Medications

While many of us need medications to manage health conditions, it’s important to realize that many medications are not good for balance. And multiple medications are positively bad for it.

The CDC advises physicians to conduct annual reviews of patients’ medications and to pay attention to both categories of drugs which can cause dizziness, confusion, tiredness, and to the combination of various drugs. This review should include any over the counter medication you are taking.

It may be possible to try a different brand or a different dose, or a different combination of medications. If your doctor does make changes, you can measure the result on your balance with you Stability scale. Bear in mind that some drugs, like blood pressure medications, can throw you off balance in the short term while your body adjusts, so it may be necessary to take measurements for up to 3 weeks, before you can see the longer-term effect on your balance.

What many people aren’t aware of is taking over the counter medications can also interact with your regular meds and put you at risk for falling. The same is true for herbal and other supplements. Make sure you take a list of all those OTC and supplements you take, even if you only take them occasionally, so your doctor can advise you on the full picture.

In addition, as we age, the rate at which our liver and kidneys process drugs changes, which means it’s vital to check in with your doctor regularly, at least annually, to make sure that you’re still on the correct dosage for your health and age. Did you know you can also ask a pharmacist to review your list of medications and highlight any concerns regarding your risk for falling?

Knowing your balance score and sharing it with your doctor can help both of you use objective data to guide your choices. If you doctor changes your prescription, you can measure the effect on your balance with your Stability scale. If you feel that your doctor isn’t taking your concerns seriously, it may be time to look for a different practitioner. Look for doctors in your area who’ve signed up to the ‘Age Friendly Health Initiative’ as this means they’ll design your care around what you feel is important about your life and goals.

If you find that even after discussion with your doctor, you still need to take a number and combination of medications that are bad for your balance, don’t despair. Recognize that the medications pillar of balance is a weak one for you, and turn your attention instead to strengthening the ones you have more power over.

Remember, this isn’t a quest for perfection, but a tool to help you start where you are and take manageable steps towards improving your balance health. Many habits that are good for balance (like exercise and better sleep) are also good for your general health too.