Key result
A review of 19 articles found a consistent risk relationship between psychotropic drug use and falls in older adults, with potential associations for polypharmacy and cardiovascular agents.
Why the study?
Are specific medication classes associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults?
Are specific medication classes associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults?
This review highlights a consistent association between psychotropic medications and falls in older adults, with possible risks from cardiovascular agents and polypharmacy.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Prioritizes psychotropic review in fall prevention for older adults; confirms risk associations and extends inquiry to cardiovascular agents and polypharmacy.
The objective of this article was to review the recent literature (1990–1995) on drugs and falls in the older population. A computerized literature search identified 19 research articles. The quality of each study was critically evaluated, and a consistent risk relationship between the use of psychotropic drugs and falls was identified. Moreover, polypharmacy and certain cardiovascular agents may be associated with falls. Finally, it is controversial as to whether certain agents (eg, analgesics, hypoglycemics) are associated with falls. Future studies are necessary to better understand the relationship between drugs and falls in the older adult.
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Hanlon et al. (1996) conducted a review in Falls. Psychotropic drugs, polypharmacy, and cardiovascular agents was evaluated on Falls. A review of 19 articles found a consistent risk relationship between psychotropic drug use and falls in older adults, with potential associations for polypharmacy and cardiovascular agents.
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