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 efects 

such as dizziness, blurry vision, or slowed 

reaction time. 

As we age, our bodies process medications 

diferently. A prescription or over-the-counter 

(OTC) medication that worked well in the 

past could start causing side efects now or 

in the future. Older adults are also more likely 

to take multiple medications. Taking fve 

or more medications further increases the 

chances of side efects. 

Talk with your health care provider (such as a 

community health aid, 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) 

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) 

Prescription and OTC 

sleep aids: 

• Zolpidem (Ambien) 

• Eszopiclone (Lunesta) 

• Doxylamine (Unisom) 

• Diphenhydramine (ZzzQuil, 

Tylenol PM) 

*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, herbal products, 

and traditional cultural medicines. 

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/CDC-MedicinesRisk. For more information visit: 

www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/older_adult_drivers/mymobility/ 2023