These Medicines May Cause Memory Loss

We all know that medicines, whether strong or not, carry some side effects whatsoever. Medical science has come a long way to treat diseases that were once termed epidemic but with these positive effects of eradicating or providing immunity to our body to fight a disease some drugs can lead to new health problems, which might require new treatment or may not be curable at all. There are some commonly used over-the-counter medicines that can cause memory loss after long exposure.

MCI (mild cognitive impairment) is common with age that is often an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Its fundamental sign is forgetfulness or short-term memory loss. Many drugs have shown to produce MCI as a side effect. These drugs have the property called “anti-cholinergic”

Many medicines are termed or officially classified as anti-cholinergic but there are many other which are not classified as anti-cholinergic and they are being used for many different purposes. If you are concerned about MCI in yourself or someone you may know read through.

By no means, we recommend stopping any of your prescribed medicines nor this is a complete list of all the medicines. Don’t just rely on the product name but you should check all the ingredients. Talk to your doctor before taking any step.

Disclaimer: DO NOT STOP OR DISCONTINUE YOUR PRESCRIBED MEDICATION WITHOUT YOUR DOCTOR’S APPROVAL

Antianxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines)

As the name suggests these drugs are prescribed to cure various anxiety disorders, muscle spasm, agitation, etc. Since these medicines have a sedative effect they can also be given to treat insomnia and depression from anxiety. Benzodiazepines reduce the activity in the brain including memory related to the short term and long term.

Examples:

• Clonazepam (Anxipar)
• Alprazolam (Alprax)
• Diazepam (Anxol)
• Midazolam (Fulsed)
• Flurazepam (Fluraz)

Narcotic Painkillers

These medicines are prescribed to cure or relieve severe chronic pains like that from arthritis. In the nervous system, this drug reduces the flow of pain signals and also the emotions attached to the pain. Hence the long-term use of this drug can hinder both long-term and short-term memory.

Examples:

• Meperidine ( Demerol)
• Morphine (Vermor)
• Hydrocodone (Percocet)

Parkinson’s Medication

As the name suggests these medicines are used primarily to cure Parkinson’s disease. In addition, some doctors also use it to treat some pituitary tumors and restless leg syndrome. These medicines activate the chemical, dopamine, i.e. involved in the memory and learning part of the brain. Hence overdosage of this medicine can affect memory loss. Some of the other side-effects of this drug are confusion, hallucination, etc.

Examples:

• Benztropine
• Procyclidine (Prodrin)
• Trihexyphenidyl (Pacitane)

Tricyclic Or Antidepressant Drugs

These medicines are prescribed to cure patients with depression, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, smoking termination, severe cramps, etc. About 35% of adults report some degree of memory loss after taking these drugs. These medicines are known to block the action of a couple of important chemicals in the brain.

Examples:

• Amitriptyline (Amichlor)
• Trimipramine (Surmontil)
• Imipramine (Antidep)
• Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Incontinence Drugs

Overactive bladder or the inconsistent urge to urinate is what these drugs are used to cure. These medicines are prescribed to relieve these symptoms. These drugs block the action of a functional chemical called acetylcholine. These medicines prevent involuntary contraction of muscles that in-turn help in controlling the bladder. Since the medicine controls and alters the function of a chemical in the brain an overuse of the same can have a memory loss effect.

Examples:

• Darifenacin (Darilong)
• Flavoxate (Colichek)
• Tolterodine (Bapter)
• Oxybutynin (Cystran)

Antiseizure drugs

These drugs have been used to cure a seizure, bipolar or mood disorders, mania, and nerve pain. This medicine again slows-down the flow of signals in the central nervous system. Any drug which does this action can cause memory loss.

Examples:

• Carbamazepine (Carbadac)
• Oxcarbazepine ( Boxitol)
• Acetazolamide (Acetamide)