Ways Older Adults Can Reduce Falls
Use Medication Safely
Medicines usually are given to make you feel better. And not just medicines that are from the doctor. Medications can be any medicine…prescriptions or what you buy at the drugstore right off the shelf.
Some medicines, especially when you are taking other medicines at the same time may make you feel drowsy, tired, dizzy, light-headed, faint, or unsteady on your feet. Medicines may also cause you to become confused or lead to eye problems making it hard to clearly see your surroundings. All of these can make it easier for you to fall. Do not change or stop any medicines without talking to your doctor.
Take these actions and decrease your chances of falling:
Answer these questions to help spot any problems. Ask yourself the following:
| Question |
Important to Know Because |
What To Do |
| Do you take four or more medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal and/or dietary supplements) a day? |
As you take more medications, the likelihood of having side effects to the medications increases. These side effects may cause you to lose your balance or become drowsy, dizzy or weak. |
Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about all your medications |
| Do you take medication for high blood pressure? |
Medicines for high blood pressure can cause you to become dizzy or light-headed when you stand up from a seated position or when first getting up in the morning |
Stand up slowly when getting up from a seated position. Get up slowly when getting out of bed in the morning. Dangle your legs over the side of the bed for a few moments before standing up. If you continue to have dizziness, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider. |
| Do you drink alcohol? |
Alcohol interacts with many medicines. When used in combination with medicines it can make you drowsy and dizzy which increases your chances of falling. |
Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about all your medications and ask if alcohol should be avoided |
| Are you taking over-the-counter medication in addition to prescribed drugs? |
(Over-the-counter products like cold medicines, pain relievers, vitamins, and herbal or natural remedies are all considered medications) Over-the-counter medications may interact with your prescription medicines increasing the risk of side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, unsteadiness, blurred vision and confusion, all of which increase your chances of falling |
Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before you take non-prescription, over-the-counter and herbal remedies |
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Know the common medicines that increase your chances of falling.
Keep Track of Your Medications
- Complete a list of the medications you are taking.
- Update the list every time you start or stop taking medications.
- Carry the list with you in your wallet or purse.
For a handy checklist, use My Medicine List at:
safecarewisconsin.org/ListItDontRiskIt.aspx
Review Your Medications
- Have your pharmacist or healthcare provider review your medications at each visit.
- Ask about possible side effects or reactions and how you can avoid them.
- Call your pharmacist or healthcare provider about bothersome side effects. Ask what to do.
Learn More
To learn more about safe medication use visit the National Council on Patient Information and Education at www.mustforseniors.org/index.jsp.
