Contact Us ·  Jobs ·  Make Us Your Home
Fog/Mist
Temp: 76 F (24 C)
Humidity: 100
Heat Index: NA F
Home  ·   News  ·   Weather  ·   Sports  ·   Politics  ·   Blogs  ·   Web Cams  ·   Sunrise  ·   Lottery  ·   Scam Alert  ·   Entertainment  ·   ECU Sports  ·   Station/Bios
Real Estate · CarSoup · Rental Guide · Experts · Double Dollar Deals · Classifieds · Food · Contests · Community · Carolina Camera · Health · First Alert · HD
MSNBC.com Health Headlines
Eastern Carolina's Experts - You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers.
Drugs That Make Seniors Fall Save Email Print
Posted: 2:41 AM Jul 31, 2008
Last Updated: 2:41 AM Jul 31, 2008
Reporter: Heather King

A | A | A

Researchers have released a list of prescription drugs that may increase the risk for falls among seniors who take at least four medications on a regular basis.

The list, published by researchers at the University of North Carolina,
Includes a variety of common prescription anti-depressants, seizure
medications, painkillers and more.

They all depress the central nervous system, which can make patients less alert and have a delayed reaction time.

Some over the counter allergy, cold and sleep-aid medications are on the list as well.

Click here to read the full list.

More Stories
Are Potato Chips And French Fries About To Get Healthier?

Test Could Show Your Risk Of Having A Heart Attack

Stand Up 2 Cancer Telethon Takes Over The Networks Tonight

New Findings On Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Hepatitis May Be Linked To Medical Technician

Attention Parents: Your Stress May Be Affecting Your Children

Economy Down, Alcohol Consumption Up

Genetic "Master Switch" Identified

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Concerned Location: NC on Jul 31, 2008 at 12:53 PM
You don't have to be 65 or older for these drugs to affect your balance or cognitive response.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 31, 2008 at 12:45 PM
It is a shame when doctors write prescriptions for these drug, some of which I have personally been on, they do NOT tell you of this possible side effect. Most I have ever gotten when asking about side effects, is nothing worth worrying about. Think maybe they do this so people will fall and they can rake in more money treating the injuries?

Special Sections
CarSoup
Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.
Rental Guide
Video tours to help you find your next apartment.
Double Dollar Deals
Save 50% from local merchants.
Sylvan Problem Solver
Video tips from Sylvan Learning Center.
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.
Experts
Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.
Local Lookup
Find local businesses online.
Business Break
Two minutes of info from local businesses.
Lawyers On Call
Free legal information on a variety of topics.
Video Home Tours
Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.