Antidepressants & Alzheimer's Disease: Medications to Avoid

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics are a type of medication that block the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important for memory and cognition. Anticholinergics can worsen the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, so they should not be prescribed for patients with this condition.

Some examples of anticholinergics include:

* Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

* Trihexyphenidyl (Artane)

* Orphenadrine (Norflex)

* Procyclidine (Kemadrin)

If you are taking an anticholinergic medication, talk to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to continue taking it.