J Am Soc Geriatr

Vestibular suppressants linked to increased fall risk in older adults with dizziness

June 17, 2025

Study details: This retrospective cohort study analyzed U.S. commercial insurance and Medicare claims data from 2006–2015, including 190,348 adults aged ≥65 years presenting with dizziness. The study assessed the prevalence of vestibular suppressant prescriptions (including anti-emetics and anxiolytics) and the association with subsequent medically attended falls within 60 days of prescription fill.

Results: Overall, 32% of older adults with dizziness filled a vestibular suppressant prescription within one month of diagnosis. Among those prescribed vestibular suppressants, 8% experienced a fall requiring medical attention within 60 days. After adjustment for sociodemographic and comorbidity factors, vestibular suppressant use was associated with a significantly increased risk of falls (hazard ratio, 3.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.93–5.72; p <0.0001) vs. non-users.

Clinical impact: These findings reinforce that vestibular suppressants, while sometimes providing short-term symptom relief, are associated with a substantially increased risk of falls in older adults with dizziness. This supports current guideline recommendations to avoid routine use of vestibular suppressants in this population.

Source:

Marmor S, et al. (2025, May). J Am Soc Geriatr. Vestibular Suppressant Utilization and Subsequent Falls Among Patients 65 Years and Older With Dizziness in the United States. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39902815/