7 Medications That May Increase Fall Risk in Older Adults

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in older adults, and research suggests that prescription drugs such as opioids and antidepressants may be fueling the trend.

A research review published in JAMA warns that the rising use of medications that impair balance or cause drowsiness may be contributing to a surge in fall-related deaths. Studies show that 65%-93% of the older adults who had a fall-related injury took at least one "fall risk-increasing drug" (FRID) at the time.

What Are 'Fall Risk-Increasing Drugs'?

Drugs that get labeled as "fall risk-increasing" typically affect the central nervous system, such as opioids and antidepressants. They may cause drowsiness and loss of balance.

The risk depends both on the drug's side effects and the health of the person taking it.