Psychotropic medications and falls in older adults

Falls are a common problem among older adults that may be exacerbated by the addition of psychotropic medications. Within each drug class, some medications have lower risk of falls. As a result, a comprehensive effort to decrease falls begins with a review of medications. Drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy are widespread due to the number of medications older adults consume. Nurses can eliminate unnecessary medications and seek safer alternatives for potentially inappropriate medications. Most drugs require lower initial dosing, slow titration, and lower maximum dosing when used with older adults. Active screening by an interdisciplinary team along with appropriate interventions to address medication management, as well as gait, strength, and balance training, may reduce the risk of falls among older adults taking psychotropic medications.