Canadian researchers analyzed 22 published studies that included a total of 79,081 participants older than 60. The studies evaluated nine classes of drugs: high blood pressure medicines; diuretics; beta blockers; sedatives and hypnotics; neuroleptics and antipsychotics; antidepressants; benzodiazepines; narcotics; and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

After pooling the data and adjusting for other factors, the review authors concluded that there was a significant association between the use of sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines and the risk of falls in older adults.

More than 30 percent of people older than 65 suffer a fall at least once a year.