12 medications that can increase your chances of falling

When your doctor prescribes a new medication for you, they’re doing it to treat your health condition to help you feel better. But sometimes that’s not what happens, especially for older adults.  

Many older adults take five or more prescription drugs every day. And sometimes those drugs don’t interact well with one another and cause unwanted side effects.   

Here’s the truth: Side effects are common in prescription and over-the-counter medications. Most side effects are mild, such as a headache or constipation, and may include dizziness or drowsiness. 

Dizziness may not be a problem for some people, but for those who aren’t steady on their feet, it could lead to a fall. (To help improve your balance, try these seven simple daily exercises.)

If you think you’re experiencing side effects from any of your medications — or have fallen because of them — talk to your doctor. (Don’t stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor first.) They may be able to switch you to a new prescription or even find ways to lessen the side effects of your medications. 

Did you know that HMSA members have access to personalized support to help you manage your health and well-being? Learn more here. 

You may also benefit from the HMSA Medicare Advantage Medication Therapy Management Program. It’s a special program available to those who have three or more certain health conditions. It includes a medication review and information to help reduce drug-related risks.  

Keep reading to learn about 12 common medications that can cause falls.  

Common medications that can increase your risk of falling   

1. Anticholinergics  

Prescription or OTC: Prescription 
Used to treat: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, overactive bladder, gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, and involuntary muscle movements 
Fall risk/side effects: Drowsiness (with long-term use) 
Common types: Ipratropium, trihexyphenidyl   

2. Anticonvulsants (antiepileptic or antiseizure drugs)  

Prescription or OTC: Prescription
Used to treat: Anxiety, mood, seizure risk 
Fall risk/side effects: Drowsiness 
Common types: Carbamazepine, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam   

3. Antidepressants  

Prescription or OTC: Prescription
Used to treat: Anxiety, depression
Fall risk/side effects: Low blood pressure (when standing after sitting/lying down)
Common types: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (sertraline, citalopram), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (duloxetine, venlafaxine), atypical antidepressants (bupropion, mirtazapine) 

4. Antihistamines  

Prescription or OTC: OTC
Used to treat: Colds, allergies 
Fall risk/side effects: Drowsiness, blurred vision 
Common types: Diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, cetirizine. You may also find these ingredients in OTC sleep aids labeled “PM.”   

5. Antihypertensives  

Prescription or OTC: Prescription 
Used to treat: High blood pressure 
Fall risk/side effects: Dizziness
Common types: ACE inhibitors (benazepril, lisinopril), alpha-blockers (doxazosin, prazosin), beta-blockers (atenolol, labetalol)   

6. Diuretics (water pills)  

Prescription or OTC: Prescription
Used to treat: High blood pressure
Fall risk/side effects: Dizziness, headaches, impotence, muscle cramps, joint disorders (for example, gout)
Common types: Thiazide (chlorthalidone, indapamide), loop (furosemide, torsemide), potassium sparing (eplerenone, spironolactone)  

7. Hypoglycemia agents  

Prescription or OTC: Prescription
Used to treat: Diabetes
Fall risk/side effects: Dizziness, fainting  
Common types: Biguanides (metformin), meglitinides (repaglinide, nateglinide)  

8. Muscle relaxants  

Prescription or OTC: Prescription
Used to treat: Back pain, muscle spasms
Fall risk/side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, low blood pressure, muscle weakness
Common types: Carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, diazepam, methocarbamol  

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9. Narcotics and opioids  

Prescription or OTC: Prescription
Used to treat: Chronic pain
Fall risk/side effects: Dizziness, sedation
Common types: Codeine, morphine, oxycodone   

10. Neuroleptics and antipsychotics   

Prescription or OTC: Prescription
Used to treat: Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia 
Fall risk/side effects: Agitation, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, sedation, weight gain
Common types: Aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, paliperidone, and risperidone, among others   

11. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)  

Prescription or OTC: OTC (most of the time)
Used to treat: Fever, inflammation, pain, blood clots 
Fall risk/side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness 
Common types: Ibuprofen, naproxen   

12. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants  

Prescription or OTC: Prescription
Used to treat: Anxiety, insomnia, seizures
Fall risk/side effects: Dizziness, drowsiness
Common types: Alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem  

Make sure to talk with your doctor  

Do any of your medications cause side effects? If you’re dealing with interactions between prescription medications, your doctor may be able to help you find alternatives. Or they can advise you on lifestyle changes that can help lessen the negative effects of the drugs you’re taking. That may include looking at what you eat or offering ideas for new exercises. 

At your next doctor’s appointment, take a list of medications you’re taking, including OTC drugs and supplements, such as vitamins. Any of those may cause harmful interactions. Print this medicine wallet card, fill in the information, and keep it in your wallet.  

Even if your medications aren’t causing side effects, there are tweaks you can make to your lifestyle to help you stay safe:   

• Exercise regularly. Strengthening your muscles and doing balance exercises can go a long way toward preventing a fall. 
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight increases the risk of bone loss and broken bones if you happen to fall. 
• Treat leg or foot injuries right away. If you stub your toe and it stays black and blue for weeks, see a health professional as soon as you can. Any tingling, numbness, or other out-of-the-ordinary issues with your legs or feet could be a sign of diabetic neuropathy. 
• Drink more water. Being dehydrated can make you feel dizzy. It’s a good idea to drink at least four to six cups of water a day.  
• Keep your blood sugar stable. Eat nutritious, balanced meals.  

The bottom line: If you’re 65 or older and taking multiple medications, it’s worth keeping tabs on yourself. Are you feeling woozy after taking a certain medication? Are you unsure about how the different medications you’re taking might interact?  

Whatever the case may be, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor. They’ll help you stay in good health — and on your feet.      

Additional sources: 
Medication and older adults: National Institute on Aging 
Causes of falls and how to prevent them: National Institute on Aging 
Falls and diabetes: American Diabetes Association 
Falls and dehydration: Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes 

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