Which lifestyle modification helps manage the side effects of anticholinergic therapy?

• A. It may take up to several weeks for tremors to improve.
• B. Anticholinergics block the effect of acetylcholine.
• C. Anticholinergics can cause dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation.
• D. Increasing fiber and fluid consumption will help with side effects.

Answer: (D)

Focusing on practical self-care to offset how anticholinergic drugs affect the body. These meds reduce acetylcholine activity, which often leads to dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. Increasing fiber helps by adding bulk to stool and promoting regular bowel movements, directly countering constipation. Elevating fluid intake supports moisture in the mouth and helps with hydration-related symptoms, making urinary function more comfortable as well. This lifestyle approach is a straightforward way to manage the common side effects you’d expect with anticholinergic therapy. The other statements describe drug actions or timelines rather than a patient-implemented self-care strategy.