The elderly are more prone to falls due to frailty and other age-related factors. Drugs that can increase the risk of a fall include those that cause dizziness, sedation, confusion, decreased coordination, or low blood pressure when standing up quickly.
This includes benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Valium), sedating antihistamines (such as Benadryl or chlorpheniramine), skeletal muscle relaxants (such as Soma or Flexeril), neuroleptics (such as Haldol or Thorazine), and tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil or Tofranil).
In addition, drugs that affect blood sugar (such as insulin or oral hypoglycemics) or those that decrease sensation in the feet (such as some nerve pain medications) can lead to an increased risk of falls.
Certain illicit drugs can also increase the risk of falls in the elderly. It is important to talk to your health care provider about the potential harms of any medication, especially for older adults.
What common medications cause falls?
Falls are a common side effect of a variety of medications, particularly those prescribed for older adults who may be more prone to falling due to age-related changes. The most common medications associated with falls include sedatives/hypnotics, blood pressure medications, especially those that lower blood pressure, anticholinergics, antidepressants, and antiarrhythmics.
Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and lorazepam, are commonly prescribed sedatives and have strong anticonvulsant effects which can cause a person to become so relaxed they can lose balance and fall.
Blood pressure medications, such as calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics, can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and difficulty standing that can increase the risk of falling and also impair balance.
Anticholinergics, used to treat conditions such as overactive bladder and asthma, can lead to nonselective muscarinic blockade and cause drowsiness, confusion, vertigo, and unsteady gait. Antidepressants can cause side effects such as drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension, and confusion that could increase the risk of falls and subsequently fractures.
Lastly, antiarrhythmics, while they can increase heart rate, they can also cause a sensation of lightheadedness and increase risk of falls. Older adults should be carefully screened for fall risk factors, and should be warned about potential side effects of the medications they are prescribed.
Which class of medications is most consistently associated with falls?
The class of medications that is most consistently associated with falls is medications that affect the central nervous system (CNS), such as sedatives, hypnotics, and benzodiazepines. These medications can cause drowsiness, confusion, and impaired balance and coordination, all of which can increase the risk of falls.
Antihistamines and medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease are also associated with increased risk of falls. Elderly individuals, who may be more likely to take these medications, are particularly at risk of falls.
Other classes of medications not directly affecting the CNS, such as diuretics, cardiovascular medications, and analgesics, can also contribute to an increased risk of falls. This is because these medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, hypotension, and other side effects which can impair balance and coordination.
What are the five major causes of falls?
The five major causes of falls can vary greatly, depending on the individual, their age, and other factors such as chronic conditions. Generally, these causes can be grouped into five categories: medical conditions, environmental factors, lack of physical activity, improper footwear, and medications.
1. Medical Conditions: Older adults and those with chronic conditions, such as stroke and Parkinson’s Disease, are more prone to falls. Additionally, illnesses, such as the flu, can weaken balance and increase the risk of falling.
2. Environmental Factors: Clutter, wires, and other obstacles in a home can cause an individual to trip and fall. Additionally, uneven floor or stair surfaces can contribute to falls. Poor lighting can reduce an individual’s visibility, leading to a potential fall.
3. Lack of Physical Activity: When an individual spends too much time sitting and does not engage in physical activity, this can lead to a decrease in strength, balance, and flexibility. Regular physical activity is essential to maintaining good balance and reducing falls.
4. Improper Footwear: Worn out, open-toed, or backless shoes can lead to slips, trips and falls. Shoes such as sneakers and boots that provide ankle support and good traction are essential to reduce the likelihood of falls.
5. Medications: Certain medications, such as sedatives and other medications for mental illness, can reduce alertness and interfere with balance control, resulting in falls. It is important to review any medications that could cause an individual to become drowsy or lightheaded with their doctor.
It is important to be aware of these five major causes of falls and take any necessary precautions to minimize the risk of a fall.
What is frequent falling a symptom of?
Frequent falling can be caused by many different conditions, ranging from neurologic, musculoskeletal, and balance-related issues. The most common cause of frequent falling is a balance disorder, which is often associated with a decrease in strength, coordination, and sensation in the legs, as well as visual problems.
Balance problems can also be caused by neurologic disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Musculoskeletal issues can cause an increase in falls, such as arthritis or degenerative joint disease.
Other possible causes of frequent falling include certain medications, vertigo, or environmental hazards such as poor lighting, wet or slippery surfaces, or uneven steps or flooring.
If you are experiencing frequent falls, it is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and find a treatment plan that is right for you. A physical therapist can also be helpful in providing balance retraining exercises to help improve your balance and reduce your risk of falls.
What are the three classes most commonly used prescription drugs fall under?
Prescription medications are typically grouped into 3 distinct classes: Narcotics, Psychotropics, and non-Narcotic/non-Psychotropic medications.
Narcotics are drugs with properties that produce a numbing or euphoric effect on the body and are commonly used to treat pain. Examples of narcotic medications include opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone.
Psychotropics are drugs that are intended to alter an individuals mental functioning and behavior. Examples of psychotropic medications include antidepressants, antianxiety agents, antipsychotics, and stimulants.
Non-Narcotic/Non-Psychotropic medications are drugs used for a variety of purposes such as treating illness, relieving symptoms, and managing various life events or illnesses. Examples of non-narcotic/non-psychotropic medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidiabetic agents, statins, and antihypertensive agents.
Which group is at high risk for fall?
The elderly, especially people 65 and older, are at a very high risk for falls. This is because of several factors. As people age, their bodies change, and physical and cognitive abilities naturally decline, making it more difficult to maintain balance and move quickly, two key factors in preventing falls.
Older adults may also experience symptoms of age related health issues, such as arthritis or muscle weakness from lack of exercise, which also contribute to their increased risk for falling. Poor vision, medications that affect balance and coordination, confusion, and not being aware of or able to recognize hazards in the environment can also increase the risk for falls.
Additionally, improper use of devices such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs that are intended to reduce the risk of falls can sometimes increase fall risk if not used properly. In order to reduce the risk of falls, elderly adults should have regular eye exams, engage in balance and strength exercises, use assistive devices appropriate for their abilities, get adequate rest, and be aware of environmental hazards that can lead to falls.
What are the 2 most important risk factors for falls?
Two of the most important risk factors for falls are age and strength. As people age, their natural balance and strength are compromised, making them more prone to falls. Additionally, those affected by chronic health conditions- such as vision problems, diabetes, osteoporosis and arthritis- are more likely to be at risk for falls due to their increased muscle weakness or decreased mobility.
Additionally, environmental factors play a role, as hazards such as loose carpet, clutter, poor lighting, and wet surfaces can lead to falls. Finally, certain medications such as those that are used to treat anxiety, depression, or insomnia can cause dizziness or drowsiness which can lead to falls.
Proactively developing strategies to prevent falls is important, as falls can lead to serious injuries including fractures, head injuries, and even death.
At what age does fall risk start?
Fall risk for older adults is generally considered to start after the age of 65; however, risk can be higher at a younger age, particularly if the individual has certain medical conditions or if there is a history of falls.
To decrease the risk of falls in older adults, there are many preventive measures that can be taken including regular exercise, adequate nutrition and hydration, medication management, regular vision checks, minimizing home hazards, and wearing sensible shoes.
It is also important to monitor changes in balance and strength, particularly in those with other chronic conditions. Making these changes can not only reduce the risk of falls but can also help to increase quality of life in older adults.
What are the 5 P’s of fall prevention?
The 5 P’s of fall prevention are:
1. Patient: This P involves assessing each individual patient in terms of fall risk factors including medical conditions, mobility and level of physical activity, use of prescription medications, mental state, and past history of falls.
2. People: This P involves assessing and educating those around the patient (e. g. family and friends, caregivers, clinicians) about fall prevention, how to recognize and report danger signs, how to monitor for environment hazards, and how to respond in case of an emergency.
3. Place: This P involves assessing the patient’s environment for hazards such as throw rugs, furniture placement, electrical cords, lighting, clutter, sharp edges, slippery surfaces, and poor air quality.
4. Product: This P involves assessing the patient’s use of assistive devices, medications, and other products to ensure they are appropriate and safe.
5. Plan: This P involves developing and implementing a plan of action to address the patient’s fall risk factors through lifestyle modifications, medications and other medical treatments, physical therapy, and other assistive devices.
It also involves assessing the patient’s progress and devising an action plan if any dangers or risks are identified.
Can medication cause an elderly person to fall?
Yes, certain medications can cause an elderly person to fall. Many medications commonly taken by elderly people can have side effects that affects their balance and coordination, such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.
These effects can interfere with the person’s ability to stay steady on their feet and increase the risk of a fall. Elderly people taking medications that can cause these side effects should talk to their doctor about ways to reduce the chances of a fall.
For instance, the doctor might suggest wearing supportive shoes with non-skid soles or using an assistive device such as a cane or walker. It is also important to review all medications regularly to make sure that an elderly person’s dosages are still appropriate for their age.
Elderly people should also ensure that their living space is free of hazards that could lead to a fall, such as trip hazards, rugs, and loose cords.
What are 2 common reasons for falls in elderly patients?
Two common reasons for falls in elderly patients are mobility and vision issues. Mobility issues can result from a variety of chronic health issues, including arthritis, or from being sedentary and not engaging in enough physical activity or strength training.
Vision issues can also contribute to falls, as elderly patients might not be able to identify possible obstacles in their pathway, or be unable to adjust quickly to changes in lighting. This can lead to a patient not seeing an object in their pathway, and cause them to trip or lose their balance.
Other factors, such as medication use, can also contribute to falls. Medications can cause confusion and dizziness, and can exacerbate mobility and vision issues. It is important that elderly patients be monitored for all of these issues, so any unsafe conditions can be identified and managed before they lead to falls.
What are 5 drugs to avoid in the elderly?
The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to the effects of certain medications, and it is important to be mindful of this when choosing which treatments should be administered. Below are five drugs to avoid in the elderly:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – these are widely prescribed in the US, used to treat symptoms from infections to inflammatory conditions and pain. NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects in the elderly due to their decreased ability to sustain kidney and heart functions.
2. Benzodiazepines – often prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, benzodiazepines can be especially dangerous in older adults, as they can have life-threatening interactions with medications and cause debilitating and dangerous side effects, such as confusion and muscular weakness.
3. Anticholinergics – these are used to treat symptoms such as overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, and various gastrointestinal disorders. However, their long-term use can reduce cognitive functioning, increase the risk of falls and fractures, and even cause delirium in the elderly.
4. Digoxin – this drug is typically prescribed for treating heart failure. However, it can cause potentially dangerous side effects such as frequent heart palpitations and arrhythmias, especially in the elderly who are more sensitive to its effects.
5. Statins – although statins are widely prescribed for people with high cholesterol, they have a higher risk of serious side effects in the elderly such as muscle, joint and nerve pain, as well as cognitive decline.
How do you help an elderly person who keeps falling?
The first step in helping an elderly person who keeps falling is to ensure their safety and basic needs are met. This includes making sure that they are in an appropriate environment and receive adequate assistance with obtaining food, water, medication, and any other basic needs.
Additionally, it is important to assess any medical conditions that may be contributing to the falls, such as degenerative joint disease, vision problems, or neurological issues. Whenever possible, it is helpful to create a safe and supportive environment through the use of adaptive devices and modifications, such as stair lifts, grab bars, and raised toilet seats.
If the elderly person’s falls are related to their physical abilities, a rehabilitation program from a physical therapist may be beneficial. The physical therapist can assess the person’s gait and balance and adjust their program to improve stability and to strengthen weak muscles and joints.
Additional considerations include providing the elderly person with good quality footwear with appropriate arch and heel support. If the elderly person requires an assistive device, such as a cane or walker, it is important to properly fit and train them on its use.
It is also important to assess any risk factors within the home that may increase the risk of falling, such as loose rugs, cluttered stairwells, or slick surfaces. If any of these are identified, they should be addressed in order to reduce the risk of future falls.
Additionally, providing the elderly person with a check-in plan may be beneficial. This could involve having family or friends drop by at least once within a day to check in on the person, or having them regularly visit a senior center or activity group.
Finally, it is important for the elderly person to be mindful of their own safety and make sure that they are wearing appropriate clothing and taking caution when completing activities that could increase the risk of falling.
Taking proactive steps to reduce the prevalence of falls is key in helping an elderly person who keeps falling.