So just for my own edification...

[conuly]

I know that a great many common (and particularly OTC) medications are associated with cognitive impairment and a risk of dementia, especially in the elderly. Are there any antihistimines or decongestants that aren't?

Comments

[gingicat]

After browsing around, it seems that expectorants are okay. So if you take cold medicine that ONLY contains guaifenesin, no D qualifier, you’re okay. Most decongestants are anticholinergic.
https://www.alzconnected.org/archive.aspx?g=posts&t=37035

[loligo]

Allegra (fexofenadine) is not an anticholinergic. https://www.theseniorlist.com/medication/anticholinergic-drugs/

[dewline]

Okay, this is a thing for me to keep an eye on. Thanks for raising the question!

[lilysea]

"In 2008, Indiana University School of Medicine geriatrician Malaz Boustani developed the anticholinergic cognitive burden scale, which ranks these drugs according to the severity of their effects on the mind. It’s a good idea to steer clear of the drugs with high ACB scores, meaning those with scores of 3. “There are so many alternatives to these drugs,” says Dr. Berry. For example, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa) or fluoxetine (Prozac) are good alternatives to tricyclic antidepressants. Newer antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) can replace diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton). Botox injections and cognitive behavioral training can alleviate urge incontinence."
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-anticholinergic-drugs-like-benadryl-linked-increased-dementia-risk-201501287667

[gatheringrivers]

I've been using Chlor-Trimeton because it's the ONE antihistimine that doesn't come with *some* sort of warning about cardiac issues. I don't use it often (because I have other things I use too) but it's nice to know I have *something*.

Everything else? Mucinex! Straight up guaifenesin, no decongestant of any kind. Comes in regular and double strength. Try your local warehouse club or discount store for larger or cheaper packs.

(I've leaned heavily on Mucinex when I've had the flu - the other symptoms have been tolerable, but when the nose clogs up so bad I have to mouth breath, sleeping becomes a challenge.)

[conuly]

So regular mucinex is fine even though mucinex D is probably not?

[conuly]

Thanks.

[shadowkat]

Xyzal or Levocetirizine - doesn't. This is sort of the upgrade from Claritan.

I can't take Benedryle -- it causes either anxiety or depression for me.

As far as I can tell it's the Anticholinergics that are problematic. But it depends on your body chemistry and what other drugs you are taking. The problem with the information on the internet, is it is hard to tell what is true or factual. And everyone's body is different.

Huh?

[nodrog]

Uh…  I don’t remember.  Hyukk