Stop Using These 20 Medications Because They Cause Memory Loss

More than 100,000 deaths occur due to the usage of prescription drugs and their side-effects are the main reason of death in America. Memory loss is the most common side-effect.

3 Types of Medications That Cause Memory Loss

Each of the following categories has prescription drugs which cause memory loss and other cognitive problems as well:

1. The “Anti” Drugs

Your acetylcholine level will be affected by any drug that starts with “anti” such as antibiotics, antispasmodics, antidepressants, antihistamines, and antipsychotics.

In fact, acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. Certain health conditions can occur due to low-levels of acetylcholine, such as dementia, memory loss, blurred vision, hallucinations, delirium, and mental confusion.

2. Sleeping Pills

When it comes to sleeping pills, they are famous by the fact that they cause memory loss. One of those popular sleeping pills is Ambien which is commonly known as “the amnesia drug” because people who used it explain that they have experienced night terrors, hallucinations, sleep driving and sleep walking.

In fact, these pills cause a state similar to being drunk or in a coma. This means that people who use them do not experience the restorative sleep needed for their brain to repair itself. As you can see, you should stay away of sleeping pills and instead try using some other alternatives in order to fall asleep.

3. Statin Drugs

One of the worst group of medications are these statin drugs used for lowering the cholesterol. Their usage can lead to memory loss which is a serious side-effect.

The main reason why these drugs affect your brain health is because one quarter of the brain is composed of cholesterol which is essential for fast thinking, memory and learning, thus lowering the cholesterol damages your brain.

20 Drugs Known To Lead To Memory Loss

The following list of medications can cause memory loss as a potential side-effect:

• Parkinson’s disease – atropine, scopolamine, glycopyrrolate
• Painkillers – morphine, heroin, codeine
• Epilepsy – Dilantin or phenytoin
• Sleeping pills – Lunesta, Ambien, Sonata
• Benzodiazepines – Xanax, Valium, Dalmane, Ativan
• Naproxen
• Quinidine
• Steroids
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics (quinolones)
• High blood pressure drugs
• Interferons
• Beta blockers (especially those for glaucoma)
• Insulin
• Methyldopa
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Antipsychotics – Mellaril, Haldol
• Lithium
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Barbiturates – Nembutal, Amytal, Phenobarbital, Seconal

What  to Do?

Prior taking any of the abovementioned drugs, you need to consult your doctor and find out whether they affect your memory in some way. If they do affect you, then you should definitely try with different medications or approaches, such as changing your lifestyle.

On the other hand, if it is necessary to take them, then make sure to take some proactive steps in order to reduce the load on your brain by practicing some physical exercise, take some brain supplements and consume brain-healthy foods.

In order to stay healthy and sharp while taking these harmful medications, make sure to provide your brain the healthiest conditions possible.