Medications Linked to Balance Issues: Certain medications can significantly increase the risk of balance problems, particularly in older adults.
Blood Pressure Medications: Drugs that lower blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers, can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly.
Antidepressants and Balance: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft may lead to balance issues due to their effects on sensory processing in the brain.
Anti-Anxiety Medications: Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety, can impair coordination and increase fall risk, particularly in older adults.
Sleep Aids and Drowsiness: Both prescription and over-the-counter sleep medications can cause grogginess and impaired balance, affecting individuals even after waking.
Diabetes Medications and Hypoglycemia: Insulin and other blood sugar-lowering drugs can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, resulting in dizziness and loss of balance.
Antibiotics and Inner Ear Damage: Certain antibiotics, particularly aminoglycosides, can cause permanent balance problems and hearing loss by damaging the inner ear.