Seniors BC - Staying Independent - Preventing Falls

Medication

Do you take medicine that makes you feel light-headed or more tired than usual?	Do you take medicine to help you sleep or to improve your mood?
Do you take fluid tablets or blood pressure pills?	Do you take four or more medications?
Do you get dizzy when you stand up or walk?	Do you have problems understanding your medications?
Do you drink more than two glasses of alcohol per day?

If you have difficulties with any of the above it is important to discuss them with a health care professional.

Ask about a medication review of all your prescription and non-prescription medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information and whether any of your medications will cause unsteadiness or other side effects.
If a medication is causing side effects, such as becoming unsteady, dizzy, confused or drowsy, or if you have a fall, speak to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Avoid taking medication and alcohol together - alcohol can add to the risk of falling by affecting your alertness, judgement, physical co-ordination and reaction time.
Always know why you are taking medications and what side effects they have.
Keep a chart, including instructions on time and dose in a place that is easy to see. Use a dosage dispensing pack.
If anxiety is a problem, ask your health care professional about learning other ways to improve sleep patterns, to avoid using sleeping pills.

Visit the following websites for additional information