By Ashley Wong, PharmD – Medically reviewed by Smita Patel, DO
Some commonly used medications have been linked to memory issues and severe forgetfulness.
1. Benzodiazepines
Types: Examples of benzodiazepines include:
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Restoril (temazepam)
Effect on memory: Benzodiazepines are known to affect memory function. Specifically, they can cause mild, short-term memory loss that gets better once the drug is stopped.
There is also research that suggests long-term benzodiazepine use may increase the risk of dementia, which is a group of brain conditions that affect memory, cognition, and behavior in older adults.
Alternatives: If you’re taking a benzodiazepine and are experiencing memory problems, talk to your doctor about potential alternatives.
The alternatives vary depending on the condition you’re taking them for. For example, if you’re taking a benzodiazepine for anxiety, you and your doctor may consider switching your treatment to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). You can also discuss non-drug therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
2. Anti-Seizure Medications
Types: Common examples of anti-seizure drugs include:
- Lamictal (lamotrigine)
- Topamax (topiramate)
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
- Vimpat (lacosamide)
- Keppra (levetiracetam)
Effect on memory: Because anti-seizure drugs work by calming brain activity, they can affect normal brain function. This may result in difficulty remembering things, paying attention, or concentrating. This may go away over time as your body gets used to the medication, but other times it may not.
The drowsiness and concentration side effects caused by anticonvulsants can affect your short-term memory, making it hard to absorb and store new information. These side effects may be more likely if you take high doses or multiple types of anti-seizure medications.
Alternatives: Switching to a different anticonvulsant may help with memory loss, as some drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness or other cognitive side effects than others.5 Other ways to treat seizures include dietary interventions, surgery, and deep brain stimulation.
3. Opioids
Types: Examples of opioids include:
- Oxycontin (oxycodone)
- Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)
- MS Contin (morphine)
- Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen)
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
Effect on memory: Opioids are known to interfere with the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory and learning.
They may also change the levels of certain chemicals in your body that are involved with cognitive function. Research has also shown that people who use opioids have a higher risk of developing dementia than people who don’t use them.
Alternatives: Alternatives to opioids may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Tylenol (acetaminophen), anticonvulsants, antidepressants, topical pain medications, and muscle relaxers.
4. Tricyclic Antidepressants
Types: TCA medications include:
- Elavil (amitriptyline)
- Pamelor (nortriptyline)
- Silenor (doxepin)
- Tofranil (imipramine)
Effect on memory: TCAs alter the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
They also have anticholinergic effects, meaning TCAs block acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in memory and learning.9 These mechanisms can lead to memory impairment, even if the TCA is taken at the recommended dosage.
Alternatives: If you’re experiencing memory problems while taking a TCA, talk to a doctor. They can recommend alternative treatments. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) don’t have the same anticholinergic effects as TCAs, however, the research is mixed on whether they can cause memory loss.
5. Antihistamines
Types: Examples of FGAs include:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
- Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)
- Phenergan (promethazine)
Examples of SGAs include:
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
Effect on memory: Research shows antihistamines are linked to an increased risk of dementia, with FGAs having a higher risk than SGAs.
Alternatives: While FGAs and SGAs may both increase the risk of dementia, the risk is lower with SGAs since they don’t cross into the brain as easily. Your doctor can recommend whether an SGA is appropriate for you.
6. Sleeping Pills
Types: Sleeping pills that may affect memory include:
- Lunesta (eszopiclone)
- Sonata (zaleplon)
- Ambien (zolpidem)
Effect on memory: A 2023 study showed that sleeping drugs increased the risk of dementia in people who were white.15 Another study from 2021 found that sleeping pills can negatively impact prospective memory, or the ability to remember to do something in the future
Alternatives: Instead of sleeping pills, melatonin may help with insomnia. There are also healthful sleep and lifestyle habits that can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
7. Incontinence Drugs
Types: Overactive bladder anticholinergics can include:
- Sanctura (trospium)
- Ditropan (oxybutynin)
- Enablex (darifenacin)
- Vesicare (solifenacin)
- Detrol (tolterodine)
Effect on memory: Research has shown that overactive bladder anticholinergic medications can increase the risk of dementia.16 They can also negatively affect certain parts of cognition, such as working memory, which is the ability to remember information over a short period of time.
Alternatives: If you’re experiencing memory loss while taking an incontinence drug, talk to your doctor. They can determine if your medication is the cause and discuss other ways to treat your overactive bladder symptoms. This can include switching to different medications, such as Myrbetriq (mirabegron) or Gemtesa (vibegron), or implementing bladder retraining and pelvic floor strengthening exercises.
Factors Influencing Medication-Induced Memory Loss
Other factors may put you at higher risk for medication-related memory problems. These include:
- Taking higher dosages of the medications
- Taking the medications long-term
- Being of older age
- Taking multiple medications at once
In fact, a 2021 study found that older adults who took at least three medications with cognitive side effects were more likely to report confusion and memory loss.
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