Does the risk of falling with Ativan and Risperdal decrease over time?

50-year-old woman5 years ago
How long has a person been taking ativan or risperdal for? Is the risk of falling still present during this time? Or does the body get used to these medications? Thank you very much! Have a nice day!
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Stéphane Villeneuve · 5 years ago
Hello, this type of medication in the elderly does increase the risk of falls. This is one of the reasons why we usually try to limit the use of these medications in our older patients. The risk of falling is still there, even though you can see that the person is "getting used to the medication", especially in older people. In the 82 year old you are talking about, increasing the dose of her Risperdal even increases this risk. These medications often cause what is called hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to a fall. Obviously, the doctor who prescribes the medication is aware of this, and makes sure to weigh the pros and cons of these treatments. He always makes sure that there are more advantages than disadvantages to prescribing. I invite you to read this article from La Presse, which could lead to a nice discussion with the attending physician. https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/sante/201901/25/01-5212417-aines-en-chsld-moins-dantipsychotiques-meilleure-qualite-de-vie.php I hope to have answered your question and I wish you good reading! Stéphane Villeneuve, pharmacist
50-year-old woman · 5 years ago
Thanks a lot! Very complete answer! So does ativan also lower blood pressure like risperdal?
Stéphane Villeneuve · 5 years ago
Hello again, Ativan will not necessarily affect blood pressure. This type of medication causes falls more in relation to drowsiness and the feeling of being cushioned. The risk is tenfold in a fragile person who has to get up at night, for example! I had indeed forgotten to specify! Hoping to have answered correctly! Stéphane Villeneuve, pharmacist
Stéphane Villeneuve · 5 years ago
Small correction: The risk is tenfold for a fragile person who should get up at night because of a craving, for example.
50-year-old woman · 5 years ago
Thank you! So it's risperdal that will bring a drop in pressure, and right away for all people? Or just a potential risk? Thank you so much! I'm interested.
Stéphane Villeneuve · 5 years ago
Low blood pressure is a well-known side effect of the vast majority of medications in the Risperdal class of antipsychotics. Therefore, one should always be cautious!
50-year-old woman · 5 years ago
Thank you very much for these details! Much appreciated! Have a great day!

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