Q. My mom is on Detrol for a bladder problem and I fear that it is causing mental confusion. She is also on two blood pressure drugs (losartan and amlodipine) that make her dizzy. Last week she fell and injured her shoulder. Now she can’t lift her arm to brush her hair. What can we do?
A. As people grow older, the doses of blood pressure pills that once were just right may become excessive. Have your mother’s doctor review all of her medicines and eliminate any that are not essential. A fall caused by dizziness can be life threatening.
Detrol (tolterodine) and other bladder drugs may contribute to forgetfulness and cognitive decline. Dozens of prescription medications can also cause brain fog and are inappropriate for senior citizens.
To help you prepare for the visit with her doctor, we are sending you our Guide to Drugs and Older People, with a list of drugs that seniors should usually avoid as well as a list of medicines that may cause confusion.
