Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
Manage Your Medications
Page Content
- Medications include prescriptions, over-the-counter pills, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Medications that help you relax, sleep, or improve your mood can increase your risk of falling.
- Some medications may cause a drop in blood pressure which can increase your risk of falling (See
Managing Blood Pressure)
- Watch out for cold and flu medications you buy over-the-counter as some can make you drowsy.
Take Action
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Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner to check all your medications at least once a year. They can help make sure you are taking only what you need.
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If your medications make you drowsy or dizzy, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner. They can sometimes prescribe a different medication that does not have those side effects.
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Talk about possible interactions of alcohol and medications. Alcohol and medications increase your risk of falling.
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Never take anyone else’s medications.
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If you have questions about how to take your medications, talk to your healthcare provider. Be sure to ask about the effect of a new medication on food or other medications.
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If you take medications for diabetes, talk to your doctor about how to manage your blood sugar overnight.
Watch
this video to learn more about taking medications safely. |
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To learn more about your risk of falling complete the
“Is there a chance you might fall?” checklist.
Current as of: June 30, 2019
Author: Fall Risk Management Program
