Psychotropic drugs and falls: New evidence pertaining to serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Falls are a significant cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older persons. Risk factors include previous falls, several disease states, and certain drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants and antihypertensives. We conducted a MEDLINE search from January 1966-March 1999 to identify studies and review articles on the association of neuroleptics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants with fall risk in older people. The focus was on the risk associated with serotonin reuptake inhibitor, biologic plausibility, and limitations of these studies. It was thought that the agents did not increase the risk of falls, although recent evidence suggests that this is not the case.