What Medications Increase Fall Risk?

1. Sedatives & Sleep Aids

Medications designed to help you relax or sleep can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slower reaction times, making falls more likely.
Common examples:

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax, Ativan)
• Z-drugs (e.g., Ambien, Lunesta)
• Over-the-counter sleep aids with diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl, Tylenol PM)

2. Blood Pressure & Heart Medications

Drugs that lower blood pressure can sometimes cause a sudden drop when standing up, leading to lightheadedness or fainting (a condition called orthostatic hypotension).
Common examples:

• Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol)
• Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide)
• ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril)

3. Antidepressants & Anxiety Medications

While these medications help manage mood disorders, they can also affect coordination and balance, increasing fall risk.
Common examples:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline)

4. Pain Medications (Opioids & NSAIDs)

Pain relief is essential, but some pain medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness, leading to unsteady movement.
Common examples:

• Opioids (e.g., Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine)
• NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) in high doses

5. Diabetes Medications

Some diabetes medications can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low (hypoglycemia), leading to shakiness, confusion, and even fainting.
Common examples:

• Insulin
• Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glipizide, Glyburide)

6. Antipsychotics & Seizure Medications

These medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty with coordination.
Common examples:

• Antipsychotics (e.g., Risperdal, Seroquel, Haldol)
• Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., Gabapentin, Carbamazepine)