Beers Criteria: What Seniors Need to Know About Risky Medications

When you’re over 65, some common prescriptions can do more harm than good. That’s where the Beers Criteria, a regularly updated list of medications that pose higher risks for older adults. Also known as Beers List, it’s used by doctors, pharmacists, and caregivers across Canada and the U.S. to spot drugs that might cause falls, memory problems, or even death in seniors. It’s not about banning these meds—it’s about knowing when the risks outweigh the benefits, especially when someone is taking five or more pills a day.

Many of the drugs flagged in the Beers Criteria, a regularly updated list of medications that pose higher risks for older adults. Also known as Beers List, it’s used by doctors, pharmacists, and caregivers across Canada and the U.S. to spot drugs that might cause falls, memory problems, or even death in seniors. are still prescribed because they work—just not safely for older bodies. Think of antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), often used for sleep or allergies. They can cause dizziness, confusion, and urinary retention in seniors. Or benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium), which increase fall risk by 40% and can trigger memory loss. Even some painkillers, like long-acting opioids or NSAIDs, are red flags because they strain the kidneys and stomach. The polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications by a patient, often older adults, which increases risk of adverse effects problem isn’t just about how many pills you take—it’s about which ones. The Beers Criteria helps cut through the noise by listing specific drugs to avoid or use with extreme caution.

It’s not just about the drugs themselves. It’s about how they interact with aging organs, other conditions like kidney disease or dementia, and even over-the-counter supplements. For example, someone on warfarin might be told to avoid certain herbal products, or a person with heart failure might need to skip certain calcium channel blockers. The drug interactions in older adults, compounded effects of multiple medications that can lead to dangerous side effects in seniors are often invisible until it’s too late. That’s why the Beers Criteria isn’t just a checklist—it’s a conversation starter. Bring it to your next doctor visit. Ask: "Is this drug on the Beers List? Is there a safer alternative?" You don’t need to stop your meds overnight. But you do need to know the risks so you can make smarter choices together with your care team.

The posts below cover real-world examples of how these risks show up—like why certain sleep aids increase dementia risk, how common pain meds can trigger kidney failure, or how antidepressants might cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. You’ll find practical advice on spotting red flags, talking to your pharmacist, and finding safer options. No jargon. No fluff. Just what you need to keep yourself or a loved one safe.