Frequently Forgetful? Medications Might Be the Cause

Paying a bill late or forgetting to call your sister on her birthday are not significant lapses in memory if they occur over several months. But when glitches like this happen more frequently, it suggests a pattern of forgetfulness, and that can be concerning—especially for older people who invariably wonder if errors like these signify the early stages of dementia. Whether it’s occasional forgetfulness or short-term memory loss, there are many causes of memory impairment. One frequent culprit is the effect of some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The good news: You may be able to resolve or reverse this problem.

The impact of drugs on memory is particularly pronounced in older adults because of polymedication—the use of several drugs simultaneously. Research shows that close to half of older adults take five or more prescription medications.

Check with Your Doctor

If you suspect that a medication is causing your forgetfulness, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your physician before making any changes to your daily regimen. “The medication was prescribed for a reason, and you may need to have that medication replaced with a substitute,” says Keith Roach, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. “More importantly, it might not be the medicine at all, and an evaluation will need to be done to determine the cause of the symptoms.”

Medications and Memory

Some medications that are commonly linked to memory problems include:

Benzodiazepines. Medications such as diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam, commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, can cause sedation and may affect memory.

Opioid analgesics. Opioids, such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl prescribed for pain, can cause drowsiness and may impact cognitive function, including memory.

Muscle relaxants. Medications like baclofen and cyclobenzaprine, prescribed for muscle spasms, may have sedative effects that can affect memory.

Antidepressants. While some antidepressants can improve mood and cognitive function, others, particularly tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), may have side effects that include memory impairment.

Anti-epileptic drugs. Some anticonvulsant medications, like topiramate, can have cognitive side effects, including effects on memory.

Withdrawal symptoms are among the reasons to maintain your prescribed medication regimen unless directed otherwise by your physician. “Benzodiazepines, like Valium (diazepam), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan), can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped, and need to be tapered over days, weeks, or sometimes months. Opioids also cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped, and stopping a seizure medicine can lead to worsening of seizure activity,” says Dr. Roach.

OTC Drugs and Memory

Some over-the-counter drugs have the potential to cause temporary cognitive impairment.

OTC medications that may impact memory include:

Antihistamines. Particularly diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl), may cause drowsiness, which can impact memory.

Sleep aids. These often contain antihistamines or other sedating agents, which can affect cognitive function and memory.

Cough and cold medications: Some may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness, potentially affecting memory.

Motion sickness medications: Such as dimenhydrinate, may have sedative effects that can impact memory.

Pain relievers with sleep aids: These OTC meds combine analgesics with sleep aids. They may cause drowsiness and affect memory.

Your Complete Medication List

If memory issues are persistent, seek medical attention. Sometimes interactions between medications can contribute to cognitive side effects. Never make changes to your medication regimen without consulting your doctor first. They can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history, overall health, and the specific medications you are taking.

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