Medicine Fact Sheet (English)

Medications can be
linked to injuries
as we age
Take action to stay safe
and independent
Injuries from falls and car crashes are more
common as we age. Adults ages 65 and
older can be at greater risk of a fall or car
crash if they use a medication that has side
effects such as dizziness, blurry vision, or
slowed reaction time.
As we age, our bodies process medications
differently. A prescription or over-thecounter (OTC) medication that worked well
in the past could start causing side effects
now or in the future. Older adults are also
more likely to take multiple medications.
Taking five or more medications further
increases the chances of side effects.
Work with your healthcare provider
(such as a doctor, pharmacist, nurse,
nurse practitioner, or physician assistant)
to adjust your medications as needed to
stay independent and reduce your risk of
falling or having a car crash.

Do not stop taking your
medications without
first talking to your
health care provider.

3 out of every 4
older adults take
at least one medication
commonly linked to
falls or car crashes.

Centers for
Control and
National Cen
Prevention a

Below are some examples* of medications and
medication categories that can increase the
risk of falls or car crashes.
Opioid or narcotic pain
medications:
• Oxycodone
(OxyContin, Percocet)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Tramadol (Ultram)

Medications for
depression or mood:
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Amitriptyline (Elavil)

OTC allergy and motion
sickness medications:
• Diphenhydramine
(Benadryl)
• Dimenhydrinate
(Dramamine)

Medications for bladder
control:
• Oxybutynin (Ditropan)
• Tolterodine (Detrol)

Anti-anxiety medications:

Anti-psychosis or mood
stabilizing medications:

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

• Haloperidol (Haldol)
• Risperidone (Risperdal)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Prescription and
OTC sleep aids:

High blood pressure/
heart medications:

• Zolpidem (Ambien)
• Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
• Doxylamine (Unisom)

•
•
•
•
•

Muscle-relaxing
medications:

Metoprolol (Toprol)
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Lisinopril (Zestril)
Losartan (Cozaar)

• Carisoprodol (Soma)
• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
*NOTE: This is not a complete list of all medications
that may increase risk for falls or car crashes. Common,
but not all, brand names are listed in parentheses after
the generic name. For example, Valium is a brand name
version of the generic medication diazepam.

Effects of alcohol or
illicit drugs can increase
the risk of falls and car
crashes at any age.
These may be even
more dangerous for
older adults. Alcohol
and illicit drugs may
also interact with
medications we take.

What are some side
effects to look for?
• Blurry vision
• Daytime fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Fainting or
passing out
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of balance
• Muscle weakness
• Slowed reaction time
• Trouble concentrating
or problem solving

How can I reduce my risk of falling or having a car crash?
… Use the MyMedications List to make a list of the medications you take. Include all
prescription medications, OTC medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products.
… Update your completed MyMedications List with your healthcare provider at least
once a year or whenever you change medications.
… Use the MyMedications Action Plan with your healthcare provider to identify medications
linked to falls or car crashes and make a plan to adjust medications as necessary.
Download the Fact Sheet, MyMedications List, and MyMedications Action Plan at bit.ly/CDC-MedicinesRisk
For more information visit: bit.ly/CDC-MyMobilityPlan
June 2022