medications and Other substances
Prescription medications that treat various health conditions may increase your risk of falling. Over-the-counter medications, alcohol, and other substances can also increase your fall risk because they affect your walking, balance, and how you think.
Medication and Falls
Older adults who use or experience the following may be at risk for falls:
- Health conditions that result in taking multiple medications. Keep in mind that as we age our body processes medications more slowly so side effects from medications may increase.
- Medications with side effects such as reduced reaction time, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, and changes in vision. These side effects can lead to problems with balance and coordination.
- Central nervous system medications. These include medications for depression or opioid medications for pain. These can cause changes in your movements or thought processes.
- Drinking alcohol. Alcohol can make you dizzy and can interact with the medications you take and worsen the side effects that trigger falls.
Steps You Can Take
- Complete your Personal Medicines List and take this list to your medical appointments so you can discuss your medications or any medication changes with your healthcare provider.
- Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have new or worsening side effects that may be due to your medication, or about options to stop, switch, or reduce any medications that may increase your risk of falling.
Resources and Learn More
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Prevent Medicine-Related Falls
Learn how you can prevent medicine-related falls.