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A member asked:
Do anticholinergic medications like benadryl (diphenhydramine) have a link with mild cognitive impairment?
12 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
No: Unlikely; Benadryl (diphenhydramine) has drowsy effects, but clears out after few hours. Interestingly can cause paradoxical stimulation as a side effect. A chronic mild cognitive impairment could be something else.
Answered 9/11/2019
5.6k views
Possibly: For most people, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and similar agents (used appropriately) will not cause any cognitive impairment. However, aging often leads to decreased brain mass and slowed removal of medications through the kidneys. As a result, they can lead to significant cognitive symptoms appearing as dementia or delirium. This should always be ruled out before considering other causes.
Answered 7/5/2016
5.4k views
Possible: If someone has mild cognitive impairment benedryl might exacerbate and symptoms of MCI, but would not be "cause " MCI
Answered 9/10/2019
141 views
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