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Module 3 of 4
Screen 1 of 9 Introduction
Module 3 · Patient Safety

Your Medications

Some medications make falls more likely. Knowing which ones — and what to do — can protect you.

💊
40% of hospital falls involve medications
But knowing the signs means you can take action before a fall happens.

What you'll learn

⚖️
Which medications
The most common types that affect balance
🧍
Dizzy on standing
What it is and what to do
😴
Sedation effects
Why they last longer than you think
💬
Talking to your nurse
What to say and when
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Screen 2 of 9 Which Medications
💊
Topic 1 of 4
Which Medications
💡
Many everyday medications affect balance
You don't need to know every drug name. Just know the types to watch for.
💤
Sleeping tablets
Cause sedation that can last well into the next morning.
😰
Anti-anxiety tablets
Can make you feel drowsy and slow your reactions.
🩺
Blood pressure tablets
Can cause a sudden dip in blood pressure when you stand up.
💉
Strong pain relief
Opioids like morphine cause sedation and affect your balance.
🚽
Water tablets (diuretics)
Make you need the toilet urgently — rushing is when falls happen.
🙂
Antidepressants
Some types affect balance and blood pressure when standing.
⚠️
Hospital is different from home
Illness, eating less, and bed rest mean the same medication can have a stronger effect on your body than usual.
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Screen 3 of 9 Dizzy on Standing
🧍
Topic 2 of 4
Dizzy on Standing
🔑
What is it?
When you stand up, blood pressure can drop briefly. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or wobbly for a few seconds. This is very common with certain medications.
  1. 1
    Sit up slowly first
    Don't go straight from lying to standing. Sit on the edge of the bed first.
  2. 2
    Pause for 5 seconds
    Feet flat on the floor. Let your blood pressure settle.
  3. 3
    Stand slowly — hold the rail
    Don't rush. Hold the bed rail until you feel steady.
  4. 4
    Feel dizzy? Sit straight back down.
    Press your call button. Tell your nurse — it is important information.
🚨
Never walk through dizziness
Sit back down immediately. Dizziness is your body asking for more time.
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Screen 4 of 9 Sedation Effects
😴
Topic 3 of 4
Sedation Effects
⚠️
Sleeping tablets last longer than you think
Their effects can continue for 6–8 hours or more — well into the next morning.
🌙
Highest risk: during the night
Getting up at 2am or 3am after a sleeping tablet is very high risk. Press your call button.
🪞
You can't always tell
Sedation impairs your ability to judge how affected you are. You may feel fine but still be at risk.
💊
Combined effects
Sleeping tablets plus pain relief can be much stronger together than either one alone.
🗓️
Plan ahead
Before you take an evening tablet, make sure your call button is within reach and you have been to the toilet.
🚫
Don't try to "walk off" the grogginess
Press your call button. A nurse will help you get up safely.
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Screen 5 of 9 Talking to Your Nurse
💬
Topic 4 of 4
Talking to Your Nurse
💡
You don't need to know the medical term
Just describe what you feel. Your nurse will take it from there.
🗣️
"I feel dizzy when I stand up"
This tells your nurse exactly what to check for.
🗣️
"I feel very drowsy since my new tablet"
This triggers a medication review.
🗣️
"I feel unsteady on my feet today"
Your nurse can arrange extra support or supervision.
🔔
Use your call button
Before you get up at night after taking any tablet that night.
✅
Reporting is never a nuisance
Nurses want to know. It helps them keep you safe and may lead to a better medication plan.
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Screen 6 of 9 True or False?

True or False?

Common beliefs — and what the evidence says.

✗ False
"I take these tablets at home with no problems — I'll be fine here."
✓ True
Illness, eating and drinking less, and bed rest all change how your body responds to medication. The same dose can hit harder in hospital.
✗ False
"I feel awake so I'm safe to get up alone after my sleeping tablet."
✓ True
Sedation impairs your ability to judge how affected you are. You may feel alert but still have poor balance and slow reflexes. Press your call button.
✗ False
"Feeling dizzy when I stand up is normal — I don't need to mention it."
✓ True
Dizziness on standing is a warning sign. Tell your nurse — it can often be managed by adjusting the timing or dose of your medication.
✗ False
"Only strong painkillers cause falls."
✓ True
Blood pressure tablets, sleeping tablets, water tablets, and antidepressants all increase fall risk — often more than strong pain relief.
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Screen 7 of 9 Your Actions
Your Safety Habits
Tick each one as you commit to it
✓
Ask my nurse what my medications may do
Especially any new ones or ones that may cause dizziness.
✓
Always use sit → pause → stand
Especially after blood pressure or sleeping tablets.
✓
Go to the toilet before evening tablets
So I don't need to get up alone in the night.
✓
Report dizziness or drowsiness to my nurse
Straight away — don't wait and see.
✓
Press my call button before getting up at night
After any evening tablet.
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Screen 8 of 9 Quick Quiz
🧠
Quick Quiz
5 questions — tap the best answer
Question 1 of 5 Score: 0
Module 3 of 4
Screen 9 of 9 Complete
🏅
Module 3 Complete!

You now know which medications affect balance, what to do if you feel dizzy, and how to talk to your nurse about your medications.

4
Topics
0
Habits ticked
—
Quiz score

This module supports your clinical care. Always speak with your nurse or doctor if you have concerns.

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