We spend a lot of time baby-proofing our homes for grandchildren, but we rarely think about “med-proofing” our bodies as we age. For seniors, a fall is not just a stumble; it is a life-altering event. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for adults over 65, often leading to a loss of independence.
While we typically blame slippery rugs, poor eyesight, or icy sidewalks, the silent culprit is often sitting right in the medicine cabinet. Many standard prescriptions have side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or a drop in blood pressure. Taking them alone or in combination can drastically affect balance. Here are the common medications that can double a senior’s risk of falling.
1. Benzodiazepines (The Sedatives)
Drugs like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are often prescribed for anxiety or sleep issues. However, these are powerful sedatives that linger in the system, especially in older adults whose kidneys metabolize drugs slower. They don’t just put you to sleep; they keep your nervous system depressed.
They create a “hangover” effect that can last well into the next day. You might wake up feeling groggy, confused, or uncoordinated, making a simple trip to the bathroom in the morning treacherous. Studies show these drugs significantly increase the risk of hip fractures because they slow your reaction time when you trip.
2. Blood Pressure Medications (Antihypertensives)
Managing high blood pressure is vital for heart health, but it comes with a trade-off. These meds work by relaxing blood vessels to lower pressure. Sometimes, they work too well, leading to a condition called orthostatic hypotension.
This means your blood pressure drops suddenly when you stand up from a chair or bed, causing a “head rush” or dizziness. That moment of lightheadedness is when many falls happen. If you often feel the room spin when you stand up, you need to talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage.
3. The “PM” Pain Relievers (Anticholinergics)
Over-the-counter painkillers labeled “PM” usually contain Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to help you sleep. This class of drugs, called anticholinergics, blocks a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in learning and memory.
In seniors, this doesn’t just cause sleepiness; it can cause confusion, blurred vision, and heavy sedation. Reliance on these nightly aids is a major, often overlooked, fall risk factor. Tylenol PM might seem harmless because it is sold on a shelf, but it can make you incredibly unsteady in the dark.
4. Opioid Painkillers
Prescription pain meds like Oxycodone or Hydrocodone are known for causing drowsiness and confusion. They dull your senses and slow your reaction time. If you trip on a rug, your body’s natural reflex to catch yourself is delayed.
If you are managing chronic pain, talk to your doctor about non-opioid alternatives or ensure you have safety measures in place. This might mean installing grab bars and ensuring you have clear pathways to the restroom while taking these medications.
5. Antidepressants (SSRIs and Tricyclics)
Medications for mood, such as Zoloft or Amitriptyline, are essential for mental health, but they can affect physical stability. Some cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels), which leads to confusion and instability. Others can cause drowsiness or dizziness as a direct side effect. Being aware of this allows you to take extra precautions, like sitting on the edge of the bed for a minute before getting up to let your body adjust.
6. Muscle Relaxers
If you pull a back muscle, you might be prescribed a relaxer like Flexeril. As the name suggests, these relax your muscles throughout your entire body, not just your back. This total-body relaxation can make your legs feel like jelly.
Combining these with even a small amount of alcohol is a recipe for a fall. Use them only when you can stay seated or in bed and never try to navigate stairs while under their influence.
Review Your Regimen
This is not a suggestion to stop taking your medication. Stopping abruptly can be dangerous. Instead, bring all your pill bottles to your pharmacist or doctor for a “brown bag review.” Ask specifically: “Do any of these increase my fall risk?” Knowledge is your safety net. Adjusting a dosage or changing the time of day you take a pill could save your hip and your independence.
Have you ever felt dizzy from a new medication? Let us know in the comments so others can watch out for it.
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The post These Common Medications Can Double a Senior’s Risk of Falling appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
