Prescription drugs are life savers but did you know that they can also be a cause for death and other illnesses? There are more than 100,000 deaths each year because of the side effects of medicines. There are also 1.5 millions of people who get hospitalized each year for the side effects. One of the leading causes of death in the United States is because of adverse drug reactions. One of these reactions is memory loss. There are three types of memory loss and about 20 prescription drugs that cause it.
Three Types of Prescription Drugs that Cause Loss of Memory
‘Anti’ Drugs
These drugs start with the word ‘anti’ at the beginning like anti-depressants, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamines and anti-psychotic and more. These affect the acetylcholine level of the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory. It can lower the acetylcholine level and cause mental confusion and memory loss. It can also cause blurred vision and dementia. It has also been associated with hallucinations.
Sleeping Pills
These types of medications can give effects that resemble being in a coma or drunk. Reports say that people who drink this don’t fall into normal sleep to maintain and repair the mind.
These kinds of medicines are prescribed to people who sleepwalk, sleep drive and have night terrors and hallucinations.
Statin Drugs
Prescription drugs like these are for people who are experiencing high cholesterol levels. It is also one of the worst drugs to cause memory loss. It is one of its side effects.
20 Drugs That Cause Memory Loss
Here is a detailed list of the 20 prescription drugs that can cause memory loss
- Atropine
- Scopolamine
- Glycopyrrolate
- Painkillers – Morphine, Heroin, and Codeine
- For people with Epilepsy – Dilantin or phenytoin
- Sleeping pills – Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata
- Benzodiazepines – Xanax, Valium, Dalmane, and Ativan
- Naproxen – anti-inflammatory
- Quinidine
- Steroids
- Antihistamines – for allergies
- Antibiotics (quinolones) – for infections, Pneumonia, and other serious illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses
- 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 about it?
You can’t avoid these prescription drugs if you have chronic illnesses. What you can do is consult your doctor if the dosage can be lessened. You can also ask if it’s possible to drink a supplement that will counter the effect of memory loss. You can change to a healthier lifestyle to avoid prescription drugs.
Additionally, you can do mental exercises that improve the brain and other functions. Keep busy, keep active and do meditation to allow your brain to heal and function properly.
