These are the medications that may lead to memory loss and numerous other cognitive problems:
‘Anti’ drugs- drugs like antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antispasmodics, antibiotics, and antihypertensive cause problems with the acetylcholine level which is the primary neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. When its levels are low, there is a high chance of blurry vision, memory loss, dementia, hallucinations, delirium, and mental confusion.
Sleeping pills- Ambien, a popular sleeping pill was referred to as the ‘amnesia drug’ since people who used it experienced night terrors, hallucinations, sleep walking, and sleep driving. Sleeping medications are known to cause a state very similar to drunkenness or coma.
Statin drugs- these drugs are created with the purpose to lower the level of bad cholesterol, but, unfortunately, they may cause memory loss. Did you know that ¼ of the brain is consisted of cholesterol which is pivotal for learning, memory, and fast thinking? So, cholesterol-lowering meds may seriously cause problems with the health of the brain.
20 different drugs known to cause memory loss are atropine, scopolamine, morphine, heroin, codeine, dilantin, lunesta, ambient, sonata, xanax, valium, ativan, naproxen, quinidine, steroids, high blood pressure drugs, beta blockers, insulin, lithium, chemo drugs, barbiturates. This list was created by a former vice chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Richard C. Mohs.
How to stay safe from this serious side effect?
You should find some better options if available or try to make changes in your lifestyle that will reduce the need for meds. However, if still you need to take therapy, take proactive steps to lower the burden on the brain, i.e. exercise, eat foods good for the brain, or take brain supplements. Your brain needs to remain in a healthy state all the time, therefore, take good care of it.