According to a study completed by the University at Buffalo, adults 65 and older were prescribed fall-risk inducing drugs at a rate of 97% in 2017. This number has leapt up from just 57% in 1999. It has been proven time and time again that falls are deadly for the elderly. These falls can result in minor to major injury and even death. Hip fractures and head traumas are on the rise and doctors at UB (The University at Buffalo) believe this is due to an inappropriate prescribing of drugs to these patients.
The study states that,” fall-risk-increasing drugs include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives (for high blood pressure), opioids, sedative hypnotics, and benzodiazepines (tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax), as well as other nonprescription medications”.
It is clear from the work done by UB that adults need to pay more attention to what they are being prescribed. Knowing what you’re taking, talking to your doctor and taking care of yourself and your loved ones can help prevent tragedy. Not all medicines play well together.
Study by University at Buffalo – Study: 94% of older adults prescribed drugs that raise risk of falling