Is meclizine OK for elderly?

[4] The elderly should proceed with caution due to some of the anticholinergic properties of meclizine, which may cause confusion, urinary retention, amnesia, etc.

Who should not take meclizine?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to meclizine. Before you take meclizine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or urination problems. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions.

Does meclizine cause dementia?

A new study provides the strongest evidence that anticholinergic drugs may increase the risk for dementia in older adults. The drugs implicated are commonly used, estimated to be taken by about 20% of the older adult population for many conditions.

What are the dangers of meclizine?

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dry mouth, and tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

What causes dizziness in an 80 year old?

The most common cause of dizziness in the elderly is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is caused when the calcium carbonate crystals in the otolithic organs of the inner ear are dislodged from the gelatinous membrane that normally holds them in place.

Why is meclizine a high risk medication?

Meclizine is dangerous because it works to reduce dizziness and vertigo by reducing the activity of a chemical called acetylcholine in the brain. Medications that are currently marketed to stop the progression of dementia increase the activity of acetylcholine in the brain.

Can meclizine make you feel weird?

It works to block the signals to the brain that cause these symptoms. However, if you have recurring vertigo or dizziness, taking antihistamines is not a good long-term solution. Meclizine can make you feel drowsy, which results in many people falling asleep until the episodes are over.

What are the most common side effects of meclizine?

The more common side effects of meclizine can include:

• drowsiness.
• tiredness.
• headache.
• blurry vision.
• dry mouth.

Is meclizine a high risk medication?

Meclizine Is Dangerous Because It Masks the Problem An unidentified and unaddressed balance impairment increases the risk of falls. Many older patients I have met who sustained a serious fall-related injury are on meclizine and have been taking it for many years to mask their dizziness.

Does meclizine affect memory?

Meclizine decreased the accuracy on the Sternberg working memory task and thus seemed to affect short-term memory. A reported side effect was increased sleepiness. Promethazine plus d-amphetamine did not affect any of the tested cognitive functions.

Does meclizine affect your blood pressure?

Meclizine also has been associated with hypotension (low blood pressure) and heart palpitations.

What are the different meclizine side effects?

drowsiness

Can you gain weight taking meclizine?

Meclizine is a type of antihistamine that also works to prevent nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. Some of the most common meclizine side effects include drowsiness, headache, and blurred vision. Some people taking this medication may experience additional symptoms. such as increased appetite, weight gain, or nausea. Some of the more

What does the medication meclizine help treat?

Motion Sickness. It is a complex syndrome that causes vomiting and discomfort while driving,sailing,or flying.

Does meclizine raise your blood pressure?

Meclizine can cause drowsiness. Other side effects include: urinary retention (inability or difficulty urinating). Meclizine also has been associated with hypotension ( low blood pressure) and heart palpitations. Anaphylactoid reaction, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, vomiting and, on rare occasions, blurred vision have been reported.