Patient education: Dealing with higher risk of falls from the medicines you take (The Basics)

Can medicines raise the risk of a fall? — Some medicines can raise your risk of falling. This can be a "side effect" of a medicine. Adding new medicines, or changing the dose of some medicines, can also make you more likely to fall.

You might have a higher risk of falling if you take:

●"Opioid" medicines for pain

●Medicines to help you sleep or relax your muscles

●Medicines to treat high blood pressure or heart problems, including diuretics ("water pills")

●Medicines to treat conditions like diabetes, seizures, an enlarged prostate, Parkinson disease, or Alzheimer disease

●Medicines to treat depression or other mental health problems

●Medicines to treat nausea or vomiting

If you are worried about falling, talk to your doctor or nurse. Do not stop taking the medicine on your own.

How can my doctor help me avoid falling? — They can talk with you about:

●When you take your medicines – Some can be taken at night instead of during the day. This can lower your chance of falling.

●What medicines you are taking – Your doctor can look at all of the medicines you take. They can see if any can be changed to a lower dose or stopped.

What can I do on my own to lower my risk of a fall? — You can:

●Sit or lie down if you start to feel dizzy.

●Avoid changing positions quickly. When you wake up, sit up first, then get out of bed slowly.

●Make your home safer – To avoid falling at home, get rid of things that might make you trip or slip (figure 1). This can include furniture, electrical cords, clutter, and loose rugs. Keep your home well lit so you can easily see where you are going. Avoid storing things in high places so you don't have to reach or climb.

●Wear non-slip socks or sturdy shoes that fit well – Wearing shoes with high heels or slippery soles, or shoes that are too loose, can lead to falls. Walking around with bare feet, or only socks, can also increase your risk of falling.

●Stay active – Moving your body regularly can help lower your risk of falling. It might also help prevent you from getting hurt if you do fall. There are many kinds of exercise that can help with strength and balance.

●Use a cane, walker, or other safety device – If your doctor recommends that you use a cane or walker, make sure that it's the right size and you know how to use it. There are other devices that might help you avoid falling, too. These include grab bars or a sturdy seat for the shower, non-slip bathmats, and handrails or treads for the stairs (to prevent slipping).

If you worry that you could fall, you can get an emergency alert system. This is usually an alarm button that lets you call for help if you fall and can't get up. If you live alone and you do not have an emergency alert system, always carry a cell phone or portable phone with you when moving around the house.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●You have had a fall, even if you aren't hurt.

●You feel faint, weak, or unsteady when you walk.

●You pass out.

More on this topic

Patient education: Preventing falls in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventive health care for older adults (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a walker (The Basics)
Patient education: Staying safe in the hospital (The Basics)