​​​​​Medicines include prescriptions, over-the-counter pills, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The effects of some medicines can put you at higher risk of falling. These medicines may include:

• medicines that help you relax, sleep, or improve
• some over-the-counter cold, flu, and allergy medicines (video)
• certain medicines that may cause a drop in blood pressure

Medicines checks

Ask your healthcare provider (doctor, pharmacist, nurse practitioner) to ​check all your medicines at least once a year. They can help make sure you are taking only what you need.

If you have questions about how to take your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. Be sure to ask about the effects of a new medicine.

If your medicines make you drowsy or dizzy, tell your healthcare provider. They may be able to prescribe a different medicine that does not have those side effects.

Medicine safety tips

Here are some tips to be safe with medicine:

• Know that alcohol can affect how some medicines work. Drinking alcohol, especially with certain medicines, can put you at higher risk of falling.
• Never take anyone else’s medicine.
• If you take medicine for diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage your blood sugar overnight.
• Learn more about taking medicines safely​ (video).

Learn more about risk factors for falling.