What Causes Balance Disorder In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Wed, 11 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 Answered on

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 65 fairly active, work in a hospital. I am starting to lose my sense of balance at times I do not fall but like lean on an object, Now my hands are shaking so bad I couldn't write prescriptions out. Today was worse but they have been doing often or I have jerky movements without wanting to. I am concerned.
I am a diabetic slightlyout of control but coming back in line.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Medication side effects to consider

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Reading at your description and the list of medication you are taking I would say that one possible angle to consider your symptoms is the possibility of medication side effects. You seem to be taking three drugs which act on central nervous system, Lyrica, Cymbalta and Contrave (actually one could say 4 as Contrave contains two different drugs inside). As such these drugs have potential for side effects like dizziness and tremor like in your case. Furthermore one of the components of Contrave called bupropion interacts with Cymbalta and they increase each others levels and toxicity so side effects are even more marked. So I believe the use of them all should be reconsidered, whether to lower the doses or continue at all.

Other possibilities apart from drugs might include high thyroid function which would warrant a reduction of levothyrox, nerve damage from diabetes or electrolyte abnormalities.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar