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Ditropan Reduces IQ by 7 Points?

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    Ditropan Reduces IQ by 7 Points?

    It appears so. Plus, long-term use can cause dementia.

    Are you on a centrally acting anticholinergic? If yes, you may want to consider stopping it. #ClinicSpeak #BrainHealth #MSBlog #MSResearch

    http://multiple-sclerosis-research.b...q=solifenacin+

    "The study below shows that the drug solifenacin (Vesicare), a so called anti-cholinergic drug of the antimuscarinic class, is effective in reducing contractions of overactive bladders and increasing bladder volume. This results in reduced urinary frequency, urgency, urge incontinence and nocturia (need to pass urine at night). These findings are not new; we have been using solifenacin for years and a large number of pwMS find it helpful."

    "What is not covered in this abstract is the real reason why solifenacin (Vesicare) is so much better than oxybutynin (Ditropan) and older generation anticholinergic drug. Oxybutynin crosses the blood brain barrier and enters the brain and blocks brain cholinergic receptors, which impairs cognition. Studies suggest that centrally acting anticholinergics, such as oxybutynin, clips IQ by about 7 IQ points or half a standard deviation. This effect is not trivial given that the majority of people with established MS, and bladder problems, already have cognitive problems."

    "In comparison solifenacin, and the other newer generation anticholinergics, don't cross into the brain to the same extent and therefore have a minimal impact on cognition. Why take a drug that impairs cognition when you can take an alternative that does not?"

    "Are there any other anticholinergic drugs that affect cognition that you should be aware of? Yes, tricyclic antidepressants, for example amitriptyline, and older generation antihistamines also have central anticholinergic effects and affect cognition."

    "It has recently been shown that long term exposure to anticholinergics is a risk factor for dementia in later life. Therefore, one component of our Brain Health initiative is try and get pwMS to avoid or stop centrally acting anticholinergic drugs and other drugs that affect cognition."

    "If you are on one of the drugs that has centrally acting anticholinergic effects I suggest you discuss the possibility of stopping the medication, or switching to alternative medication, with your neurologist or family doctor."
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