

The CDC recommends that seniors STOP medications when possible, SWITCH to safer alternatives, or REDUCE medications to the lowest effective dose. Suddenly discontinuing a drug could cause serious harm.Īnd even if a drug they’re taking is associated with increased fall risk, it doesn’t always mean that your older adult shouldn’t take them. If your older adult is currently taking one of these medications, don’t make any changes without talking with their doctor. What to do if your senior is taking these medications

Common drugs include codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and methadone.Trazodone, an older antidepressant, is typically used as a mild sleep aid.Tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil and Pamelor (amitryptiline and nortriptyline) are anticholinergic so they’re not used for depression, but are sometimes used to manage nerve pain.Common drugs include Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Remeron, Wellbutrin, and Effexor (generic names: sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine, mirtazapine, bupropion, and venlafaxine).Usually prescribed to treat depression or anxiety.Neurontin (gabapentin) is another seizure medication often used to treat nerve pain.Depakote (valproic acid) is a mood stabilizer that is sometimes used to manage difficult behaviors in Alzheimer’s or other dementias.Anticonvulsants (seizure medications) and mood stabilizers Haldol (haloperidol), a first-generation antipsychotic, is sometimes still usedĤ.Common antipsychotics are mainly second-generation, including Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa, and Abilify (generic names: risperidone, quetiapine, olanzapine, and aripiprazole).Sometimes prescribed to people with depression.

Usually prescribed to control difficult behaviors in Alzheimer’s and other dementias.Common drugs include Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta (generic names: zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone).Usually prescribed to treat insomnia or trouble with sleep.Non-benzodiazepine prescription sedatives They should always be tapered under medical supervisionĢ. Warning: It can be dangerous to stop benzodiazepines suddenly.Common drugs include Ativan, Valium, Restoril, and Xanax (generic names: lorazepam, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam).Usually prescribed to help people sleep or to help with anxiety.They can also cause or worsen confusion, especially in people with memory problems or dementia. They affect brain function and tend to cause drowsiness. These drugs are often called psychoactives.
