12/02/2025
Risky Prescribing Practices Are Driving a Surge in Fall-Related Deaths Among Older Adults
Post Content:
In 2023, over 41,000 Americans aged 65+ died from falls—more than from breast cancer, car crashes, or drug overdoses. A recent JAMA Health Forum article reveals that this alarming trend is closely tied to the widespread use of fall risk–increasing drugs (FRIDs).
Common FRIDs include:
Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone)
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam)
Gabapentinoids (e.g., gabapentin)
Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, TCAs)
Muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen)
Sedative-hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone)
Antipsychotics and antiepileptics
These medications can cause sedation, dizziness, impaired coordination, and orthostatic hypotension—making falls more likely and more dangerous.jamanetwork+2
How Patient Advocacy Can Help:
Conduct medication reviews with clients and families
Collaborate with providers to explore safer alternatives
Educate older adults about side effects and fall risks
Encourage annual medication assessments
Advocates are critical in bridging the gap between clinical care and patient safety. Let’s work together to reduce preventable harm.
Contact us today to discuss your unique healthcare needs. https://bit.ly/3wKdINc.
🌐https://medicaladvocacyplus.com
📧 angie@medicaladvocacyplus.com
📞 281-204-0017
