Cognitive and Mood Side Effects of Lower Urinary Tract Medication

The document reviewed the cognitive and mood side effects of medications for lower urinary tract symptoms, finding that muscarinic receptor antagonists, especially oral oxybutynin, pose a high risk for cognitive impairment. 5α-reductase inhibitors, used also for androgenetic alopecia, were associated with depressive symptoms and possibly dementia, with these effects potentially persisting after treatment cessation. The evidence for α₁-adrenoceptor antagonists, like tamsulosin, affecting cognition was controversial and inconclusive. The document recommended careful monitoring of mental status by physicians when prescribing these medications and considering alternative treatments for at-risk patients. It also highlighted methodological issues in existing studies and the need for further research, while noting regulatory updates to prescribing information regarding the risk of depressive symptoms with 5α-reductase inhibitors. The document did not specify the number of participants in the studies reviewed.