EDITOR CHOICE Maintaining balance involves the brain, inner ear, muscles, and nerves. As people age, this system becomes more sensitive, and many medications can disrupt it, increasing the risk of falls.
Drugs like benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or muscle stiffness, all of which impair balance.
Blood pressure medications and diuretics can cause blood pressure to drop too much, especially when standing, leading to lightheadedness and unsteadiness.
Antihistamines, opioids, sleep aids, and anticonvulsants also affect brain or nerve function, potentially causing confusion, sedation, or poor coordination.
To reduce fall risk, it’s important to review medications regularly, report symptoms, stay hydrated, do balance exercises, and consider assistive devices if needed—always under a doctor’s guidance.
