Taking an OTC sleep aid? Something you NEED to know! 💎 NECKLACE & A HEALTH NUGGET: Episode 2 Necklaces: French Kande Bracelets: Julie Vos & Freshwater Pearl Company Today’s nugget is one I think every woman in midlife should know. Many common medications have anticholinergic effects causing dry mouth , constipation and they block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays an important role in memory and thinking. And here’s what gets my pharmacist attention: long-term, cumulative exposure to medications with strong anticholinergic effects has been associated with cognitive decline and memory issues. Some you may recognize: 💊 OTC sleep aids that include diphenhydramine or doxylamine 💊 First-generation allergy medications like Benadryl ( Diphenhydramine) Also numerous prescription medications including overactive bladder medications or older antidepressant medications which many midlife ladies may be taking too. This doesn’t mean you should suddenly stop a medication your doctor prescribed. It DOES mean it’s worth asking whether there’s a safer option. For sleep, magnesium or melatonin may be worth discussing with your medical provider ( what I personally use nightly along with a magnesium lotion). Progesterone can be helpful for sleep for women in menopause too! Save this one and check the ingredient on your nighttime sleep aid. 💊💎 For education only. Never stop or change a medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider. LTKselfcare LTKOver40