Medicines and falls

Some medicines can cause side effects that can make everyday tasks, such as walking, driving, or climbing stairs, less safe. These side effects can include:

• sleepiness (feeling sleepy or drowsy)
• feeling dizzy, faint or light-headed
• changes to your eyesight or concentration

You might notice these effects if you take:

• sleeping tablets or medicines for anxiety
• some medicines for hay fever and allergy
• some medicines used to treat depression (low mood), nerve pain, or mental health conditions
• medicines for Parkinson's disease

These side effects might ease as your body gets used to a new medicine.

If the side effects do not go away, speak to a pharmacist or your GP. They can check if your medicine or dose may be the cause, and review them if necessary.

• Do not drink any alcohol as it will make these side effects worse. 
• Do not stop taking your medicine suddenly.
• If you are older or take several medicines, these side effects can increase your risk of falls, so it’s important to have regular reviews.

Read our information about support for managing your medicines.

If you feel drowsy, do not drive, cycle, or use tools or machinery until you feel better.

gov.uk has more information on the law on drugs and driving.

What to do if you’re unwell (‘sick day rules’)

If you have vomiting, diarrhoea, or a fever (high temperature), some medicines might not work properly. Some can be harmful if you become dehydrated.

Ask your GP, nurse or pharmacist if any of your medicines should be paused temporarily if you’re unwell, and when and how to restart them.