Falls in Elderly: Causes, Risks, and How Medications Play a Role

When an older adult falls, it’s rarely just bad luck. A fall in elderly, an unplanned descent to the ground that often results in injury. Also known as senior fall, it’s one of the top reasons older people end up in the ER—and a major factor in losing independence. One in four adults over 65 falls each year. Many of these aren’t caused by slippery floors or tripping hazards alone. The real culprit? Often, it’s what’s inside their medicine cabinet.

Medication side effects, unintended physical changes caused by drugs. Also known as drug-induced dizziness, they’re a silent trigger for falls. Drugs for blood pressure, anxiety, sleep, or even pain can make you lightheaded, slow your reflexes, or blur your vision. Anticholinergics like darifenacin, used for overactive bladder, can cause drowsiness and confusion. Antiseizure meds like lamotrigine, if switched to a generic version, might alter absorption enough to affect coordination. Even supplements like evening primrose oil can interact with antipsychotics and lower your seizure threshold, increasing the chance of a sudden collapse.

Balance disorders, problems with your inner ear or nervous system that make standing or walking steady difficult. Also known as vestibular dysfunction, they’re often worsened by multiple medications taken together. Many seniors take five or more pills daily. That’s called polypharmacy—and it’s a major red flag for fall risk. Pharmacogenetic testing can help predict who’s more likely to have bad reactions to certain drugs, but most people never get tested. Instead, they just keep taking what was prescribed years ago, even if their body has changed. Muscle weakness from aging, low vitamin D, or nerve damage from diabetes also plays a part. But when you add a new pill that makes you dizzy, it’s the combo that knocks you down.

It’s not just about avoiding falls. It’s about understanding why they happen. Some falls are linked to how your body absorbs drugs—like how excipients in generic pills might change how fast a medication enters your bloodstream. Others come from interactions you didn’t know existed. For example, an antifungal like griseofulvin might seem harmless, but if it’s mixed with other meds that affect the liver, it can build up and cause dizziness. Even something as simple as an antihistamine for allergies can make you unsteady on your feet.

This isn’t about scaring you. It’s about giving you control. Many falls are preventable—not by buying better shoes or installing grab bars alone, but by looking closely at what’s in your meds. If you or a loved one has fallen, or even come close, it’s time to ask: Could a pill be the cause? Are there alternatives with fewer side effects? Could one drug be removed or replaced?

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on how medications interact with aging bodies, what to watch for, and how to talk to your doctor about reducing risk. From how generic substitution can trigger seizures to how diet affects ADHD meds like atomoxetine, these posts show the hidden links between pills and stability. You won’t find fluff. Just clear, actionable info to help keep you—or someone you care about—on their feet.