Some drugs can cause memory loss and confusion in persons of all ages, but the elderly deal with memory loss in general and must be careful when taking prescribed drugs. Drugs in nearly every category can cause memory loss or confusion, according to a study conducted in Indianapolis by the Indiana School of Medicine, the Regenstrief Institute and Wishard Health Services published in the July13, 2010 issue of the journal "Neurology." Over a hundred drugs may cause memory loss. Even drugs created to treat heart problems and allergies can cause memory loss or confusion. For unknown reasons, some persons are more susceptible than others.
Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Drugs
Anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs directly affect brain chemistry, according to Mary J. Mycek, Richard A. Harvey and Pamela C. Champe in the book, "Pharmacology." Feelings of imminent danger without cause characterize anxiety. Anxiolytic drugs treat anxiety. Hypnotic drugs treat anxiety, pain and insomnia. Some examples of anxiolytics that may cause memory loss are Ativan, Valium and Xanax. Examples of hypnotic drugs that may cause memory loss are barbiturates and chloral hydrate. Many drugs fall into more than one category. For example, the anxiolytic drugs Ativan and Xanax are also considered hypnotics. When altering the brain's chemistry to treat anxiety and insomnia, these drugs may cause memory loss.
Antidepressant Drugs
Like anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs, antidepressants directly affect the brain chemistry, according to Mycek, Harvey and Champe. Feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness and an inability to feel happiness characterize depression. Antidepressant drugs treat depression by several mechanisms. Some delay the re-absorption of brain chemicals that make one feel good. Others block the action of enzymes that break down those chemicals. In performing their desired action of moderating depression, these drugs may cause memory loss. Examples of antidepressants that may cause memory loss are Elavil, Desyrel and Tofranil.
Antipsychotic Drugs
Antipsychotic drugs directly affect brain chemistry in performance of their actions. Characteristics of psychosis include loss of touch with reality, seeing things that do not exist, hearing sounds or voices that are not there and not knowing one's identity. Some examples of antipsychotic drugs that may cause memory loss are Thorazine for schizophrenia and Haloperidol for other psychoses. These drugs correct a biochemical abnormality in the brain. In doing so, they may affect memory.
Antihistamine Drugs
Tissues release histamines in response to exposure to allergens. Histamines cause itching, inflammation and increased mucus production. Antihistamines block the actions of histamines and make a person more comfortable. In blocking the action of histamines, these drugs also block the actions of certain brain chemicals, which may lead to memory loss. Benadryl and Vistaril are examples of antihistamines that may cause memory loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Heart Drugs
Several drugs that treat heart problems can cause memory loss, according to Drugs.com. Drugs that treat heart problems affect the whole body, including the brain. Examples of drugs that treat high blood pressure and may cause memory loss are Aldomet, Catepres and Inderal. Arrhythmia occurs when the heart beats with an irregular rhythm. An example of a drug that treats arrhythmia and may cause memory loss is Lopressor. Tachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats too fast and does not pump enough blood. An example of a drug that treats tachycardia and may cause memory loss is Digitalis. A buildup of fluid in the heart can interfere with electrical impulses, which causes problems with rhythm, heart rate and output. Diuretics remove fluids from the body to relieve this condition. Lasix is a diuretic that may cause memory loss.
Anti-Seizure Drugs
Seizures can be caused by injury, heredity or by certain drugs. Drugs can also moderate or control seizures by correcting the biochemical issue causing the problem. Examples of drugs that treat seizures and may cause memory loss are Dilantin, Phenytoin and Phenobarbital, according to Drugs.com.
Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease causes a gradual decline in muscular coordination. Muscles become rigid, and the person develops tremors and increasingly slow muscular responses. Several parts of the brain are involved, but the cause is largely unknown. A drug that treats Parkinson's disease and may cause memory loss is Sinemet, according to Drugs.com.
References
- "ScienceDaily"; Medications Found to Cause Long Term Cognitive Impairment of Aging Brain; July 14, 2010
- "Pharmacology"; Mary J. Mycek, Richard A. Harvey, Pamela C. Champe; 2000
- Drugs.com: Drugs and Medications
- Pharmacology2000.com: Medical Pharmacology
