The vast majority of people thinks that the most used insomnia and allergy medications found on the market are perfectly safe, which is quite logical because they are approved by relevant agencies, but it turns out that their use doesn’t come without some terrifying risks to our health.
There is a new scientific study that has confirmed these claims. According to this study, frequently used anticholinergic drugs are related to dementia. The specific type of drugs in question include some well-known drugs including Dramamine, Benadryl, Unisom and Advil PM. Demerol (pain killer) and Paxil (antidepressant) are the drugs that also result in anticholinergic effects.
Proof That Drugs are Related to Dementia
It is good to point out that this study is not the first one that was able to determine a link between brain function decline and anticholinergic drugs. The latest study was revealed in the popular JAMA Neurology magazine. The reason why it is so relevant is behind the fact that the scientists from the School of Medicine at the Indiana University have relied on brain scanning and imaging to determine how these drugs affect the brain. With the help of PET and MRI scans, they have confirmed that individuals using anticholinergic drugs had reduced brain metabolism and accelerated brain atrophy. In addition, their memory test results were quite low. One year ago, researchers from the University of Washington discovered that permanent use of specific anticholinergic drugs against insomnia and some hay fever drugs led to greater chances of developing dementia. The results have shown that people who use these drugs for three or even more years are at risk of these health issues. This study is a good basis to expand the research and find out whether the risk of dementia increases depending on the duration of such treatments. There are few other drugs that provide anticholinergic effects like the ones with tiotropium in it. Some drugs that include this compound include Atrovent and Spiriva used in cases of asthma and COPD. Paxil is another drug of this kind used in cases of depression. Finally, drugs that include solifenacin like Vesicare provide the same effects.Treating Allergies and Insomnia in a Natural Way
In case you are advised to use drugs that provide anticholinergic effects, you should definitely ask your doctor whether it is alright to stop using them and try some alternative methods. Don’t forget that allergies and insomnia were treated by our ancestors with the help of a myriad of natural remedies. The following is a list of some of these remedies.Natural Remedies for Allergies:
Try essential oils when you are dealing with allergies. A scientific study conducted 5 years ago and shared in the Ethnopharmacology Journal has shown that peppermint essential oil has the ability to relax the symptoms and blocks to antispasmodic effects. This oil is not suitable for kids under 3.5 years. In case you are suffering from ragweed allergy, stay away from bananas, melons, sunflower seeds, cucumbers, chamomile and Echinacea because they can activate an intense allergic response in the body. Chicken, lamb or beef-based bone broth can help you with any kind of respiratory issues. In addition, this broth also eases inflammation and improves the work of the immune system.Natural Remedies for Insomnia:
Use valerian root instead of sleeping pills and avoid the negative side effects. Regulate the temperature in your bedroom. A temperature anywhere between 60 and 70 F is ideal. Consume foods that support sleep and foods packed with melatonin like cherries, bananas, radishes and ginger before you go to bed.OCT Drugs and Chances of Developing Dementia
It is not a good idea to eliminate over-the-counter medications without consulting a healthcare professional. However, you should ask them whether there is an alternative for the anticholinergic drugs you are already using. In case there are some other drugs, use these drugs or try to use only natural remedies. Via CBS
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