Memory loss is often
interpreted as a sign of aging, a repercussion of substance abuse, or
symptomatic of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. What many don’t know is
that episodes of forgetfulness can also be side effects of common prescription
drugs.
“Scientists now know
that memory loss as you get older is by no means inevitable,” writes Dr. Armon B. Neel, a geriatric pharmacist with the AARP.
“Indeed, the brain can grow new brain cells and reshape their connections
throughout life.”
To raise public
awareness of the unknown, deleterious side effects of some medication, Dr. Neel has put together a
list of drugs known to induce forgetfulness in some patients.
Is memory loss
interfering with your daily life? One of these commonly prescribed drugs may be
the culprit.
1.ANTIANXIETY DRUGS (BENZODIAZEPINES)
Examples: alprazolam (Xanax),
chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium),
flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan)
These drugs are
usually prescribed against anxiety disorders, agitation, muscle spasms, and
delirium. However, by suppressing certain key areas of the brain, these pills
may interfere with the transfer of data from short-term memory to long-term
memory. Benzodiazepines are commonly used by anesthesiologists for this very
reason.
To avoid these side
effects, pharmacists recommend limited courses for short periods of time. If
you suffer from a particular anxiety-related complication, such as insomnia,
alternative treatments may be a better choice.
2.CHOLESTEROL DRUGS (STATINS)
Examples: atorvastatin
(Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol),
rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor)
Statins lower the
cholesterol levels in your blood; however, they may lower levels in the brain
as well. If this happens, connections between nerve cells may suffer.
If you take statins
for slightly elevated cholesterol levels rather than a diagnosed coronary
disease, a cocktail of vitamins may be a better choice.
“Ask your doctor or
other health care provider about instead taking a combination of sublingual
(under-the-tongue) vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg daily), folic acid (800 mcg daily)
and vitamin B6 (200 mg daily),” Dr. Neel recommends.
3.ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS (TRICYCLIC
ANTIDEPRESSANTS)
Examples:
amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin),
doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil)
Besides depression,
these drugs are prescribed for a variety of psychological complications, such
as eating disorders, chronic pain, and obsessive compulsive disorder. However,
more than a third of adults taking the medication report episodes of memory
loss, and half claim to have trouble concentrating.
To avoid this, it
might be useful to talk to your healthcare provider about nondrug therapies. If
these are ineffective, venlafaxine (Effexor) are thought by some to have the
least adverse effect on memory.
4.HYPERTENSION DRUGS (BETA-BLOCKERS)
Examples: atenolol
(Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol
(Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Timoptic)
Beta-blockers are
prescribed to slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. Unfortunately, they can
also “block” crucial chemicals like norepinephrine and epinephrine, and cause
memory problems. Benzothiazepine calcium channel blockers are often
safer and more effective than beta-blockers.
5.SLEEPING AIDS (NONBENZODIAZEPINE
SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS)
Examples: eszopiclone
(Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien)
These meds may help
you sleep, but just like antianxiety drugs, their method of action can restrict
the interaction between short-term and long-term memory.
“There are alternative
drug and nondrug treatments for insomnia and anxiety, so talk with your health
care professional about options. Melatonin, in doses from 3 to 10 mg before
bedtime, for instance, sometimes helps to reestablish healthy sleep patterns,”
says Dr. Neel. However, “sudden withdrawal can cause serious side effects, so a
health professional should always monitor the process.”
Always consult your
health care provider before making any adjustments to drug therapies.