Yes anticholinergic means it blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Acetylcholine is important for thinking, learning and memory. This is why medications such as Benadryl can cause side effects like feeling sleepy or confused.
To be clear, the link is between anticholinergics, of which some first-generation antihistamines are, while others are less potent as anticholinergics.
Best I can tell, the clinical advice is to avoid prescribing these to patients aged 65 and above.
I’d still generally prefer sleeping completely naturally, but I think comments like these might make people avoid medicine that could help them improve their sleep over time. I was massively helped by the use of Hydroxyzine when I was younger, which helped me get on a path to better sleep and overall health.
Antihistamines that cause drowsiness also lead to dementia if used regularly.
Antihistamines that reduce immune reactions?
Yes anticholinergic means it blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Acetylcholine is important for thinking, learning and memory. This is why medications such as Benadryl can cause side effects like feeling sleepy or confused.
To be clear, the link is between anticholinergics, of which some first-generation antihistamines are, while others are less potent as anticholinergics.
Best I can tell, the clinical advice is to avoid prescribing these to patients aged 65 and above.
I’d still generally prefer sleeping completely naturally, but I think comments like these might make people avoid medicine that could help them improve their sleep over time. I was massively helped by the use of Hydroxyzine when I was younger, which helped me get on a path to better sleep and overall health.