Is Our Medication Killing Us?

Falls are often dismissed as an inevitable part of aging, but a groundbreaking new study from JAMA Health Forum reveals they are a deadly and growing epidemic, silently fueled by a surprising culprit: common prescription drugs.

The article, titled "Risky Prescribing and the Epidemic of Deaths From Falls," paints an alarming picture. It found that the number of older adults prescribed drugs that increase the risk of falling has skyrocketed, from 57% in 1999 to a staggering 94% in 2017. Over that same period, the rate of deaths from falls among this population more than doubled.

The study, which used data from national surveys, identified several classes of "fall-risk-increasing drugs" (FRIDs) that are commonly prescribed to older Americans. These include:

• Antidepressants

• Blood Pressure

• Opioids and more

The researchers highlighted the profound human and economic cost, noting that fall-related medical costs for older adults exceed $50 billion each year. This is a call to action for both patients and healthcare providers.

The study's authors emphasize the importance of "deprescribing"—a process where healthcare teams thoughtfully review a patient's medications to reduce or stop those that are no longer necessary or that pose a greater risk than benefit.

The Takeaway for You: A fall is not a foregone conclusion of aging. If you or a loved one is taking multiple medications, it is critical to have an honest conversation with your doctor or pharmacist. Ask them to review all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs to assess their impact on balance and fall risk. This simple step could be one of the most effective ways to protect your health and independence.

Farley TA. Risky Prescribing and the Epidemic of Deaths From Falls. JAMA Health Forum. 2025;6(8):e253031. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2025.3031