- Older adults are more vulnerable to the adverse affects due to the high probability of interacting with other anticholinergic medications they are taking to treat age related conditions
  - Can also experience age related sensitivities
    - Associated with anticholinergic-related cognitive adverse affects
- Medical conditions may be worsened 
   - Including: Urinary dysfunction, constipation, and dementia
- Potentially inappropriate to use in older adults
  - Especially for those who are vulnerable or have diagnosed dementia

Anticholinergic Medications and Older Populations

Medications that have Anticholinergic effects are associated with central and peripheral side effects. These include constipation, confusion, sedation, and dry mouth. Increased Anticholinergic exposure increases adverse risks.

Cedarville University

The study of the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior.

Psychopharmacology 

O'Dwyer, M., McCallion, P., McCarron, M., & Henman, M. (2018). Medication use and potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults with intellectual disabilities: a neglected area of research. Therapeutic advances in drug safety, 9(9), 535–557. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042098618782785

Medication use and potentially inappropriate prescribing in older adults with intellectual disabilities: a neglected area of research

Psychopharmacology Library

Microdosing is the administration of a psychedelic drug/medication at one-tenth of the dose that would cause hallucinogenic effects.

Microdosing

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs used to treat conditions like depression, which is often associated with low serotonin levels. Unlike agonists or antagonists that bind to receptors, SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake process. This action prevents unused serotonin from being reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron, allowing it to remain in the synaptic cleft for a longer period. The extended presence of serotonin enhances its interaction with postsynaptic receptors, thereby strengthening its overall effect. Common examples of SSRIs include Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

SSRIs and SNRIs

A class of drugs that typically alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia. (Also called neuroleptics)

- The Dopamine Hypothesis

- Typical Antipsychotics

- Long-Term Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs

- Atypical Antipsychotics

- The Glutamate Hypothesis

Antipsychotic Drugs

Tricyclic (or heterocyclic) antidepressants inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and/or norepinephrine, and are thus called due to their three (or more)-ring chemical structure. Some examples include:

- Amitriptyline (Elavil) 
- Nortriptyline (Aventyl)
- Maprotiline hydrochloride (Ludiomil)
- Desipramine hydrochloride (Norpramin)
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)

A similar drug is Bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is an aminoketone that weakly blocks norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine reuptake.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

MAOIs inhibit the breakdown of the enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters. Some MAOIs have antidepressant effects, including:

- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Psychoplastogens class of compounds that take effect on neural plasticity in key circuits involved in brain health. Psychoplastogens include psychadelics, and produce a quantifiable change in plasticity within a short time frame (>72 h) post administration.

Psychoplastogens 

The study of the use of extracts and compounds obtained from mushrooms as medicines or health-promoting agents. Mycotherapy, also known as fungal or mushroom therapy, is a branch of natural medicine exploring the therapeutic properties and potential health benefits of various mushrooms. The practice of using mushrooms for medicinal purposes has been observed in different cultures throughout history, and it continues to gain recognition and scientific interest in modern times.

Mycotherapy

Anticholinergic Medicines

Psychomotor stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines, are a primary treatment for narcolepsy. These medications function by increasing overall levels of neural activity to combat daytime sleepiness. Examples include modafinil, armodafinil, and various amphetamines.

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