Combination psychotropic medicine use in older adults and risk of hip fracture

Older people might be embarrassed to talk about falling as they worry this may be judged as a loss of their ability to live independently. Ask older patients, at least yearly, if they ever feel unsteady on their feet or if they have fallen Consider whether medicines may be contributing to feelings of unsteadiness or falling. Drugs such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, particularly if taken together, are associated with a risk of falling and hip fracture Review the patient’s treatment regimen to see if there are drugs that are no longer required. Psychotropic drugs should usually be tapered gradually so that adverse effects can be minimised Involve a range of health professionals to identify and manage the risk of falls. Help patients stay physically active, independent and socially connected