The Obama administration has called for national action on antibiotics.

A high use of anticholinergic medications has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia, according to a new study.

“Older adults should be aware that many medications — including some available without a prescription, such as over-the-counter sleep aids — have strong anticholinergic effects,” said report author Shelly Gray, Pharm.D., M.S. The study tracked nearly 3,600 seniors.

The most commonly used medications in the study were tricyclic antidepressants such as doxepin, first-generation antihistamines like chlorpheniramine and antimuscarinics for bladder control like oxybutynin (Ditropan)