Tablets and toilet
Tablets and medicines
Some common medicines may have side effects that:
- make you feel light headed when you stand up
- cause dizziness
- cause sleepiness
- cause unsteadiness
If this happens, speak to your local pharmacist or GP as it could increase your risk of falling.
Types of medicines that may affect you:
- blood pressure tablets
- heart medicines
- diuretics or water tablets
- muscle relaxers
- laxatives
- sleeping tablets
- painkillers
- antihistamines
If you're on 4 or more different medicines a day, you should have a review of your medicines once a year. Ask your pharmacist or practice nurse about this.
Be aware that drinking alcohol when you're taking certain medicines may also increase your risk of falling.
Medicines to help you sleep should not be taken for long periods. You can ask your doctor or nurse for help to stop taking them.
Some tablets to control the urge to wee can also increase the risk of falling. If you do not think they make a difference, talk with your GP about stopping them.
What you can do:
- check if any of the medicines you take are in any of the categories we've described above. You can ask your pharmacist about the side effects they can have and any precautions you can take
- take the right dose of medicine at the right time. Your pharmacist can advise you about keeping your medicine in a dosette box. You could also use alarm watches or prompts on your mobile phone to remind you
- if you take 4 or more different medicines a day or you think it increases your risk of falls, make sure that a health professional has reviewed your medication in the last 6 months to check they are still the most effective
- do not stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor
Toilet
Having to rush to the toilet, especially at night, can increase your risk of falling.
If you experience this, there are things you can do to improve or even cure it.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the toilet and make sure your path to the toilet is clear of any tripping hazards.
What you can do:
- speak to a health professional or ask for advice from our local continence service. Call the patient helpline on 0161 835 6476
- start exercises to:
- improve your balance and walking
- help you get out of bed
- help you get on and off the toilet
- consider using a personal alarm if you're afraid you might fall when you get up at night
- have a light switch or torch near your bed, or leave a light on, in case you need to get up in the night. Take away any trip hazards
- place non-slip mats next to your bed and toilet
- consider having a bedside commode if the toilet is not close by
Find out more about the Stockport Continence Service and how to use it.
If you're afraid you may fall, find information on Telecare monitoring and alert equipment.
The NHS has advice and information about urinary incontinence.