Medication Review is One of the Easiest Preventable Risk Factor for Falls
Older adults taking four or more medications at a time are at a high risk for falling. The risk of adverse drug events (unwanted) side effects and drug interactions increases with additional medications.
Starting or stopping a medication, or a change in dose can increase risk for falls. Any change in a dose of medicine can possibly result in dizziness, or sedation and care should be taken to prevent falls. This is especially true if there are missed doses are accidental duplication of doses.
The elderly are even more susceptible to medication related falls due to age-related changes. These changes include:
- Pharmacokinetic changes: How the body metabolizes and excretes drugs
- Pharmacodynamic changes: The effect of drugs on a cellular and organ function
- Polypharmacy: Taking more than four medications at a time
There are a variety of medication categories that have been proven to increase risk for falls. Some examples are:
- Sedatives/Hypnotics
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Pain Medications
- Cardiac medications
- Anticholinergics
- Anticonvulsants
If you or a loved one needs help understanding medications I would love to help you.
