Know Your Medications
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Medications are used to help us feel better and can be any prescription medicine, vitamins, herbal supplements, or over-the-counter remedies you buy at the drugstore. Some medicines or combinations of medicines have side effects that make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or light-headed. These may cause you to lose your balance or feel unsteady on your feet.
Take Action:
- Talk with your pharmacist and doctor about all of your medications and side effects and share with them your goal of preventing a fall.
- Do not stop or change the dosage of any medicine without talking to your pharmacist and doctor.
Four or More Medications
- When you take four or more medications, the chance of side effects increases.
- Four medications is not a lot when you include prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Take Action:
- Make a list of all the medications you are taking and update it every time one is started or stopped or the dose is changed.
- For a handy checklist, use My Medicine List.
- Carry the list in your wallet or purse.
- Share your list of medications with your pharmacist and doctor.
Over-the-Counter Medication
- Over-the-counter medicines can include aspirin, antacids, cold medicines, pain relievers, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Ask your pharmacist and doctor about possible medication interactions.
Take Action:
- Include over-the-counter medicines on your list of medications.
- Ask your pharmacist and doctor about possible interactions.
High Blood Pressure Medication
- These medicines may cause side effects such as feeling dizzy or light-headed.
- If you feel dizzy or light-headed:
- Slowly stand up from a seated position.
- When getting out of bed, dangle your legs over the side of the bed for a few moments before standing.
Take Action:
- Make a list of the side effects you are experiencing and share the list with your pharmacist and doctor.
Alcohol and Medication
- Alcohol can make you feel dizzy or light-headed
- Alcohol can interact with your medicines.
- Alcohol may make medicines less effective or cause side effects.
Take Action:
- If you drink alcohol, ask your pharmacist and doctor to explain how alcohol interacts with your medicines and if alcohol should be avoided.
Common Medicines That Increase Your Chances of Falling
Learn More
To learn about safe medication use visit the National Council on Patient Information and Education at www.mustforseniors.org/index.jsp.
To learn the prescription medications that increase the risk of falls visit http://uncnews.unc.edu/images/stories/news/health/2008/drugslist.pdf.