Thanks to modern medicine, there are a myriad of medications available to help patients who would otherwise suffer from various conditions. However, some of these medications can have a negative impact on balance. Therapists in rehabilitation settings need to be aware of the effect of these medications on patient performance and subsequently choose safe and appropriate interventions.
The main medications which can affect balance in the rehab setting include:
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¨Benzodiazeprines (“Benzo” Valium, Xanax)—antianxiety
- 44% rate of falling within first 7 days of taking this type of medication
- Study showed, “The main outcome measure (with use of benzodiazeprines in elderly) was the occurrence of an injurious fall, which was defined as a fall resulting in hospitalization, fracture, head trauma or death.”1
- “In the past decade, the use of benzodiazepines has been identified as a major independent risk factor for accidental falls.”2
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Blood pressure medications
- Thiazide diuretics
- Beta blockers
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Renin inhibitors
- Can cause orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to falls
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Loop diuretics
- Bumetanide (Bumex)
- Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Torsemide (Demadex)
- Can cause orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to falls
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Pain medications
- Can cause dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, increasing fall risk
- Hydrocodone/acetaminophen
- Oxycodone
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Additional Resources / Articles
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Fall Risk Reduction 