Most people are familiar with at least some of the things that can impair memory, including alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, head injuries, stroke, sleep deprivation, severe stress, vitamin B12 deficiency, and diseases such as Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease and depression. But what many people don’t know is that many prescription drugs can also interfere with memory.

The following 10 types of drugs may cause memory loss! 1. Hypertension drugs (beta-blockers)

Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure and are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias. . They are also used to treat chest pain (angina), migraines, tremors, watery eyes, and certain types of glaucoma.

The poly-β-blockers include: atenolol (Tinormin), carvedilol (COREG), metoprolol (metoprolol tartrate, Metoprolol tartrate) Xinlan), propranolol (propranolol), sotalol (sotalol hydrochloride preparation), timolol (green eye lotion), etc.

How they cause memory loss: Beta-blockers are thought to cause memory problems by interfering with ("blocking") some key chemical signals in the brain, including norepinephrine and epinephrine .

Alternatives: Another type of blood pressure medication, calcium channel blockers, are often safer and more effective than beta-blockers in older adults. If beta-blockers are being used to treat glaucoma, it is recommended to ask your medical professional if a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, such as dorzolamide (Trexote), needs to be used instead. Remember! Do not change your medication regimen without authorization! 2. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins)

Statins can be used to treat high cholesterol.

Statin drugs include: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Fluvastatin (Lexco), Lovastatin (Melipid-lowering), Pravastatin (Praglu) , rosuvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Shu Jiangzhi).

How they cause memory loss: Cholesterol is an important component of the brain, in fact the brain contains a quarter of the body's cholesterol. These lipids in the brain are critical for forming connections between nerve cells and maintaining underlying memory and learning abilities. In addition to lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, drugs that lower cholesterol levels also lower cholesterol in the brain, which can affect memory and other mental processes that require higher brain cholesterol levels.

According to a 2009 study published in the journal Drugs, three-quarters of people who take statins experience adverse cognitive effects. Researchers also found that 90% of patients' cognitive abilities improved over a period of time after stopping statin treatment. In February 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered drug companies to add a new warning label to prescribing information for statins about the possibility of memory loss.

Alternatives: If you are taking statins for problems such as hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, etc., ask your doctor if you are worried about the above negative effects. Can it be replaced by taking sublingual vitamin B12 (1000 micrograms per day), folic acid (800 micrograms per day) or vitamin B6 (200 mg per day). Remember! Do not change your medication regimen without authorization! 3. Sleep-aiding drugs (non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics)

These drugs are used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems. They are also used to treat mild anxiety disorders.

Among the non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics are: eszopiclone (Sulazepam), zolpidem (Sonata), and zaleplon (sleeping pills).

How they cause memory loss: Although this class of drugs differs in molecular structure from benzodiazepines, they play the same role in brain pathways and chemical messengers, producing similar Side effects and addiction and withdrawal issues. These drugs can cause amnesia and sometimes dangerous or bizarre behavior.

Alternatives: It is recommended to ask your doctor if melatonin can be used as an alternative. Taking melatonin in doses of 3 to 10 mg before bed sometimes helps restore healthy sleep patterns. Remember! Do not change your medication regimen without authorization! 4. Anti-epileptic drugs

Anti-epileptic drugs have long been used to treat epileptic seizures. These drugs are used to treat neuralgia, bipolar disorder, mood disorders and mania.

Anti-epileptic drugs include: acetazolamide (acetazolamide preparations), carbamazepine (Tongshuning), ezogabine (ezogabine), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Levetiracetam), levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine (Trilate), pregabalin, rufinamide, topiramate (Topazepam), sodium valproate, and zonisamide.

How they cause memory loss: Anticonvulsants stop seizures by inhibiting the flow of signals in the central nervous system (CNS), and all drugs that inhibit CNS signals can cause memory loss.

Alternatives: Many patients with epilepsy find that phenytoin (dalentin) has little effect on memory. They can try to communicate with their doctor to see if they need to be changed. Remember! Do not change your medication regimen without authorization! 5. Antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants)

TCAS (tricyclic antidepressants) are prescribed as prescription drugs to treat depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain, smoking cessation and Some hormone-mediated conditions, such as severe menstrual cramps and hot flashes.

Tricyclic antidepressants include: amitriptyline, clomipramine (anafenil), desipramine (desipramine hydrochloride), doxepin, propylamine Imipramine (imipramine hydrochloride), nortriptyline, pramipramine and trimipramine (trimethylimipramine mesylate), etc.

How it causes memory loss: About 35% of U.S. adults who take TCAs report some degree of memory impairment, and 54% report difficulty concentrating. Tricyclic antidepressants are thought to cause memory problems by blocking serotonin and norepinephrine, two key chemicals in the brain.

Alternatives: Talk to your doctor about whether there are non-drug treatments that may be equally or better effective. You can also talk to your doctor about lowering your medication dose (antidepressants often have side effects that are dose-dependent). In addition, talk to your doctor about using a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI or SNRI) instead. Remember! Do not change your medication regimen without authorization! 6. Narcotic analgesics (opioid analgesics)

Narcotic analgesics are also called opioid analgesics. These drugs can be used to relieve moderate or even severe chronic pain, such as Pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Narcotic analgesics include: fentanyl (Dourage), hydrocodone (Vicodin), hydromorphone (Gui), morphine and oxycodone (OxyContin) , oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen tablets). These medications come in many different forms, including tablets, injectable solutions, transdermal patches, and suppositories.

How they cause memory loss: These drugs work by blocking the flow of pain signals in the central nervous system, weakening people's perception of pain. Both behaviors are mediated by chemical messengers and involve many cognitive processes. Therefore, use of these drugs can interfere with long-term or short-term memory, especially when used long-term.

Alternatives: In patients under 50 years of age, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the best medicine to treat pain. However, NSAIDs are not suitable for elderly patients because they increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Ask your doctor if you can use tramadol (tramadol hydrochloride tablets) instead. Remember! Do not change your medication regimen without authorization!

For more information on pain relief methods, please click: What to do if you have physical pain? These self-care tips are not to be missed! 7. Parkinson’s drugs (dopamine receptor agonists)

These drugs are used to treat Parkinson’s disease, certain pituitary tumors and other diseases.

Dopamine receptor agonists include: apomorphine, pramipexole and ropinirole.

How to cause memory loss: Dopamine is a chemical messenger involved in many functions of the brain. It is involved in brain activities such as motivation, pleasant experiences, fine motor control, learning and memory. Dopamine receptor agonists activate dopamine signaling pathways and can cause side effects such as memory loss, confusion, delusions, hallucinations, drowsiness, and compulsive behaviors (such as overeating, gambling). 8. Anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines)

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat various anxiety disorders, agitation, delirium and muscle spasms, and to prevent epileptic attacks. Because benzodiazepines have sedative effects, doctors sometimes use them to treat insomnia and the anxiety that accompanies depression.

Drugs containing benzodiazepines include: alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, diazepam, fluazepam (fluazepam), lorazepam, midazole temazepam, quazepam, temazepam (temazepam capsules) and triazolam (sleeping pills).

How they cause memory loss: Benzodiazepines suppress activity in key parts of the brain, including those involved in transferring memories from short-term to long-term. It is for this reason that benzodiazepines are added to the anesthetic during some surgeries to help patients forget about any unpleasantness during the surgery.

Alternatives: Benzodiazepines are rarely prescribed to older adults, and when they are, they are prescribed in small amounts. This is because older adults metabolize the drug much more slowly than younger adults, causing memory loss, delirium, and increased risk of falls, fractures, and motor vehicle accidents. If you are taking medications for insomnia, anxiety, or euphoria that contain benzodiazepines, ask your doctor if there are any alternatives. For example, if you have insomnia, you may be better off using melatonin. Take 3 to 10 mg before bed, melatonin can help restore healthy sleep. It should be noted that stopping the drug suddenly can cause serious side effects, so do not make decisions without authorization.

9. Drugs to treat urinary incontinence (anticholinergics)

These drugs are used to relieve the symptoms of overactive bladder and reduce episodes of urge incontinence, such as those that often prevent you from getting to the bathroom in time. Pee.

Anticholinergic drugs include: Darifenacin (Tinidap), Oxybutynin (Urodolin, this product, oxygen control), Solifenacin (Succinic acid), Tothate Rodin and hydrochloric acid.

How they cause memory loss: Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that regulates various functions in the body. Anticholinergic drugs block the effects of acetylcholine, which prevents the involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles that control the flow of urine. However, in the brain, they also inhibit the action of acetylcholine in areas central to memory and learning. The risk of memory loss is significantly increased when the drug is taken for an extended period of time or when taken with other drugs that affect acetylcholine. The elderly are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of anticholinergic drugs, including constipation (which in turn can lead to urinary incontinence), blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, etc.

Alternatives: First step, correct diagnosis. Have your doctor or other health professional check to see if your incontinence symptoms are due to another cause. For example, a bladder infection or medications (such as blood pressure medications, diuretics, or muscle relaxants).

If these non-acetylcholine causes are ruled out, it is recommended that the patient try to change some simple lifestyle changes, such as drinking less caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, at least before going to bed, and doing Kegel exercises to strengthen Pelvic floor muscles, which will help control urination.

If these methods don't work, consider adult diapers, pads, or pads everywhere. They can be worn comfortably (invisibly) in everyday life and virtually eliminate the risk of embarrassing accidents. Remember! Do not change your medication regimen without authorization! 10. Antihistamines (first generation)

First generation antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent allergy symptoms or common cold symptoms. Some antihistamines are also used to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and to treat anxiety and insomnia.

The first-generation antihistamines include: brompheniramine (brompheniramine maleate), carbinoxamine (carbinoxamine maleate), chlorpheniramine maleate chlorpheniramine (chlorpheniramine), clemastine (tavislast), diphenhydramine (cold antibiotic agent) and hydroxyzine (hydroxyzine oral agent), etc.

How they cause memory loss: These drugs (prescription and over-the-counter) inhibit the effects of acetylcholine. This may inhibit activity in areas of the brain related to memory and learning, leading to memory loss.

Alternatives: New generation antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritan) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) have better adaptability to elderly patients and do not have any impact on memory and Risk of cognitive impairment. Remember! Do not change your medication regimen without authorization!

Each year, prescription drugs kill more than 100,000 people and cause more than 1.5 hospitalizations with serious side effects. Every prescription drug carries certain risks, but one of the most common side effects is memory loss.

Three major categories of drugs that cause memory loss

1. Resistant drugs

Every drug with the word "anti" , including antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antibiotics or antihypertensives, can affect levels of acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. When low levels of acetylcholine are present, conditions such as delusions, confusion, blurred vision, hallucinations, memory loss, and dementia may occur.

2. Sleep Medications

Sleep medications are notorious for causing memory loss. Some popular sleep medications are called "amnesia drugs" because those who use them experience sleepwalking, night terrors, hallucinations and even sleep driving. Studies have found that sleep medications can cause a state similar to being drunk or comatose. So, people using these pills are not experiencing the restorative sleep their brain needs to maintain and repair itself. There are actually many other ways to do this that are better than using sleeping pills.

3. Statins

Statins are popular cholesterol-lowering drugs that are among the worst drugs for your brain. They cause memory loss, which should be listed on the label as a serious side effect. A quarter of your brain is made up of cholesterol, which is important for learning, memory and thinking quickly. Therefore, these cholesterol-lowering drugs seriously affect brain health. Understand that statins are bad for your health and talk to your doctor.

Twenty Drugs Known to Cause Memory Loss

The following list of drugs may cause memory loss as a potential side effect:

Parkinson's disease - Atropine, scopolamine, glycopyrrolate Painkillers - morphine, heroin, codeine Epilepsy - Dilantin or phenytoin Sleep pills - Lunesta, Ambien Benzodiazepines - Xanax, Valium, Dalmane, Ativan, Naproxenquin Nitin steroids Antihistamines Antibiotics (quinolones) High blood pressure medications Interferon beta blockers (especially for glaucoma) Insulin Methyldopa Tricyclic antidepressants Antipsychotics - Mellaril, Haldol Lithium Chemotherapy Drugs Barbiturates - Nembutal, Amytal, Phenobarbital, Seconal

This list was provided by Richard C. Mohs, former vice chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

What should I do if I need to take it?

When using these medications, consult your doctor because they may affect your memory in some way. Try to find some better options, different medications or just try to change your lifestyle habits. If you must use them, take some active steps to reduce the load on your brain, such as doing some physical exercise, eating a brain-healthy diet or some brain supplements. Provide the healthiest conditions for your brain to stay healthy and sharp despite overcoming the harmful effects of these medications.

Nowadays, many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, etc., are difficult to cure. In general: Health is the most precious to us, but health cannot rely entirely on high technology or drugs. And there is one kind that is not a medicine, it is food and has no side effects. It regulates various systems of the human body, cleans the intestines, cleans blood and detoxifies, regulates human immunity, and supplements the minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber that the human body lacks. All diseases will be reduced, and we can all enjoy health and happiness every day

Some drugs will indeed damage the patient's memory ability during use. However, this effect varies from person to person. Most patients can tolerate this "adverse reaction" and will not have much impact on their normal life even if they take the medicine for a long time. However, some patients have very obvious symptoms and even have to stop taking the medicine. This situation Next, patients need to adjust their medications; here is a brief explanation of two common medications:

1. Beta blockers are a widely used cardiovascular medication. A typical representative is Betaloc, which has the effect of lowering blood pressure and slowing down the heart rate. However, this type of drug can block the transmission of certain key signals in our brain and cause abnormal memory ability;

Alternatives: For patients with high blood pressure, there are actually many drugs that can have a good antihypertensive effect, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (prime type), angiotensin II receptor antagonists (sartan type) Etc.;

2. Statins are also one of the most widely used cardiovascular drugs. They have the effects of lowering lipids, stabilizing plaques, anti-inflammatory and even reversing arterial plaques. However, The drug's inhibitory effect on the body's synthesis of cholesterol also reduces the cholesterol content in the brain, and cholesterol is an essential component of the brain to maintain underlying memory and learning abilities. Therefore, statin drugs affect memory ability by reducing the cholesterol content in the body;

Alternative: If it is just to lower lipids, we can take oral vitamins B2, B6 or niacin; however, for patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, statins are currently the most effective way to stabilize arterial plaques. It is the most effective drug to block, delay or prevent the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, whether other drugs can be used instead requires a doctor to make a comprehensive evaluation of your current condition before making a decision!

Of course, in addition to the above, there are many drugs that can also affect the memory of drug users, such as sedatives and sleeping pills, anti-epileptic drugs, antidepressants, narcotics, etc., so you must be careful when taking the drug. Pay special attention to this situation so that you can adjust your medication plan in time!

The above content is for reference only!

Actually, I would like to ask you about the basic situation you mentioned? Patient age? Primary disease? What underlying diseases do you suffer from at the same time? Head CT situation? Is it brain atrophy? Is there a history of head trauma? Are you receiving any special treatment? Do you suffer from dissociative conversion disorder?

As the questions I asked above are all factors that may cause memory loss, they generally do not include drugs. Psychiatric drugs have serious side effects, but they will not affect the patient’s memory. The memory loss mentioned in this question The problem is far greater than memory loss. There are no conventional drugs in hospitals that can cause memory loss. Isn’t that the so-called amnesia drug? This kind of medicine can come out, and it is estimated that the love-forgetting water will soon be sold.