There are many prescribed medications that can have negative effects on memory. Certain drugs, or combinations of drugs, are known to occasionally interfere with memory ability. If medicines have side-effects, such as headaches, or if finding the right dosage makes the patient dizzy, this will also affect concentration, and therefore ability to remember.
Here is a list of some drugs that are believed to impair memory and cognition (Gruneberg & Herrmann, 1997, p. 62):
- amphetamines - a stimulant on the Central Nervous System ("Glossary of Terms", 2001)
- analgesics
- antiaxiolytics
- antibiotics
- anti-depressants
- anti-diabetics
- anti-histamines
- anti-emetics
- anti-hypertensives - drugs prescribed to control high blood-pressure
- anticholinergics (e.g. scopolamine) ("Amnesia", 2001)
- antipsychotics
- digitalis
- glaucoma eye drops
- lithium
- sedatives
- tranquilizers - drugs to promote sleep or reduce anxiety
- barbiturates - depressants that induce sleep, some are useful in epilepsy
- benzodiazepines
- depressants that reduce anxiety
- Valium (Diazepam) (Remembering Well, p. 45)
- Librium
- Lorazepan (Cardoso, 2000 .p.2)
- Mogadon ("Amnesia", 2001)
Just because a medication you take may be on a list does not mean you should stop taking it. Do not stop taking a prescription medication unless your doctor advises it. If you are concerned that a medication you take is impairing your memory, talk with your doctor about it. Also, just because a medication is not listed here does not mean that it may not cause memory problems.
