What are anticholinergic drugs?

You know that feeling when you’re an elderly person and your memory starts to wane a bit? Or when you can’t seem to get some decent shut-eye during the night because of those pesky allergies? Well, it turns out there’s a type of medication that could be behind these frustrating symptoms: anticholinergic drugs.

Now, before you go running for the hills in fear of becoming forgetful or sleepless yourself, let me break down what exactly are anticholinergic drugs and how they might affect us.

First Things First: What is Acetylcholine?

If we’re going to talk about something as complex as anticholinergic drugs, we need to first understand their opponent: acetylcholine. This is a neurotransmitter (in simple terms, a chemical messenger) which works in different areas of our body like our peripheral nervous system (the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) and central nervous system (our brain + spinal cord). Its role varies on where it’s being produced; generally speaking though, acetylcholine GIVES instructions TO parts of our body from different parts OF our body.

Think of this messaging process like ordering takeout food over the phone. The restaurant kitchen corresponds with your digestive tract by TRANSMITTING through various means until finally arriving at YOUR doorstep within AN hour timeframe – hopefully!

Acetylwhatine?!

(sorry I couldn’t resist using this pun)

Alrighty Then…So What Do Anticholinergic Drugs Do?

Anticholinergics block the effects of acetylcholine in some way. Confusingly enough then one may assume ‘anti’ would mean against so shouldn’t they stop amassing messages? Why yes! By doing this blocking act , certain areas receiving order will undergo an evident change which may lead them into downright disobedience! or shall we say, to work differently from how they normally would (cue that one smart-aleck co-worker saying ‘my computer’s working…differently’ when it crashes).

The exact changes that will occur depend on where in the body this blocking occurs. Think of the sight of someone stepping on a garden hose and then water stops flowing out as normal through the other end, it works in similar way.

Thanks for explaining too many words at once with weird analogies!

How do Anticholinergics Affect Our Bodies & Minds?

Here’s where things get interesting. Depending on which part/s of our body are affected by anticholinergic drugs, we can experience a wide array odd effects:

1) Dry Mouth

As if forgetting your phone number wasn’t annoying enough already…dry mouth is likely caused by blockages of salivary gland receptors By these medications thus reducing saliva production . And no- before you ask – endlessly refilling oneself won’t help since caffeine amount also has an impact .

2) Eyes Wide Open

To be clear here: Miley Cyrus didn’t write “Wrecking Ball” in reference to this description but Antihistamine family medications may take longer than Madonna’s five minute plank challenge requirement time

fancy schmancy word describing drug class which helps treat allergic reactions

3) Memory Loss

Yes…that thing REKINZs your productivity and blasts away all memories like tornado hitting Dorothy house although somewhere (probably another parallel universe or non replicated study )Disorientation follows suit more readily,it might just make that one crossword clue harder than usual Which led me into thinking my birth year was definitely written down wrong all those legal documents I signed since two years back.

Wait There’s More…

####4) Constipation:
It happens – apparently up to sixty percent among elderly taking long term therapy – and seems to occur due to muscle relaxation in digestive tract. We know, we know it sounds disgusting but your doctor will always be happy to discuss treatment options.

####5) Drowsiness:
Antihistamines again! Do remember that zombie-like state when you’ve had one-too-many tequilas…achoo we mean allergy meds?

6) Urinary retention:

That description pretty much sums up fear of using public washrooms for me..but anyway- anticholinergics can actually make the bladder a bit lazy leading to difficulty dribbling or dumping

Which Medicines Have Anticholinergic Properties?

While some medications contain anticholinergic properties that are beneficial for certain medical issues such as Parkinson’s disease and overactive bladders, many over-the-counter(OTC) and prescription drugs do not fall into this category making it confusing AF with no clear link between occurrence of side effects aswell. In fact, there are HUNDREDS upon HUNDREDS on the market today!

Here’s just a few examples:

Medical Condition EXAMPLES OF OTC ANTICHOLINERGIC DRUGS
Motion Sickness Dramamine®, Bonine®
Allergies/ Hay Fever Benadryl ® , Chlor Trimeton®, Dimetapp®
Insomnia/ Sleeplessness (Best avoided during dayshifts indeed! ) Tylenol PM , Simply Sleep

For a full comprehensive list? Ask any pharmacist – they’re sure to have some tips/resources under lock and key somewhere ..or at least an Instagram account where something like red versus blue pill memes would educate more than our website right now

Or well I’m sure Google search may also suffice smh…

What Are The Risks And Side Effects Of Using Anticholinergics?

Potentially experience many symptoms which might resemble food poisoning when taking anticholenergic drugs including those listed earlier like dizziness, headaches, nausea/vomiting.

Furthermore some studies have suggested that long-term use of these drugs in persons aged 65+ may increase risk for brain changes akin to dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. Now THAT’S a scary thought!

DON’T Go Cold Turkey On These Medications

It’s paramount to NOT suddenly stop using any medications without seeking advice first from your prescribing healthcare provider as there could be life-changing impactc . So nope,no more hiding under blanket forts and crying about how you didn’t get the leg of lamb at the grocery store due to the side effects! Although it might seem fun just not recommended!

What should people do instead? Speaking with their physicians and/or considering alternative treatment options( such as moderate exercise or herbal remedies) Could help decide which treatment route is best suited.

In Conclusion…

So whether you’re looking for something to relieve allergies or simply sleep through the night – keep an eye out for what kind of medication(s) they contain. A little research can make all the difference between better lives versus confusion-daylong Halloween mode & experiencing potential cognitive deficits later in adulthood…which are two very different things indeed!

Although we hope this handy guide was helpful on our journey together.. waiting around until “brown” line pops up may become easier than memorizing Side Affects since we’ve discussed here today #weirdAnalogiesForTheWin

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