Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and medicines are one of the risk factors people can actually do something about. Some drugs cause drowsiness, dizziness, or a drop in blood pressure when standing, and taking several together can multiply the effect. Knowing which medications increase fall risk makes it easier to raise the topic at a medication review.
Key takeaways about medicines and falls
- Some medicines cause drowsiness, dizziness, or low blood pressure that raises fall risk.
- Taking several of these together can add to the effect.
- A medication review is safer than stopping medicines on your own.
- Exercise, vision checks, lighting, and home safety also reduce falls.
- Keeping an up-to-date medication list makes a review far easier.
Medicine types the CDC connects to falls
- Sedatives, sleep aids, and some anti-anxiety medicines.
- Certain antidepressants and antipsychotic medicines.
- Opioid pain medicines.
- Blood pressure and heart medicines that can cause dizziness or low pressure.
- Some allergy medicines and muscle relaxants that cause drowsiness.
Being on one of these does not mean it should be stopped—many are essential. The goal is a thoughtful review, not fear of the medicine.
How to prepare for a medication review
- Bring a complete list of prescriptions, OTC medicines, and supplements.
- Note any dizziness, drowsiness, or near-falls and when they happen.
- Ask whether any medicine could be lowered, changed, or timed differently.
- Ask about standing up slowly if blood pressure drops on standing.
How MedSafeScan helps
MedSafeScan helps you or a caregiver keep a complete, current medication list—including OTC sleep aids and allergy medicines that add drowsiness—so a pharmacist or prescriber has the full picture at a fall-prevention review. Verify each captured product before the visit.
MedSafeScan provides informational guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications.
Quick answers
Which medicines are linked to falls?
The CDC highlights medicines that affect the brain or blood pressure, such as sedatives and sleep aids, some antidepressants and antipsychotics, opioids, and blood pressure medicines that can cause dizziness. Taking several of these together can add to the risk. A pharmacist can review your specific list.
Should older adults stop these medicines to avoid falls?
Not on their own. Many of these medicines are important, and stopping suddenly can be harmful. The safer path is a medication review, where a clinician or pharmacist looks for medicines that could be reduced, changed, or timed differently to lower fall risk.
What else lowers fall risk besides medicines?
The CDC and National Institute on Aging point to strength and balance exercise, checking vision, good lighting, removing trip hazards, and safe footwear. Medication review is one part of a broader plan.
Sources and further reading
These public resources are provided for background reading. They do not replace advice from your pharmacist, doctor, or other licensed healthcare professional.
- CDC STEADI: Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries
- National Institute on Aging: Preventing Falls at Home
- MedlinePlus: Falls
Last reviewed: September 17, 2026