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Dementia Risk Tied to Chronic Use Of Several Common Medications

Dementia Risk Tied to Chronic Use Of Several Common Medications

A  new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has shown a significantly increased risk for developing dementia in those chronically taking  medications with an anticholinergic effect, especially  at higher doses  for a long period of time.  Many of these drugs which are commonly taken by older Americans are over the counter as well as prescription medications. They include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), antihistamines like chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), the  antidepressant doxepin (Sinequan), and antimuscarinics used for  bladder control like oxybutynin (Ditropan). This study also suggests that dementia risk linked to anticholinergic medications may persist – and may not be reversible even years after people stop taking these drugs.

This  study lasting 10 years, assessed medication use via pharmacy records. Acetylcholine is  a nervous system neurotransmitter, and low levels of acetylcholine have long been associated with having dementia. The “anti-cholinergic” medications being  studied can have the effect of lowering acetylcholine levels.

“Older adults should be aware that many medications — including some available without a prescription, such as over-the-counter sleep aids — have strong anticholinergic effects,” says S. Gray, PharmD, MS, leading author of the report. “And they should tell their health care providers about all their over-the-counter use. Health care providers should regularly review their older patients’ drug regimens — including over-the-counter medications — to look for chances to use fewer anticholinergic medications at lower doses.”

One idea to take away from this is that a variety of side effects that occur with medication use are not obvious at the time of their being taken. The damage can be done long after taking medication that has seemed to caused no harm. Many people take multiple medications and the  possibility of adverse effects may be very difficult to assess. In so far as many problems can be addressed without relying on medication at all, these should always be given primary consideration in treatment.

 

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For the best care in Integrative Medicine call Henry C. Sobo, M.D., at 203-348-8805 or write us at [email protected]