What patients need to know
When it comes to individual risk, dosage is an important factor for some medications. If you take just one anticholinergic drug, the effects you might experience likely will be less severe than if you take several drugs with high anticholinergic activity. The length of time that you take the drugs also might affect your risk.
The risks described in this study do not extend to every medication prescribed for depression, urinary symptoms, or Parkinson’s disease. For depression, paroxetine was the only drug in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that carried the higher risk. Other medications with very low anticholinergic effects are also commonly prescribed for depression. These include serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), and norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), such as bupropion (Wellbutrin).
If your doctor recommends an antidepressant medication, educate yourself about how the drug works to make an informed decision. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and potential risks and help you choose the right medication for your condition.
If you’re concerned about your risk for dementia, or if you need to see a doctor for depression, call 214-645-8500 or request an appointment online.