Falls are a key contributor to the loss of mobility and independence among the elderly. 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 psychoactives.
As a specialty pharmacy in Palm Springs, Florida, we recommend using the following medications with caution:
- BenzodiazepinesThis is usually prescribed to help people sleep or to help with anxiety. Common drugs include Ativan, Valium, Restoril, and Xanax (generic names: lorazepam, diazepam, temazepam, and alprazolam).
- AntipsychoticsThis is usually prescribed to control difficult behaviors in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and is sometimes prescribed to people with depression.Common antipsychotics include Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa, and Abilify (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 in 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 or pharmacist, like the ones in our independent pharmacy in Palm Springs, Florida.
Suddenly stopping a medicine can cause considerable harm. Even if a drug increases the chance of falling, it doesn’t imply that your 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.
At Palms Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy in West Palm Beach, we offer resources to our clients to facilitate healing for anyone in need.
With the free delivery of our products, we can assure you that we are devoted to building impactful relationships with our patients and their prescribers.
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