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.

Talk with your health care provider 

(such as a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, 

nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) 

about any medications you take that may 

increase your risk of falling or having a car 

crash. Your health care provider can help 

you make any changes needed to stay safe 

and independent. 

Do not stop taking your 

medications without 

frst 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. 
 

Below are some examples of medication categories 

that can increase the risk of falls or car crashes. 

Also listed are some examples of medications* 

within those categories. This is not a complete list 

of all medications that may increase risk. 

Opioid or narcotic pain 

medications: 

• Oxycodone 

(OxyContin, Percocet) 

• Hydrocodone (Vicodin) 

• Tramadol (Ultram) 

Medications for 

depression or mood: 

• Paroxetine (Paxil) 

• Amitriptyline (Elavil) 

Anti-anxiety medications: 

• Diazepam (Valium) 

• Alprazolam (Xanax) 

• Lorazepam (Ativan) 

Prescription and 

OTC sleep aids: 

• Zolpidem (Ambien) 

• Eszopiclone (Lunesta) 

• Doxylamine (Unisom) 

• Diphenhydramine (ZzzQuil, 

Tylenol PM) 

Muscle-relaxing medications: 

• Methocarbamol (Robaxin) 

• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) 

OTC allergy and motion 

sickness medications: 

• Diphenhydramine 

(Benadryl) 

• Dimenhydrinate 

(Dramamine) 

• Meclizine (Bonine) 

• Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) 

Medications for bladder 

control: 

• Oxybutynin (Ditropan) 

• Tolterodine (Detrol) 

Anti-psychosis or mood 

stabilizing medications: 

• Haloperidol (Haldol) 

• Risperidone (Risperdal) 

• Quetiapine (Seroquel) 

• Gabapentin (Neurontin) 

High blood pressure/ 

heart medications: 

• Metoprolol (Toprol) 

• Clonidine (Catapres) 

• Furosemide (Lasix) 

• Lisinopril (Zestril) 

*NOTE: Common, but not all, brand names are listed in 

parentheses after the generic name. For example, Valium is 

one 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 effects may be 

even more dangerous 

for older adults. Alcohol 

and illicit drugs may 

also interact with 

medications we take. 

What are some side 

efects 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 health care provider at least 

once a year or whenever you change medications. 

Use the MyMedications Action Plan with your health care provider to identify medications 

linked to falls or car crashes and make a plan to adjust medications if necessary. 

Download the Fact Sheet, MyMedications List, and MyMedications Action Plan at 

bit.ly/Medicines-Risk 

For more information visit: bit.ly/MyMobilityPlan

2023