Anticholinergics impair memory (Benadryl, Tylenol PM, Advil PM, Dimetapp, Dramamine, Unisom)

[MBAnderson]

Improve Memory by AVOIDING These Drugs

youtu.be/16n80OQCVSM?si=qaz...(Not working as expected?)

Memory Loss in Aging? What Doctors Should Check

youtu.be/MpohFGvHZHI?si=-7D...(Not working as expected?)

[Bolt_Upright]

Thanks Marc! Everybody should watch this.

[scotta]

Another type of anticholinergic that has relevance to PD is trihexyphenidyl. This is an old PD medicine that predates levodopa. Many doctors stopped using it due to several studies showing that it is a risk factor for dementia. The modern consensus seems to be that it should not be used for PD symptoms on older people but it may be OK for young onset PD patients. Still, some doctors still prescribe it for older people. I became aware of this recently when my MDS prescribed it for me to take (I'm 68). After researching it online, I stopped taking it.

[MBAnderson in reply to scotta]

Did you explain that/why to your MDS?

[Juliegrace]

Detrol (generic is tolterodene) which is used very commonly for frequent urinating is also an anticholingeric with a known side effect of causing confusion.

[rebtar]

Also be aware that effects are cumulative. The sum of several mild to moderate anti-cholinergics are also a problem. This applies to some antidepressants and sleep meds. I can't seem to make the link work, but look for charts that include mild and moderate ACs.

There's a chart and the website RX Files...type rx files anticholinergics and you'll find it.

[MBAnderson]

youtu.be/k-3BY-naQ0M?si=wTA...(Not working as expected?)

[Jennyjenny2]

Thanks for posting this, Marc.

Tony had been taking atropine for excessive saliva for many months and not being aware of anticholinergic drugs, I saw a rapid decline in his memory as well as blurred vision, glaucoma also listed as a rare side effect.

I find it hard to believe a doctor would prescribe this sort of drug to a PD patient, knowing that it blocks the acetylcholine in the brain.

Thank you once again, I wished I had read your post 6 months ago!

Jenny

[MBAnderson in reply to Jennyjenny2]

Jenny,

How R U?

I assume he has stopped Atropine and has it made a difference?

Whenever one of my providers suggest a pharmaceutical, my response is always, 'Thanks, I'll get back to you.' Then I go home and research their suggestion.

Marc

[Jennyjenny2 in reply to MBAnderson]

Yes, Marc, he stopped the Atropine as soon as I checked the side effects, when someone on HU posted about the ‘dangers’, for want of a better word. Despe came to the rescue saying about clove oil as we were quite desperate with the saliva making Tony’s everyday life miserable.

Since stopping the Atropine it has made a huge difference! His brain is now functioning as it was beforehand. Over several months I was convinced he had dementia and I noticed after a few days of stopping, he was becoming more aware of things. At one stage he held up his dressing gown and didn’t know what to do with it. It probably took a few weeks to clear completely.

I think it’s time to search for a new GP for Tony. When we went to him last week he gave me a dressing-down because of my stance regarding many things over the time. This is a doctor who is supposed to have Tony’s best interests at heart. This is a doctor who is treating Tony for depression and anxiety and he behaves like that, knowing full well that it would upset Tony. This is the same doctor who knows of Tony’s reaction to Atropine, then he goes and prescribes Amitriptyline!! And the same doctor who googled and said that clove oil increases saliva in the mouth after me telling him it was working very well. He felt the need to repeat himself once again re increasing saliva. He had also told us the visit previously that Tony was under medicated. In the meantime, the neuro had suggested spacing the Madopar out to 2 hourly and reducing the dose because of Tony’s reaction, and we’ve ended up reducing his dosage by another half tablet, and he’s doing much better. Sorry for the rant but I am so cross at the silly twerp!

The funny part is he was cross at me for not starting on the Amitriptyline and the Exelon patch, but then when we had a follow up appointment with the neurologist, he wrote a letter to the doc saying he ‘supported Jenny’s decision to cease the drugs because of Tony’s sensitivities’.

I love the ‘Thanks I’ll get back to you.’ It’s the way to go! Don’t upset the doctor!

Jenny

[MBAnderson in reply to Jennyjenny2]

Jenny,

Doctors. Can't live with them, can't live without them.

All doctors are somewhere between terrible and terrific and we have no way of knowing which unless we research everything they say.

"...silly twerp.' Ha.

You're doing good by Tony. Keep it up.

How R U?

Marc

[Jennyjenny2 in reply to MBAnderson]

Thank you, Marc. We can only try to do our best. I’ll message you.