Falls are a major reason why older people lose their ability to move around and live on their own. Which eventually leads to needing home health care services in New York. Every year, more than one-fourth of the elderly suffer significant injuries as a result of falling.
Some drugs that affect brain function and tend to cause drowsiness, which can lead to falls, are called psychoactive.
As a provider of home health care in Middletown, New York, we recommend using the following medications with caution:
- Benzodiazepines
It is usually prescribed to help people sleep or to help with anxiety. Common drugs include Ativan, Valium, Restoril, and Xanax, with generic names lorazepam, diazepam, temazepam, and alprazolam.
- Antipsychotics
It is usually prescribed to control complicated behaviors in Alzheimer’s and other dementias and is sometimes prescribed to people with depression. Common antipsychotics include Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa, and Abilify, with generic names risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, and aripiprazole.
- Anticonvulsants (seizure medications)
Depakote (valproic acid) is a mood stabilizer that is sometimes used to manage difficult behaviors like Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Neurontin (gabapentin) is another seizure medication often used to treat nerve pain.
If your senior adult is currently taking one of these medications, don’t make any changes without consulting a doctor. Suddenly stopping a medicine can cause considerable harm.
Even if a drug increases the chance of falling, it doesn’t imply that the elderly shouldn’t take it. The benefits to their health and well-being may be worth it. In some cases, alternate options may be preferable.
Heartbeat Health & Homecare Agency LLC is your solution for the best nursing care for your elderly loved one. Contact us today!
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