Medication Management

Medications management is crucial to sustaining good health, but at the Arizona Fall Prevention Coalition we want you to just take a moment to consider the effects that medication, or a mix of medications, may have on your balance and your risk of injury from a fall or a slip.  Remember, our goal is to help you prevent slips, falls and accidents.

Medication and My Health

It goes without saying that your medications are an important and very necessary part of treating an illness and/or managing a chronic disease. But for some people, different medications can lead to drowsiness, dizziness or feeling lightheaded; all of which can affect your balance and increase your risk of falling.  

We are in no way suggesting that you limit or alter your medications, but you should talk with your pharmacist or doctor about possible side effects, to determine how you can best limit your risk of a fall related injury such as a hip fracture, a very common fall injury for the elderly.

When you are filling any prescription, make sure to ask the pharmacist whether the medicine can affect your balance. And remember, ‘medication’ not only includes prescription medicines, but also herbal, natural, and over-the-counter remedies such as aspirin or antihistamines.

Request a Brown-Bag Check-up

A brown-bag check-up is when you gather all of your current medications and over-the-counter products into a "brown-bag" and show them to your doctor or pharmacist so he/she can look for any potential problems.

To help you prepare for your brown-bag check up, we have prepared a simple Medication Review Form for you to complete and share with your Physician or Pharmacist. It’s a good idea to review your medications at least once a year, as your medications and health condition will change.

Download Medication Review form >

If you have a chronic condition, your medicinal needs may routinely change as your health changes. You may have to take many different medications; perhaps dosage amounts or frequency may have to be adjusted. You may have medications prescribed by different doctors, particularly if you visit a number of specialists.

These situations can lead to a great deal of confusion when taking medications. As a safety measure, ask to schedule a "brown-bag check-up" with your primary doctor or local pharmacist.

My Medication

Keeping an up to date, accessible list of your medications is very important. In case of an emergency, it could be the difference between life and death, that’s why it’s important to keep that Medical Review form up to date.

Make sure that you are fully aware of all the medications you are taking.

Polypharmacy (Taking three or more medications)

Polypharmacy is taking three or more medications; it can cause adverse drug effects, drug interactions, and/or electrolyte imbalance.

• Be alert to high-risk adverse effects like hypotension, dizziness, sedation, hypoglycemia, visual disturbances due to polypharmacy.
• Be aware of the importance of calling for assistance before getting out of bed alone while experiencing these side effects.

There is a link in the resources section below that lists specific medications and their side effects that could cause a loss of balance and a fall.

More questions? Contact us

If you have any questions please contact the Arizona Fall Prevention Coalition through the Area Agency's 24-hour Senior HELP LINE at 602-264-HELP (4357) or by email here.