Muscle relaxants:
– Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
– Orphenadrine (Norflex)
– Carisoprodol (Soma)
Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Overactive bladder drugs: Oxybutynin (Ditropan)
Some antidepressants: Amitriptyline, paroxetine
Many of these—especially muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine—are frequently prescribed for acute back pain, often for weeks at a time.

📊 What the Study Found
Published in a leading neurology journal and tracking over 250,000 adults aged 55+, the study found that:

People who used strong anticholinergic drugs daily for 3+ years had a 50% higher risk of developing dementia compared to non-users.
Risk increased with higher cumulative doses and longer duration of use.
The link was strongest for medications with high anticholinergic activity—including some common muscle relaxants and bladder drugs.
Notably, short-term or occasional use (e.g., a few days of Benadryl for allergies) was not linked to increased risk.

⚠️ Why This Matters for Back Pain Sufferers
Back pain is one of the top reasons adults visit doctors—and muscle relaxants are among the most prescribed treatments, despite limited evidence they’re more effective than NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or physical therapy.

Now, this study suggests that the convenience of a quick prescription may come with long-term cognitive costs, especially when used repeatedly or for months.

✅ What You Can Do
Don’t stop medication abruptly—especially if prescribed. Talk to your doctor first.
Ask: “Is this anticholinergic drug necessary long-term?”
Explore safer alternatives for back pain:
– Physical therapy or yoga
– NSAIDs (like naproxen—used sparingly)
– Heat/ice, massage, or acupuncture
– Non-anticholinergic muscle relaxants (e.g., tizanidine has lower anticholinergic activity)
Review all medications—even OTC ones—with your pharmacist. Many sleep aids and allergy meds contain hidden anticholinergics.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.
💡 The Bottom Line
This study doesn’t mean you’ll get dementia if you’ve taken Flexeril for a week—but it does highlight the importance of using these drugs mindfully, especially as we age.

Your brain health is just as important as your physical comfort. So if you’re managing chronic pain, work with your doctor to find solutions that protect both your back—and your mind.

Have you or a loved one taken long-term muscle relaxants or anticholinergics?
Discuss your concerns with a healthcare provider—and share this information with someone who might benefit from a medication review. Your future self may thank you. 💙🧠