- risk
Common examples:
- Oxybutynin
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Amitriptyline, nortriptyline
- Hydroxyzine
- Cyclobenzaprine
What to do:
Request a medication review. Many safer alternatives exist.
3. Sleep Medications
3. Sleep Medications
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Used for: Insomnia
What research suggests:
Frequent use of sleep aids has been linked to a higher risk of dementia.
Examples:
- Diphenhydramine, doxylamine
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Benzodiazepines
- Trazodone
What to do:
Try non-drug approaches first (sleep hygiene, CBT for insomnia).
4. Certain Antidepressants
Used for: Depression, anxiety, nerve pain
Higher-risk examples (anticholinergic):
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Paroxetine
- Doxepin
Lower-risk options:
- Sertraline
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram
What to
