Falls and Over-the-Counter Medications
What Families Should Know
9/27/2024
Stetson Potrykus, Aspirus Pharmacy Resident
Falls are the
leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults, posing a
significant threat to their safety and independence. While many older adults
rely on over-the-counter (OTC) medications for relief from common ailments,
it's important to understand the potential risks these medications pose,
particularly in relation to falls.
“Some
over-the-counter medications that can increase fall risk for the elderly
population are those used for allergies and/or motion sickness,” says Stetson
Potrykus, a pharmacy resident at Aspirus Health. These
medications may cause side effects such as blurry vision and loss of
balance, significantly heightening the risk of falls.
To mitigate these
risks, caregivers should be vigilant in recognizing signs like increased
sleepiness, drowsiness, or memory issues, which may indicate a need to review
OTC medications. Potrykus advises, “If you're experiencing side effects from
these medications, I would recommend reaching out to your provider.”
A pharmacist or
health care provider can assess whether side effects are increasing the risk of
falls and help identify fewer sedating alternatives for managing allergies and
motion sickness. For this reason, Potrykus emphasizes the need to keep your doctor
informed: “The most important thing about taking over-the-counter medications
is making sure your doctor knows that you're taking them.”
Falls can lead to
further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of
helplessness. However, they are preventable. By fostering open dialogue with
health care providers and remaining alert to potential side effects, families
can better protect their loved ones and promote safer medication practices.
For additional
resources on preventing falls among the elderly, visit https://www.aspirus.org/falls-prevention.
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