1. Are you taking medications to manage: blood pressure, angina, heart rate and/or rhythm?

2. Side effects of these medications that may increase the risk of falling: –cause blood pressure to become too low, especially when getting up quickly from sitting or lying down, causing dizziness, fainting. –cause heart rate to become too slow or regular rhythm is not maintained To minimize risk of falling: –Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down. –If lying down, sit up first, remain seated for a few minutes, then stand slowly. –If possible, monitor blood pressure and heart rate at home. Adapted from Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force, www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication accessed July 15, 2009 www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication

3. Are you taking medications to manage Parkinson’s Disease, Urine Output or Constipation?

4. Side effects of these medications that may increase risk of falling: –cause blood pressure to become too low, especially when getting up quickly from sitting or lying down, causing dizziness, fainting. –mineral loss from diuretics (water pills) and from over use of laxatives can also cause weakness, especially in leg muscles. To minimize risk of falling: –Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down. –If lying down, sit up first, remain seated for a few minutes, then stand slowly. –If possible, monitor blood pressure and heart rate at home. Adapted from Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force, www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication accessed July 15, 2009 www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication

5. Are you taking drugs to manage emotional problems?

6. Side effects of these medications that may increase risk of falling: –cause involuntary muscle movements, low blood pressure when getting up quickly from sitting or lying down and effects on heart rhythm can cause drowsiness, imbalance and lack of coordination, slowing of reactions, dizziness and confusion To minimize the risk of falling: –stand up slowly after sitting or lying down. –if lying down, sit up first, remain seated for a few minutes, then stand slowly. –if possible, monitor blood pressure and heart rate at home. Adapted from Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force, www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication accessed July 15, 2009 www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication

7. Are you taking drugs to manage: cold/allergy symptoms, anxiety, depression, pain, sleep problems?

8. Side effects of these medications that may increase risk of falling: –cause drowsiness, confusion, slowing of reactions, imbalance and lack of coordination, especially if taking medicine from more than one of these groups. To minimize the risk of falling: –avoid over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines (also found in some OTC sleep aids) if possible. –do not take more than one type of pain or anti-inflammatory medication unless specifically directed by your doctor. –do not mix with alcohol. Adapted from Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force, www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication accessed July 15, 2009 www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication

9. Are you taking drugs to manage ulcers or excess stomach acid?

10. These medications can: –cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion. To minimize the risk of falling: –do not take more than one type of pain or anti-inflammatory medication unless specifically directed by your doctor. –do not mix with alcohol. Adapted from Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force, www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication accessed July 15, 2009 www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication

11. Do you take drugs to manage blood sugar?

12. Side effects of these medications that may increase risk of falling: –blood sugar can become too low causing confusion, weakness and fainting. How to minimize risk of falling: –Monitor blood sugars as directed. –Keep an appropriate source of sugar handy. Adapted from Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force, www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication accessed July 15, 2009 www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication

13. Are you taking medications to manage blood clotting problems?

14. Side effects of these medications that may increase the risk of falling: –Excessive decrease in ability to form blood clots can cause bleeding, leading to anemia, weakness and dizziness. To minimize the risk of falling: –Report abnormal bleeding such as bruising easily, unusual bleeding around the gums, blood in urine or rectal blood to the doctor at once. Adapted from Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force, www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication accessed July 15, 2009 www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication

15. Are you taking medication to manage pain?

16. Side effects of these medications that may increase the risk of falling: –stomach irritation can cause bleeding, leading to dizziness and fainting. How to minimize the risk of falling: –do not take more than one type of pain or anti-inflammatory medication unless specifically directed by your doctor. –do not take aspirin with other types of anti-inflammatory medications. –do not mix with alcohol. Adapted from Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force, www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication accessed July 15, 2009 www.fallpreventiontaskforce.org/falls_medication