For many older Americans, a simple over-the-counter allergy pill or a prescription sleep aid may seem harmless. After all, medications like Benadryl and Ambien have been around for years and are commonly used by millions of people. But doctors and geriatric specialists are increasingly warning that some of these medications can become dangerous as the body ages. Older antihistamines and sedative sleep drugs have been linked to confusion, dizziness, falls, memory problems, emergency room visits, and even hospitalizations in seniors. Many families do not realize that medications once tolerated in middle age can suddenly create serious health risks after age 65.
