Ā 3. Sleep Medications
Used for:Ā Insomnia
What Research Suggests
Frequent use of certain sleep aids has been associated with a higher risk of dementia in some studies.
Examples
- Diphenhydramine
- Doxylamine
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Benzodiazepines
- Trazodone
What to Do
Consider non-drug approaches first, such as:
- Improved sleep hygiene
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
- Stress reduction techniques
Ā 4. Certain Antidepressants
Used for:Ā Depression, anxiety, nerve pain
Higher-Risk Examples
(typically due to stronger anticholinergic effects)
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Paroxetine
- Doxepin
Lower-Risk Options
- Sertraline
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram
What to Do
Do not stop antidepressants abruptly. Speak with your doctor before making any medication changes.
Ā 5. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
