Good Lifestyle

As you get older, yourrisk of falling Increases - just like the risk of undergoing a serious injury accordingly. According to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),One in four elders—A total of 36 million people - fall each year. Unfortunately, this results in more than 32,000 deaths per year.

"These falls can be linked to several factors, but are often associated with drugs that can affect balance and coordination," saidMary Cait Smith, Pharmd, clinical pharmacist atUniversity of Toledo Medical Center In Toledo, Ohio. "The risk of undergoing a drop linked to a drug increases with the age and the number of drugs taken," explains SmithBetter life. Read the rest to learn four drugs that increase your risk of falling and how to stay safe if you take them.

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Many people need daily drugs to keep their blood pressure high under control. However, Smith warns that certain blood pressure drugs may increase your risk of falling.

You may be able to alleviate this risk, she says, working with your doctor to monitor your condition and the effects of your drugs. "If you take drugs for blood pressure, it may be useful to maintain a journal for blood pressure readings so that your doctor can see if you are in your range of objectives," advises Smith. "You must work in close collaboration with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure that you take these drugs at the right times and correct doses, which can help reduce these risks. If you have regular readings or side effects, you MUST contact your doctor. It is important not to stop taking these medicines without first discussing with your doctor. "

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Selective serotonin recovering inhibitors (ISRS) are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat depression and anxiety. However, they can be accompanied by certain potentially serious side effects, in particular a risk of considerably increased fall. In fact, a 2016 study published in the journalPharmacotherapy annals "observed a48 percent of greater probability of recurring falls In users of antidepressants compared to non-users. ""

Tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines are also commonly prescribed to deal with these two conditions and can have similar similar side effects. In particular, Smith says that amitriptyline (Elavil), Alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopine) and Lorazepam (Ativan) have all been linked to an increased risk of fall. Talk to your doctor to explore possible alternatives if you are concerned about your fall risk while taking these drugs.

Another type of psychoactive drug that has been increased to the risk of falling, especially in the elderly. Smith quoted Zolpidem (Ambien) and Eszopiclone (Lunesta) as two examples of sleep drugs that are known to cause dangerous falls. In fact, according to a 2016 study published in theJournal of Aging Research, "Compared to non-users, users of sleep drugs had a 40% higher risk ofHave harmful falls. ""

To minimize the risk of serious side effects, many experts recommend that they undergo cognitive behavioral therapyInstead of insomnia. And you can practiceGood sleep hygiene By maintaining a regular bedtime routine and cultivating noisy habits during the day, the experts say.

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According to Smith, opioid narcoticsanalgesic Like oxycodone (percocet), hydrocodone (norco) and fentanyl are known to cause falls with a certain frequency. This is because these are considered "psychoactive drugs", which can change your function of the nervous system, mood, cognition, perception and behavior of your nervous system. "These drugs have an impact on brain activity and can considerably increase the incidence of falls, especially when taken in combination with other drugs that also have an impact on the brain," said Smith, adding that 'They can also cause altered coordination and balance problems.

"If you take psychoactive drugs, it may be useful to chat with your supplier to see if there is a safer alternative that could work for you," says Smith.

Although taking one of these drugs can increase your falling chances, Smith emphasizes that the combination of two or more drugs that have an impact on your brain or blood pressure can send your arrow risk levels. "When you start a new drug, it is important to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor and pharmacist," she advises. Smith also suggests sharing an up -to -date list of drugs with your various doctors and pharmacists, so that they can help identify all potentially dangerous drugs.

"It is also a good idea to speak to your doctor to see if there are drugs that you could stop taking or if there are safer alternatives to the drugs you are currently taking," says Smith, adding that 'It is best to fill all your prescriptions in a pharmacy for easier registers.

Best Life offers the most recent information from high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.