Allergy drugs may hurt your brain, study shows

It’s the season when allergy meds can be lifesavers, but a new study might make some think twice before they reach for them.

The study, published Monday, links anticholinergic medication to increased risk for cognitive impairment and dementia among older adults. Never heard of that class of drug? Well, as CNN reports, if you know Benadryl, Demerol, Dimetapp, Dramamine, Paxil and Unisom, you have used it.

There were more than 400 participants, with an average age of 73, in the study. Of those, 60 were taking at least one anticholinergic drug. Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine studied PET scans, MRIs and memory and cognitive tests to assess differences in brain function and structure.

The first-of-its-kind research found that use of drugs with medium or high anticholinergic activity was associated with brain atrophy, poorer memory and clinical decline. The study concluded that “use of AC medication among older adults should likely be discouraged if alternative therapies are available.”

CBS News reports that alternatives to anticholinergic medications for allergies include so-called second- and third-generation antihistamines such as brands Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra. Consult a physician before switching to a new medication.

This story was originally published April 22, 2016 at 12:53 PM with the headline "Allergy drugs may hurt your brain, study shows."