In this large community-based study, we found that use of inappropriate medications increased the risk of falls in elderly people. Consumption of long-acting benzodiazepines was responsible for the main part of this increase. But regular exposure to inappropriate psychotropic drugs or to inappropriate medication with anticholinergic properties was also associated with an increased risk of falling. Repeated assessments of medication use did not bring evidence for a dose-risk relation between the level or the duration of the exposure to inappropriate medications and the risk of falls. There was no association between use of short- or intermediate-acting benzodiazepines and occurrence of falls.