5/7/2023 0 Comments Mad as hatter dry as a bone![]() ![]() Heart problemsĪnticholinergics affect the body’s ability to regulate your heart rate. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any existing eye conditions before taking an anticholinergic. This can lead to new or worsening cases of glaucoma. When the pupils dilate, pressure inside the eye increases. But other times, eye-related side effects from anticholinergics are unwanted and bothersome.Īnticholinergics can also increase your risk of a serious eye condition called angle-closure glaucoma. In some cases, anticholinergic medications, like atropine (Isopto Atropine), are purposely used to dilate your pupils during an eye exam or surgery. They also relax certain eye muscles, which can cause blurry vision. They can dry out your eyes, tighten eye muscles, and cause pupil dilation. Eye problemsĪnticholinergic medications can affect the eyes in many ways. If you notice signs of overheating - such as muscle cramps, a fever, or hot, red skin - seek emergency care. Drink water frequently and avoid dehydrating substances, like alcohol. Avoid being outside or exercising during the hottest part of the day. If you take anticholinergics, take steps to avoid overheating. In severe cases, this can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Because your body isn’t sweating as much, you can overheat. In fact, some anticholinergic medications like Qbrexza (glycopyrronium) are first-choice medication options to reduce excessive sweating.īut there can be downsides to less sweat production with anticholinergics. ![]() For some people, this may not seem like a bad thing. Sweating less is another common anticholinergic side effect. A few warning signs include blood in your stool, pain with bowel movements, or constipation that lasts longer than a week. And if you notice signs that your constipation is severe (or that something else may be going on), reach out to your provider right away. If your constipation continues or worsens, let your provider know. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance when choosing an OTC product for constipation. Taking an OTC laxative or fiber supplement can also help. Staying hydrated, keeping an exercise routine, and eating foods high in fiber are a few things you can try. If you experience constipation, lifestyle modifications may help. This is a list of medications that the AGS considers potentially harmful for adults who are 65 years of age and older. Along with dry mouth, constipation is one of the reasons that anticholinergics are listed on the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria. ConstipationĪnticholinergics slow down the movement of food through your digestive tract. They may want to lower your dose or switch you to another medication altogether. But if your dry mouth feels severe and home remedies don’t help, talk to your healthcare provider. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on ice chips, or using saliva substitutes are options. ![]() If you’re experiencing dry mouth, some home remedies might help. This includes trouble with chewing or swallowing, cavities, and infections in the mouth. Dry mouth may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to serious health conditions if it becomes an ongoing problem. Blocking acetylcholine in the mouth reduces the amount of saliva you make. Older adults are more at risk of experiencing dry mouth, but it can happen to anyone.ĭry mouth can happen because anticholinergics block acetylcholine in the mouth. One of the most common anticholinergic side effects is dry mouth. Here, we’ll cover eight of the most important anticholinergic side effects you should know about. But, sometimes, these effects result in unwanted side effects. So when you block acetylcholine, you can experience a wide range of effects. This includes those involving your muscles, heart, and digestive system. Acetylcholine regulates many body functions. Examples include some tricyclic antidepressants, like nortriptyline (Pamelor), and common over-the-counter (OTC) medications, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl).Īnticholinergics work by blocking the activity of a chemical called acetylcholine. And besides traditional anticholinergics, many other medications have anticholinergic properties. A few examples include oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), ipratropium (Atrovent HFA), and scopolamine (Transderm Scop). Anticholinergics are a broad group of medications. ![]()
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