[The role of drugs in falls in the elderly. Epidemiologic aspects].

FALLS AND POST-FALL SYNDROME: Falls are a major health problem among the elderly because of the resulting psychological sequelae (sometimes termed "post-fall syndrome") and in a few cases serious injury, particularly hip fractures. DRUGS AND FALLS: The scientific literature on the link between medications and falls and fractures suggests that psychotropic drugs used in about 50% of residents of nursing homes and in 20% in the community cause around 30% of falls in nursing homes and 20% of falls in the community. PSYCHOTROPS: The relative effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressors and the relative effect of short/long acting or sedative/hypnotic benzodiazepines are not well established. CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS: Appropriate use of cardiovascular medications and analgesics does not increase the risk of falls. PREVENTION: These data reinforce the concept that reducing the use of psychotrops, especially benzodiazepines, is probably one of the most effective means of reducing serious falls in older people.