Common OTC and prescription meds linked to dementia

[NHE]

Many popular prescription and over-the-counter medicines have anticholinergic activity and can increase the possibility of developing dementia.

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/01/ ... -dementia/

[cheerleader]

Thanks, NHE--

here's the study http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article ... id=2091745
Anticholinergic drugs (like dramamine,benadryl, chlor-trimeton, detrol, wellbutrin, unisom) block nerve transmission to smooth muscles and can also lower cerebral blood flow--something that the elderly and those who already have hypoperfusion (like pwMS) do not need. Orthostatic hypotension and falls are increased. And it makes sense that research is showing dementia is connected, since hypoperfusion is linked to dementia.

But people taking just the minimum effective dose of these agents for prolonged periods qualified as having high use and were found to be at greater risk for dementia compared with those not taking such medicines.
"This is not excessive use," Dr Gray said. "Many of these agents are used chronically, and chronic use — even at low doses — would put you in the highest risk category."

She said that although previous studies have linked anticholinergic agents to cognitive problems, the general population and even most doctors were unaware of the issue

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/838788


Really, really important info to consider--especially with the link of hypoperfusion to all diseases of neurodegeneration.
http://ccsvi.org/index.php/the-basics/c ... l-diseases

cheer

[1eye]

Thanks for this. I had better find an alternative, because I am on the max dose of wellbutrin, for a length of time I would call chronic. Is there a less dementia-prone antidepressant? I dropped effexor already and i'm not going back on it.

[PointsNorth]

1eye, I used pure TMG and it produced beautiful natural high. 1000mg x 2.

PN