Wow,scary! Many of these have been prescribed for me over the years for various reasons. Many made me feel “weird” so stopped them. Some still taken on occasion. Am 84 years old with unsteady gait since on BP med Amlodopine which I take nightly. Retired RN.

Slammed with prednizone and other respiratory meds (albuterol, symbacort, etc.) for 3 solid months two years ago during a misdiagnosis incident. Never recovered clarity of mind such as organizational skills, and still in a state of anhedonia.

I was on Tudorza for COPD. That is the most gosh-awful inhaler I have ever used. Went to the pharmacist and asked him what was going on. He told me I was allergic to antichlorgentics. My veins felt like cement was in them. I was out of it, stumbling around, constantly thirsty. I felt like I was going to die. Felt the same way on zyrtec, claritin, and nexium also. The Tudorza was the worst.

Colestipol should be on the list. I began this prescription to be used off-label to help with almost daily diarrhea after gall bladder surgery almost nine years ago. I was told to take two 1,000 mg tabs a day. My NP said that I could vary the dose to fine-tune. Within two doses my diarrhea stopped (after fats or salads or what ever), but I started having memory problems, mostly short-term. The more doses I took, that helped, the worse my memory became. So, I tapered off to one 1,000 mg dose every other day, and sometimes I try to go three or four days between doses. My memory gets better. Increase doses, and my memory gets bad.

I have been on Tizanidine for years, possibly 15+ years for cervical spinal cord injury due to an automobile accident. I take a low dose, 4 mg, one tablet at bedtime, however, when I am having severe muscle spasms (as often as once a month lasting 2-3 days) I will take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hrs during that time. I have gone through periods over these last years of being prescribed 2 tablets at bedtime and/or 1 tablet every 4-6 hrs routinely when my pain level remains at high over a an extended time (3+ weeks until my pain level lessens.)

I am now concerned seeing this medication on the list at High AC.

Are my concerns valid?

This does not surprise me, as I find a lot of over-the-counter drugs cause reactions. My mother was on Surmontil for over 30 years, and even before she died the hospital staff were amazed at her clear thinking. However, she also took other drugs listed there at times, and it explains to me why sometimes she appeared dazed, and she would get the staggers. She did suffer from dry eyes and mouth, also dry skin and odd attacks of dizziness. I look back and really wonder why her Dr. did not take her off these drugs . Thank you for this article, and I feel these dangerous side effects need to be highlighted more. Doctors also need to be educated and not just put cognitive decline down to old age.

I just turned 60 and used to have an amazing memory, but have noticed a frightening decline in the last few years, having difficulty finding words, and being able to respond clearly and intelligently to questions, something I was always able to do easily. I have been taking Carisoprodol and Diphenhydramine on a daily basis for close to 10 years for neck pain and as a sleep aid. Both of these drugs appear on the anticholinergic list as having a “high AC effect”. I stopped taking both drugs immediately in May 2018 when I stumbled across an article that listed them as causing early dementia. Prior to reading the article, I had been joking with friends about having early Alzheimer’s (I joked, but was becoming increasing concerned about the decline in the way my brain responded), and am frightened that I have caused the condition because of the medications I took. What is even more upsetting is that there does not seem to be any indication that if you stop taking the drugs, the adverse effects reverse. I have not been taking them for 5 months and have seen no improvements in the way my brain now works. Note that I exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, which may have kept the effects from being worse (at this point) than they could have been. Does anyone know if the decline continues after you stop taking the meds, or if the decline continues to worsen?

Every medication behind the pharmacy counter has its dangers; the limiting factor is how much can the body tolerate, or more precisely, how much is the patient willing to gamble on his health? What is most disturbing is how many over-the-counter drugs are also included.

My 80 yr old sister used xanax for napping and sleeping at night. Neither I nor my nurse niece could talk her out of it. Robbed her of her memory and finally took her life. Xanax is a short-term med and commonly abused by seniors and others.

Where is Ambien (Zolpidem) on the list? I take 5mg to sleep only when traveling. My dr. said to quit, and I know it means I will not sleep while away from home.

I take no meds, but need a safe one for sleeping to enjoy a vacation. I truly need to know, What is safe? I read that naltrexone is , but it takes weeks before being effective, therefore of no help to me.

I take low dose benedryl and zyrtec nightly for angiodema, a severe allergic condition; in addition to melatonin for sleep help. The only sleepless time of the month is the full moon. Guess I’m a “lunatic” for sure. I’ve taken these since year 2000 and still have no memory problems of which I’m aware.

I have restless legs. What can I do other than take the Miapex that I am taking now ?

My Mother was on several of the high-risk drugs listed here for over thirty years, and when she passed on aged 86 her memory was as sharp as ever. So I wonder about this report. I do know that certain drugs do impair the thinking process but is it only down to drugs? I find if I take something that interferes with my thinking ability it kicks in after about three days, yet a lot of the commentators admit to being on these medicines over 20 years. I personally take the lowest dose of any drug for the shortest time possible and look for a more natural remedy for whatever ails me. I also research everything I have to take thoroughly and even try to look up drugs I currently do not need just in case I do so I can ask for the one that has the least side effects.

I find Drs are all too quick to prescribe medicine for ailments rather than looking at the root cause. I once had severe pain radiating from my spine into my arms and legs. My GP took a look and handed over a script for Tramadol. I took two and soon realised these drugs were mind-altering so I went instead to a chiropractor. Four months later I was totally pain-free and my spine realigned. She actually eased my pain the first day, and over the following months straightened my spine and taught me exercises to maintain it.

I’d like to know why Google Chrome no longer shows full lists of all these medications & who the list originates from. I used to be able to find the full lists & what group they were in as to a high chance or medum chance of loss of cognitive function, memory loss, etc. & there were also listed, drugs that were thought to possibly have anticholinergic effects. I can no longer find these lists. I’d like to know why. I printed 2 of the lists when they were in Google Chrome’s vast lot of information & I found that I had taken many of them for extensive periods of time. There were many antidepressants included in these lists. I’d like to be able to print all of these lists as some did not agree with others. This AARP list is not a full list.

I, too have been taking Amitripyline 50 mg for at least 20 years before bed to help me sleep. I have Fibromyalgia. I tried to get off of it twice, but ended up with insomnia and felt I was having a nervous breakdown. I do not believe most doctors know how to help lessen the symtoms that result from discontinuing this drug. Doctors tried to lessen dosage to half, which did no good at all. My short term memory is awful and has caused me to lose self-confidence, feeling so different from everyone else. Has anyone been successful getting off this drug? What is the process? What can I do to lessen symptoms of withdrawal, and what drug is safe to take in place of the Amitriptylene? Should I see a neurologist? I would so appreciate any help I can get. Thanks.

Where is Benadryl on your list of anticholinergics?

Have been taking amitriptyline for severe insomnia (and depression) for the past 20 yrs. It was the only thing that worked, and it changed my life. I am 57 now, and my short term memory is declining rapidly. I can’t remember what someone just said to me seconds ago. I heard it and even replied to it when it was first said, but seconds later I have no clue what it was. So like everyone here, I’m stuck trying to decide if I should suffer the severe withdrawal, insomnia and depression that will most likely destroy my life, or choose to stay on them and have my brain become mush.

My Mom is on like 3 of these drugs and I can tell when she has taken them. She cannot process any information or remember what we talked about 5 minutes ago. I highly recommend moving to safer options if you can.

Re the question about aluminum. The last time I researched this, my impression was that the blood-brain barrier gets damaged and dangerous stuff (like aluminum) gets in when it shouldn’t, and then the brain’s “cleansing” system can get overloaded or damaged too, and then the harmful substances don’t get cleared out and cause tangles and do damage, etc. So, even though aluminum may not be the actual CAUSE, it is a known neurotoxin, and there is no reason you should be putting it in your body. Use tums. Or plain old baking soda in water.

For those of you on anticholinergic sleep meds, a possible low-tech, cheap solution is a sleep mask. Once peri-menopause hit I just stopped sleeping! With a small dose of melatonin and my mask, I sleep like a rock now.

Antacids such as Gavascon have aluminium, do these all cause Alzheimer’s?

My wife had a serious loss of short term memory and cognitive skills after a stint on opioids and lorazepam following surgery. She made a remarkable recovery with Neuro PS and Prevagen. Now she is on Morphine Sulfate oral liquid for leg wound pain and continuation of Neuro PS and Prevagen may have reduced the onset of impairment but has not prevented it. The morphine is low dosage 5 mg 2-4 times a day and I am working that down as I search for her memory and personality.

Wonderful article, describing the anticholinergics.

I am 73 year female and have looked several years for the reason for my symptoms.

I have just been to a doctor for all of these except the sweating thing. I really have trouble with the short term memory. Dr says I have no sign of dementia and he says I do not have any sign of it. I take otc sleeping pill Aleve ,Ropinirole, Fluoxetine.
Thank you for letting us know. Will let you know what happens.

Thank you for researching this and making the info available.

ALSO THOUGHT THAT IN A PREVIOUS LIST THERE WAS VERSED SP? USED FOR COLONOSCOPIES, ETC. CERTAINLY AFFECTS MY MEMORY MORE EACH TIME I HAVE ONE. PROPOPHOL HAS LESS MEMORY AFFECTS FOR THESE PROCEDURES?
MARY

I’ve been taking minimum dosage Oxybutynin for several years for stress (not urge) incontinence following bladder surgery, and I believe it works to some extent. My doctor dismissed the possible Alzheimer’s connection, said I’d have to be taking much more. I just wish there was a safer alternative to Oxybutynin; however, I do think my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, but maybe that’s just part of being 83.

There’s no AD in my family, but a cousin who died of it shared the same grandmother, who died at 68 of cancer but still seemed mentally OK. This cousin’s mother also had AD but wasn’t related to me except by marriage.

I have COPD, and pulmonary hypertension and am on 240mg of Lasix each day. also, take zantac for my acid reflux, and Xanax once in a while for anxiety. What am I suppose to do, I retain water if I don’t take Lasix. Is any thing safe to use or are we all out of luck when it comes to any meds. we take? You scare people but don’t give us any alternatives for all the bad ones you mention.

Wow!! This is really scary and educational. I have been put on a ton of lung/ asthma / COPD meds over the past 8 months and we still don’t know exactly why I can’t breath. It came on quickly and has gone downhill and I have never smoked a day in my life, I’ only 58. Not one doctor ever mention any of the drugs they have put me on (Spriva, Cyproheptadine, Albuterol & Budesonide for the Nebulizer) would cause any of those problems. I don’t want to use any of these medicines now!

In addition, isn’t Versed, the drug admisnistered for colonoscopies also an anticholinergic drug? Didn’t see this on either list. I experience more memory problems with each colonoscopy. And colon cancer runs in my family so I have had 4 or 5 already at 68 yrs old. So we get tested for colon cancer only to end up with dementia?

I was laughed at by my Pulmonologist about 6-7 years ago when I discontinued using Spiriva because of horrendous memory problems. I was then prescribed Combivent which had the same effect after just several weeks of use. Was criticized by Dr saying that I didn’t give it long enough time. Discontinued Combivent and prescribed Tudorza. Was told it was new and is metabolized differently and wouldn’t have the same effect. WRONG!!

Then to be sneaky was prescribed a nebulized albuterol with ipratropium bromide and told it was just albuterol. Luckily I had an allergic reaction to this stuff before suffering any more memory loss and confusion. Not one of those pulmonologists would help figure out why this was happening.

I had to research this and discover that anticholinergics interfere with acetylcholine, the brain, and memory. My memory recovered after discontinuing use but each time it took longer and longer. I ate a ton of eggs trying to replenish the choline. Not sure if it really did anything but finally got back to normal.

I told pulmonologists that I would not take another anticholinergic because of severe quality of life issues. Had I continued on those meds I would have needed help on a daily basis – assisted living. They acted like I was just a complainer looking for attention. They finally found another medicine that worked just fine….tried and true Theophylline! Drs need to listen and learn from their patients. The problems from anticholinergics are very real.

I was disappointed with the guide about anticholinergic medications and older people. I already had that information free from other sources. Moreover, it was old information (2002) and did not cover the many new prescription drugs since then.

I don’t see my sleep aid; Doxylamine Succinate (Kirkland Sleep Aid), on the list. I have probably been taking it for at least 10 years every night. I’m 65 years old, and as far as I know, I still have my brains intact.

I’ve been trying to do without it, but I hardly sleep at all when I don’t take it. I’m currently taking Kava Kava, Tryptophan, and Melatonin all at once as a substitute, but that combination only gives me 2 -4 hours of sleep a night.

I (71 yr old) have been taking 4 mg 3 times a day of Cyproheptadine (Periactin) since 4/16 which is an antihistamine (sedative) and this has the anticholinergic properties that cause cumulative effects over time leading to Dementia and or Alzheimer’s disease. I’m currently in the process of eliminating this and am not sure what the Doctor will substitute because my blood condition causes terrible pruritus due to the histamines, an intense itchiness and rashes you would not believe. Older people, especially, should be concerned & , if taking other OTC drugs with this they should check all meds to see which ones produce the anticholinergic effects. The other one I have been taking is Ranitidine (OTC Zantac). I was shocked when I read the warnings because the doctor didn’t reveal these facts. The build up over years can be dramatic and lead to something we all want to avoid as we’ve all watched relatives and friends & their families succumb to the horrible effects of cognitive disabilities. I really appreciate the list also.

I’ve been taking Tylenol PM tablets everyday for about 22 years. I took them for migraine headaches. I’m also going through menopause for 4 years now since I stopped having a period. I haven’t had a migraine so I stopped taking Tylenol PM. But now I take store brand sleep tablets for insomnia which has been on going for about 4 years now. Sometimes I have to take 3 at a time just to fall asleep if I fall asleep at all. But I cannot stay asleep. Are these pills bad for me?

Am I missing something?!? No where does it say what this category of drugs are prescribed for. For what ailments/conditions are these drugs prescribed?

Even taking “natural” remedies can be a problem. One day, while very depressed, I wondered why. The new natural formula had all the herbs and etc that was supposed to bring back my old pep. I suddenly realized that the new pills I had added may not be the best for me. Reading the labels, it was apparent some duplications were made. I quit the newer pills and paid more attention to what I was eating and getting more exercise.

I think a big one might be missing from your list. It’s one that doesn’t like negative attention. Lyrica /Pregablin and Gabapentin cause dry mouth & eyes to the point of people losing teeth, brittle teeth, blurry and or double vision. I don’t know what qualifies as being anticholernergic but the reports of this side effect are many.
To include extreme brain fog that becomes a danger.

I experiences these effects with taking Zyrtec and Claritin. I switched to Allegra (buy at Costco for the cheapest price) and experiences no side effects. Also, it doesn’t say on the bottle but it won’t work if you don’t take on an empty stomach and wait 20 minutes before eating after taking it.

My doctor & pharmacist don’t know a thing about this. Do you have an app that I could put the prescription or the supplement in & find out if it has antichlorengic medication s in them? I am having a great deal of problems with this & I hope you can help me.

Will 50 mg Trazodone cause dementia. I use it for insomnia.

Which kegel device is FDA approved and is effective for mature women?

I have been taking 300 mg of trazodone every night for the last 15 years to help me sleep. I have a lot of trouble with word retrieval. Is trazodone an anti-cholinergic drug ?

I ended up in the hospital ‘off my gourd’. I didn’t even know what had happened until later in the week. I am on several anticholinergic medications such as Elavil, gabapentin, Benadryl, Vistaril, Phenergan, Claritin, Zantac, Tizanidine.

I appreciate this list and will be showing it to my PCP.

A missing drug is Doxylamine succinate. It is a strong anticholinergic and found in NyQuil

Educational

I have taken a half unisom tablet for years and never had any of the side effects connected with the anticholineric chemical in it. I am 73.

I have taken claritin-d daily for the last ten years. Attributed mental fog and memory issues to chronic lack of sleep. Have stopped as of two days ago and have no plans to ever take it again. Thank you for this information!
I also take generic ritalin (10 mg twice daily) to help me focus in a chaotic work environment. Not worried about addiction because I have no interest in taking it on days I am not working but is this an anticholinergic?
Thank you!
Mary

My 88y/o mother has ALZ. since 2000 still living due to being in good health. She drank 3Tbl of Mylanta daily and was found to have Aluminum in a 3D brain scan. she also drank from a aluminum can six times per day from diet pepsi to Miller lite beer.

Dr. Gray actually recommends using Claritin and Zyrtec as a substitute for anticholinergic drugs.
“Gray offered similar advice. “If providers need to prescribe a medication with anticholinergic effects because it is the best therapy for their patient, they should use the lowest effective dose, monitor the therapy regularly to ensure it’s working, and stop the therapy if it’s ineffective,” she suggested. She said that substitutes are available for some anticholinergic drugs, including a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant like citalopram (Celexa) or fluoxitene (Prozac) for depression, or a second-generation antihistamine such as loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), or cetirizine (Zyrtec) for allergy relief.”

After this article came out, I began to wonder if the 50mg of liquid Benadryl give during my 6 Mos of chemo(administered prior to each treatment), was actually a larger contributor to ‘chemo-brain’, or brain fog. Was also on ambien because of life-long sleep issues. My dosage was forcefully reduced because I am female. Had tried 5mg dose myself, to wean off, to no avail, so just stopped it altogether.
However, was introduced to pure lavendar essential oil (2-3 drops rubbed onto the soles of my feet, and I sleep about 6 hours a night about 98% of the time!
I still have minimal memories of those 6 Mos of chemo, 6+ years ago, but am considered an anomaly, as I was not expected to survive!

I have been taking doxylamine succinate (Unisom) for years. I take 1/2 of a 25 mg tablet and I sleep well. I am 74 years old and am experiencing “brain fog” more recently. I was assuming it was a part of my aging process. However after listening to your program last week I am beginning to wonder if the sleep-aid is actually causing the problem. If it is, can the damage be reversed? I plan to stop taking them immediately. I have tried natural sleep aids but they don’t seem to work for me. Is there a supplement that I can take that would get my brain working the way it should? I am very worried about this. Thank you.

What is the alternative to meds with Diphenhydramine (DPH)?

Atarax and benedryl were routinely administered in the chemotherapy I received for breast cancer. After 5 months of chemo, I attributed my loss of mental function to a condition I read about called “chemo brain” — and chalked it up as another price paid in side affects for the benefit of staying alive.

Because these two drugs were dispensed so often and so casually, I have taken them both since chemo, especially benedryl, because I am allergic to certain insect bites, and because it can aid in sleep. The big-gun cancer drugs have caused organ damage, aging organs 20-25 yrs. I’d say. It may be that the anticholinergics are responsible for the most frustrating loss I have experienced! I remember reading about taking choline back in the ’70’s (Durk Pearson, author of Life Extension) and wonder if that is related…..wishful thinking on my part.

I have IBS and cannot eat anything without getting diarrhea. My fam phys. has had me on Bentyl 15 min. before meals for 16 yrs. I have become increasingly concerned, as my Mother had Alzheimer’s. What is safe ???

Have been taking allergy meds since I was just a child. Am now 78 yrs. On top of that, I have been on many other anticholinergics over the years as well. Now I know why my memory problems are increasing! I truly believe the less drugs the better! Outside of Vitamin B-12 shots once every few months, my grandma did not take any RX Drugs or over the counter meds & she lived to be 97. She also ate plenty of butter, cooked with lard and bacon grease. So There !!!

I am on several medicines that are anticholinergic, Norvasc/Amlodipine Besylate for blood pressure, which seems to have the most effect, with Cogentin. The Constipation required prune juice and fiber like 3 times a day to fix, Cogentin had to go!

I’ve been prescribed Ziprasidone for thinking, it doesn’t work, and low doses of thorazine and benadryl for sleep daily, and ambien in case those don’t work. The only med I take that’s not anticholinergic is lithium, to prevent mania, and it has damaged my kidneys. Ive been telling my doctors for a year that I’ve been having memory problems at times, and it’s like they don’t listen or care, so long as my blood pressure is good, my sleep is o.k., and I’m not crazy. Now that I’ve read this article I’m going to press for changes. Thanks for the information!

I believe it and have personally witnessed it. I have taken more than one meds from this list are various time. Some were prescribed. i have had to get off due to difficulty processing and recalling info and with word finding. A long time ago I decided for myself that anticholingeric meds create stupidity in me. I can’t afford to swallow stupidity.

Is Doxylamine Succinate considered an anticholinergic drug? I don’t see it on the list.

So, I’ve taken Benedryl since I was a child and I also take zrytec. I take them for allergies.

What am I to do instead of suffering with the food and other allergies until God heals me? ? ? I’m 63, have good memory and I am doing well. My memory is absolutely just fine.
When I don’t take these I have some serious issues with rash, itching and other problems. They work thank the Lord! Other things have been tried that did not work.

My wife used scopolamine patch for three weeks on a vacation to prevent motion sickness which it did, unfortunately it also caused memory loss.

That was over four years ago and memory loss continues to this day. We have met with three neurologists and they have done brain scans but offered no remedies. Prior to the day the scopolamine patch was attached my wife had absolutely no memory problems or symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s and her life style and family history indicated no danger signs.

We are still searching in vain for a remedy.
B and M

Thank you, Peoples Pharmacy! Just recently I was trying to think of why Diphenhydramine was considered harmful, and mentioned in a comment that it would be great if you would do a piece on diphenhydramine. And now you have! What a shame, because Benadryl does work very well. I had a bottle but only took one rarely and threw them out years ago. I still use an Ambien about once every 3 weeks, but of course that adds to the Alzheimer’s risk too. With Rx meds, one thing has become apparent: there ain’t no free lunch, that’s for sure.

I have been on Amytriptyline for my Fibromyalgia.I have tried other meds. and the Elavil is the only one that worked in shutting my brain.I am suffering memory loss ( used to have photographic memery) but now I can’t remember from second to second.I also been having dizziness.I have been on this medication for twenty years.I have tried getting off the med. but after two weeks I could hardly move and had severe pain every where.Any suggestion(s) would be greatfuly acepted.Thanks for your help and time.
Eileen J.

I believe gabapentin/Neurontin is a scripted anticholinergic not shomown here. I consider it a wonder drug, and have taken for cervical dystonia for 18 years. Also have used diphenhydramine since forever. I’ve always had a detailed memory that is scary accurate.
Benefits way override any problems.

Joe and Terry, this is unbelievably timed. Have had a terrible unknown reason and unusual allergy. Woke to HUGE swollen, blistered, cracked painful lips inflammation and rash from nose to chin and an inch or more to either side. Tried every cream lotion–nothing helped. After 8 WEEKS decided to try Benedryl. Took Benedryl and used the cream on lips. Benedryl safe right? Told to always have on hand. Last week I began to mess up every commitment, could not function properly or make decisions. It was so terrible, but I thought it was the allergy when it appears now to have been the Benedryl!
Now ‘hayfever’ has taken hold and I was thinking of Zyrtec or Claritin! Even antihistamines, always thought as safe and given to BABIES! How many times ordered by pediatricians—sickness and even airplane rides.
Guess local honey is the only recourse and hope for the best.
Often traveled to 3rd world countries and carried Lomotil–even needing to take at times. Always recommended by doctor and in the last years given an RX.
No memory of what given for childbirth.
I am astounded and so very grateful for the alert and this list.
Now to search site for ‘natural’ allergy relief suggestions. Hope to find many.
thank you!

I have to take phenegran a few times a week I suffer from chronic unexplained nausea. I have been using this medication for about 6-7 years I use it maybe 4 days a week depending. It does take 24-48 hours sometimes for the mediation to wear off you feel like you are in a fog.I can’t use any of the other because of side effects like regalin .I used Zofan which I liked no sleepiness for about a year but it suddenly started to make my pressure go very high after taking it that is when I was switched to Phenegran .I also have Compazine if all else fail I have to go to that that I may use 20 times a year. Also use Pepto ,Tums & Emetrol. All of the natural stuff works maybe 10% of the time ( Ice,Ginger,Cola syrup , etc..)

Atrovent is on my list.

As always, consult a health care provider! If your Physician or PA prescribes something, ask questions and share your concerns, but take what is prescribed for the condition/situation you have!

This said, if a problem lessons or goes away or you think a medication is no longer working, share THAT information with your provider as well.

For example, I have taken cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) for years for severe muscle spasms. It is an anticholinergic and I want to minimize my use of that class of drugs. With my doc’s knowledge (although I am, myself, a physician assistant) I am discontinuing – gradually – my use of cyclobenzaprine, and it’s going just fine!

Patients need to be proactive with their health and their concerns, but need to be certain that they keep their health care provider(s) involved!
SC,PA-C

As always, consult a health care provider! If your Physician or PA prescribes something, ask questions and share your concerns, but take what is prescribed for the condition/situation you have!

This said, is a problem lessons or goes away or you think a medication is no longer working, share THAT information with your provider as well.

For example, I have taken cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) for years for severe muscle spasms. It is an anticholinergic and I want to minimize my use of that class of drugs. With my doc’s knowledge (although I am, myself, a physician assistant) I am discontinuing – gradually – my use of cyclobenzaprine, and it’s going just fine!

Patients need to be proactive with their health and their concerns, but need to be certain that they keep their health care provider(s) involved!
SC,PA-C

I can’t directly comment on the specifics of this study but note that many small scale and some larger scale studies bring out associations between drugs or foods or lifestyles with certain health issues but may not show direct cause and effect. In the case of sleeping medications it is best to not take them, however not sleeping also seems to be associated with alzheimers. This points out something to take into consideration when taking medication and avoiding these meds if not really needed but like much of life it is risk versus benefit. When possible to the least risk to obtain the most benefit.

Please add Loperamide (Imodium) and Diphenoxyl Atropine (Lomotil) to your list of anticholinergic drugs. And add to the symptoms poor balance (risk of falling). I have experienced cognitive difficulties from these drugs and, when I take them, I have difficulty walking a straight line and balancing while going up and down steps. The cognitive problems mimic dementia. The balance problems can be dangerous.

I am 77 and beginning to get some short term memory issues and reading comprehension issues. I am very sedentary because of back and knee pain.
I take Flexeril once at night for back and knee pain and it helps me sleep. Is Flexeril possibly causing my memory issues? Is there a better pain med for my back and knee pain and sleep?
I’m also troubled by constipation. I take a laxative, Aloe Vera gel, and prunes before breakfast. Is there something better? I am thinking of asking for prescription Linzess.

Does Gabapentin fall into this category?

This study was based on ELDERLY (already at risk) African-Americans (a distinct population) and should not be considered a reason for panicking people. I hate that these studies are flung into the population without adequate background, and people panic and stop taking medications they should. They were also based on DAILY Benadryl for a YEAR before significant affect might be noted. To be clear on things too, I am third generation in line for Alzeheimers, my maternal grandmother and mother both had it. My husband’s mother had it. So, I’m very much being careful. Best bet to avoid it: Exercise. Variety of foods in moderation. Drink in moderation. USE your brain in many ways: sing, create things, read, play games, go outside, etc.

Can melatonin be considered anticholinergic?

WOW. Thank you so much for this information! I’m doing everything I can to avoid developing Alzheimer’s. Parents and grandparents on both sides of my family were victims. Is Metropolol an anticholineric? What are non anticholineric substitutes?

I also take Fexofenadine/Allegra. Is this, too, anticholineric? Are there any 24 hour allergy medications which would be OK? (I’m one of those people allergic to so many plants, animals, etc. the allergist told me allergy shots aren’t an option. I tell people I’m allergic to everything except green beans and rocks!)

Again, thank you. Carlie

What about claritin and memory loss, as Zyrtec ? Does Zyrtec cause weight gain?

Scary stuff! I regularly take Sudafed and Zyrtec for allergies….guess I’d rather have a stuffed up nose than risk further exposure. Thanks for your articles on this, and the list of medications!

Is the active ingredient, DOXYLAMINE SUCCINATE 25MG, found in Kirkland Sleep Aid (compare to Unisom Sleeptabs) also an offender?

I do not see it on Dr. Gray’s list.

Really worried, been opn 25 mg of amitriptyline for 14 years. Is there concrete evidence of these findings?

(25 mg amitriptyline and 3 mg/time released melatonin) every 5th day, and 1-2 hr brisk hike that day. 86 and still worried about dementia. what say you?

My husband and I have been taking Kirkland sleep aids (doxylamine) for years, thinking it’s a safe alternative
To Rx sleep aids. How bad is this med? We r off it now and using melatonin and L theanine

Great comments, thank you.

Glad to learn why my meds cause problems with my brain, I took Benedryl >5 years and sometimes added Alprazolam as anti-anxiety remedy 1/8th of a mg. or so.
My question is: What do I take instead of anti-hystamines, to stop the sneezes, stuffed head etc.? When I use spray it starts dripping.
Moving is not an answer as symptoms return after a few years.
Any suggestions?

Very informative…wonder if doctors get this same information and just don’t take the time to read it…just got through going through about 3 months of flu, abscessed tooth and pain associated with lower back, right hip and upper right butt …here are the medicines the doctors put me on….methylpnisolone ,(back and hip pain)naproxen,(back and hip pain) tramadol, (back and hip pain)levofloxacing, (flu) amoxicillin , (abscessed tooth)…mind you this was two different doctors…

Now I was already taking atorvastatin, clopidogrel, ramipril,metoprolo,asperin,vit B-6,vitB-12 ,vit C, folic acid,and COQ10, for heart problems from 2 other doctors ,AND each of these doctors knew the medications I was on….

No sleep, constipated, pain in back and hip ,and butt and finally my barber and my wife’s hair dresser told us about melatonin 3-5 mg that would help with sleep…its a vitamin, so the doctors will not tell you about it…but it works
The flu medication didn’t really help ,took time to get rid of…the back and hip medicine didn’t help, (had to go to a Orthopaedic doctor for help , who didn’t push a pill on me…)but gave me a shot in the hip joint that worked …

My concern is that doctors only want to push a pill on you …its something about being able to write a prescription and never check back to see how
you are doing…when you call the doctor back you only get a third party to tell your concerns to…

My question is melatonin on your list of ANTICHOLINERGIC drugs?

Is marijuana anticholinergic? It causes all of the same side effects most notably dry mouth, confusion, disorientation, & memory problems. It would make sense to me that long-term use would be linked to dementia.

My husband has been a asthmatic all his life He takes Symbicort, Spiriva, Apo Simvastation and Cartia He also uses Ventolin when required. Are these safe?

I’ve been taking the CVS generic of ZYRTEC for a few years. My Doctor is aware of this. I do not take any other meds, save for my inhaler. I am a healthy, 55 year old female. Who suffers occasional asthma, triggered by some pet dander, dust mites, & extreme weather. I have not experienced any ill effects, as of now. But my Mother, & maternal Grandmother developed dementia. In their 90s after being institutionalized. Prior to the nursing home experience,neither was a pill taker. Claritin does not work for me. What are some natural alternatives, besides ginger?

I take a drug on the list, Paroxetine (Paxil), and have for many years so I was concerned to see it on your list. I talked with a doctor and they told me:
Paxil actually works on serotonin receptors, not cholinergic and it is not listed as one of the classes of medications in the study (they studied 1st generation anticholinergics, tricyclic antidepressants (which Paxil is not), and bladder meds).
Can you tell me why Paroxetine is on the list?

I take Allegra Allergy every day. It contains an antihistamine called fexofenadine that is not on the list. Is this also a problem? I use it as a maintenance as I have a continuing problem with sinus.

I have been hoping to find a list like this. Thank you.

Also, men with prostate issues should avoid any OTC’s, and even prescribed drugs containing diphenhydramine. I found out the hard way! Makes urination just about impossible.

very interesting and informative!!

I have been taking 24 hour Sudafed daily for almost 15 years! I don’t see it listed, but I do see Pseudoephedrine listed in another medication that IS listed. Is that the same? an eye doctor told me that it could damage my eyes.

I have found myself fuzzy-headed at times. I’ve even forgotten a few appointments which isn’t like me. I’ve fallen 4 times in the past 4 years, but I’ve always blamed it on cute shoes, terrain, or something I tripped over. Clariden doesn’t help my allergies. Should I stop taking the sudafed? My doctor never mentioned it.

Hard to find things that help with sleeping and don’t affect Coumadin levels.

What about lorazepam? I try not to take many prescriptions because I have to use Coumadin but not sleeping comes with its own dangers-lack of alertness, unable to pay attention,etc.

very interesting and helpful

I was surprised that Dr Gray kept referring to “older adults” ~ people of all ages take over the counter meds on this list, and I would think that if there is a relationship between them and dementia, younger adults should also consider not taking them, especially if there is a cumulative effect. I am 53 this year and have had sleep issues for years. I’ve taken over the counter sleep aids on an occasional basis for years too. All patients of all ages should be advised to talk to their doctors about use of anticholinergics. Personally, I am having memory issues, but I think it’s probably more to do with my chronic sleep deficit than the meds, since I do rarely take them.

Why didn’t you just say ALL benzodiazepines – not just xanax?

http://memory.ucsf.edu/ftd/medical/treatment/avoid/single

I agree 100%. I believe most medications has side effects and there are no free lunch. I try avoid taking medication if I can help it with proper eating and using herbal medication.

“I was having panic attacks. Read a little about coconut oil. Tried it and it worked. Amazing to find a natural cure.”

Elinor, are you saying that coconut oil helped with your panic attacks? How much did you use? What other information can you give ? Do you need to use it regularly, etc.