Introduction

A prominent U.S. health professional has issued a stark warning about over-the-counter sleeping pills used by millions, suggesting a significant link to an increased risk of dementia. Dr. Amy Shah, an immunity and nutrition specialist trained at Harvard, Cornell, and Columbia, cautioned against the use of medications containing diphenhydramine, which are readily available in pharmacies.

Affected Products

Among the products highlighted are well-known brands such as Nytol One-a-Night, Boots Sleepeaze, and Panadol Night in the UK, as well as Tylenol PM, Unisom, and Benadryl in the United States. These medications, often used for their sedative properties, could be posing a greater health threat than previously understood.

Impact of Dr. Shah's Warning

Dr. Shah's urgent message has resonated widely, garnering over three million views on social media. She pointed to alarming research that links the long-term use of anticholinergic drugs, which includes diphenhydramine, to increased dementia risks. A 2015 study involving 3,500 older adults revealed a staggering 54% higher risk for those taking these tablets for three years or more. Furthermore, a recent study indicated a 22% increased dementia risk among men using a different form of anticholinergic medication for urinary incontinence.

Call to Action

The ramifications of this information are particularly concerning for older adults, prompting Dr. Shah to declare in her viral post: “Don't do it. Don’t regularly use products like Benadryl or Unisom. The evidence suggests such medications could significantly increase your dementia risk.”

Understanding Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine, while effective in inducing drowsiness, also possesses antihistamine properties that help alleviate allergies. However, Dr. Shah urges consumers to consider alternative antihistamines such as Zyrtec (known as Zirtek in the UK) or Allegra (known as Allevia in the UK), which do not affect the brain in the same harmful way.

Mechanism of Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics function by blocking acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning processes within the brain. This interference may be critical in understanding the potential risks associated with long-term use of these medications. Other medications in this category include tricyclic antidepressants and drugs prescribed for conditions like overactive bladder and Parkinson's disease.

Recent Research Findings

Further complicating the issue, a December study assessing nearly one million British patients found that certain anticholinergics could increase dementia risk by approximately one-third. The analysis of 170,000 patients with dementia compared to 800,000 without it suggested an 18% overall increased risk, with an even higher rate found in men (22%) versus women (16%).

Hazardous Medications

Particularly hazardous were medications prescribed for bladder control; for instance, oxybutynin hydrochloride users experienced a 31% increased risk of dementia, while tolterodine tartrate users faced a 27% rise.

Need for Safer Alternatives

Medical experts emphasized the necessity for healthcare providers to explore safer alternatives for older patients, particularly with the widespread use of anticholinergics both over-the-counter and through prescriptions. While many anticholinergic medications are indeed linked to dementia, some types, such as darifenacin and mirabegron (a non-anticholinergic), present a more complex risk profile requiring further investigation.

Conclusion

As warnings regarding these widely-used medications circulate, it becomes imperative for consumers and healthcare professionals alike to be vigilant. The makers of known brands like Nytol and Benylin have yet to comment on these significant findings, leaving patients to ponder the safety of products many have trusted for years.