Is Benadryl linked to Alzheimer's?

Researchers have discovered a significant link between high use of anticholinergic drugs – including popular non-prescription sleep aids and the antihistamine Benadryl (diphenhydramine) – and increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older people.

Can taking Benadryl cause Alzheimer's?

The research to date has not definitively proven that Benadryl (as a specific individual medication) raises the risk of developing dementia. However, the class of medications Benadryl belongs to (anticholinergics) does appear to be associated with dementia.

Does Benadryl bring on dementia?

Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk. A report published in JAMA Internal Medicine several years ago highlighted a link between long-term use of anticholinergic medications like Benadryl and dementia.

What ingredient in Benadryl is linked to Alzheimer's?

Potential harm to the brain: Long-term anticholinergic use has been associated with increased dementia risk; diphenhydramine can impair many cognitive functions including memory.

What are the 9 common pills linked to Alzheimer's?

An estimated 47 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2015, while in the United States around 5.7 million people have Alzheimer dementia, according to the study. Anticholergenic drugs include, but are not limited to, Artane, Bentyl, Oxytrol, Neosol, Symax and Vesicare.

Research links widely-used drugs to a higher risk of dementia

Does Claritin cause dementia?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Long-term use of Benadryl, an over-the-counter allergy medication, has been linked to an increased dementia risk. In lieu of Benadryl, possible alternatives include cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin).

Is it harmful to take Benadryl every night?

Is it safe to take diphenhydramine every night? You should not take diphenhydramine every night. While it may be helpful during limited periods of insomnia, your body will build up a tolerance for the medication over time, and it will no longer have the desired effect.

Is long term Benadryl use harmful?

Benadryl and some other antihistamine drugs can sometimes cause decreased memory, confusion, and trouble thinking. These side effects are more common in seniors. In addition, taking Benadryl long term might increase the risk of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, especially in seniors.

Can Benadryl cause short term memory loss?

Over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl and other antihistamine allergy medications also can lead to temporary brain fog and forgetfulness.

Is Benadryl memory loss reversible?

IMPORTANCE. Many medications have anticholinergic effects. The general view is that anticholinergic-induced cognitive impairment is reversible upon medication discontinuation. However, a few studies suggest that anticholinergic medications may be associated with increased dementia risk.

Do all antihistamines cause dementia?

There was no increased risk of dementia among patients who took other types of anticholinergic drugs such as antihistamines (Benadryl) and gastrointestinal drugs.

What are the 9 memory robbing drugs?

Is it OK to take Benadryl everyday for allergies?

Lin says antihistamines alone are “not bad for the heart in otherwise healthy people.” “The later generation non-sedating antihistamines, such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are safe to take daily,” says John Faraci, MD, assistant professor at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

How many days in a row can you take Benadryl?

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with diphenhydramine does not improve, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash. Do not use diphenhydramine for longer than 2 weeks to treat sleep problems, or longer than 7 days to treat cold or allergy symptoms.

What are the side effects of taking Benadryl every day?

What prescription drugs are linked to dementia?

The researchers found that anticholinergic drugs in general were associated with a higher risk of dementia. More specifically, however, anticholinergic antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, anti-Parkinson's drugs, bladder drugs, and epilepsy drugs were associated with the highest increase in risk.

Does melatonin cause dementia?

There is some evidence that this treatment does improve sleep quality in people with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease but so far evidence suggests melatonin does not affect risk of dementia or cognitive function.

What is best sleeping pill for elderly?

In the elderly, nonbenzodiazepines such as zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon are safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Pharmacotherapy should be recommended only after sleep hygiene is addressed, however.

Is Benadryl habit forming?

Diphenhydramine, a major ingredient used to make Benadryl, is highly addictive. Although the drug is used to treat conditions like insomnia, nausea, the common cold, and tremors for Parkinson's patients, if regularly ingested in liquid, tablet, or capsule form, it can become addictive.

Does Benadryl affect the liver?

Despite widespread use over many decades, diphenhydramine has not been linked to liver test abnormalities or to clinically apparent liver injury. The reason for its safety may relate its short half-life and limited duration of use. Likelihood score: E (unlikely to be a cause of clinically apparent liver injury).

Does melatonin cause dementia 2022?

The National Institutes for Health said using melatonin occasionally is fine but high levels have been linked to dementia, early mortality and other health issues.

Does Tylenol PM cause Alzheimer's?

The primary ingredient in Benadryl and the secondary ingredient in Tylenol PM is reported to have a cumulative effect in the human brain which can cause as much as a 54% increase in the likelihood of dementia or Alzheimer's in consumers who use it regularly. This is according to a study published by JAMA, Jan. 26.

What medications can cause cognitive problems?

Psychoactive drugs, antidepressants and anticonvulsants can cause dementia and delirium. In addition, non-psychoactive drugs such as histamine H2 receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent), and cardiac medications, may cause acute or chronic cognitive impairment.

What is the safest allergy medicine?

Claritin and Zyrtec are popular over-the-counter antihistamines. Doctors consider them safe and effective treatments for minor allergies. Both are second-generation antihistamines. These cause less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines.