Anticholinergic effects of the 25 drugs most commonly prescribed for the
elderly were measured by radioreceptor assay. Fourteen had detectable
anticholinergic drug levels; 10 of these had levels that have been
associated with impairments in memory and attention in normal elderly
subjects. These data indicate that patients taking multiple medications may
be at increased risk for side effects from psychotropic drugs, most of
which have anticholinergic effects.
Abstract Teaser