Mary’s Journey: A Wake-Up Call on Medication and Balance
Mary's sudden episodes of dizziness were unsettling. Having started only a few weeks ago, they had already nearly caused her to take a tumble. Unwilling to let these episodes slow her down, she continued to go about her day but with caution. A casual conversation with a pharmacist, however, led her to reconsider her symptoms' origin.
The Unseen Culprit: Medication Side Effects
It turns out, Mary had recently started taking antidepressants. She had not read the list of side effects (these are anxiety-inducing at the best of times) and didn't realise they could be the culprit. After consulting her doctor, they determined that the antidepressants could be causing her dizziness.
Taking Action: Adjusting Lifestyle and Medication Timing
Her doctor suggested increasing her fluid intake and taking the pills in the evening. If that didn't work, he would look at changing the prescription.
Fortunately, these changes worked, and Mary felt significantly better. This got her thinking: could others be overlooking the connection between medication and balance issues?
Common Medications That Affect Balance
Many people, like Mary, don't immediately link new balance issues to medication. But a variety of common medications can lead to symptoms ranging from mild dizziness or blurred vision to severe instability.
These include:
Type of medication | Some commonly-prescribed examples |
|---|---|
Sleeping aids | zopiclone, diazepam, temazepam |
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications | SSRIs like citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine |
Bladder urgency medications | oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin |
Erectile dysfunction pills | Viagra, Cialis |
Blood pressure medications | amlodipine, anything ending with -pril, diuretics |
Heart medications | vasodilators, nitrates, GTN spray, beta blockers, also diuretics |
Diabetes medications | gliclazide, insulin |
Osteoporosis medications | alendronate |
Opioid painkillers | co-codamol, tramadol, morphine patches |
This list is not exhaustive.
Anti-seizure medications and Parkinson’s medications can cause dizziness and visual disturbances. Many other medications, including herbal supplements, can have side effects which can affect your balance.
Remember, you could be taking any of these without any issues. They could be affecting your balance, but that doesn't mean they definitely will.
The Risks of Polypharmacy
Taking multiple medications, also known as polypharmacy, can increase the risk of balance-related issues. It's crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to minimize the number of medications you need. Here's an article we wrote on this topic.
When to Consult a Professional
If you notice new symptoms like dizziness or unsteadiness, speak with your doctor. An alternative medication may be a better fit, or it could be an unrelated issue worth investigating.
*Important note: Do not stop taking any medications without consulting your doctor *
A Holistic Approach to Balance
Besides medication, several other factors contribute to maintaining your balance. Staying active and participating in regular exercise can bolster your muscle strength and improve your balance, helping you feel steadier on your feet and more confident every day.
