TIP OF THE MONTH

Medications

Are your medications increasing your fall risk?

Many medications can cause side effects or interact with each other, raising fall risk. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, increased urinary frequency, and blood pressure changes. Tell your healthcare team about all the medications you’re taking to reduce your risk and prevent falls.

Practical Tips

  • Make a list of all your prescription and over-the-counter medications.

  • Talk with your provider or pharmacist about your medications regularly as well as anytime you want to stop or change how you take them, or start a new prescription.

  • Use a pill organizer to ensure you take your medications as prescribed.

  • Ask your pharmacy for accommodations such as large print labels or pre-filled medication trays if you have difficulty reading the instructions on pill bottles.

  • Be aware of non-prescription medications that contain sleep aids including painkillers with “PM” in their names as these may cause balance issues and dizziness.

  • When taking medications that may cause dizziness, change positions slowly and get steady before beginning to walk.

  • When taking a new medication with side effects such as dizziness, take additional safety precautions until you know how these affect you.

Additional Resources