Let’s better life stop using these 46 medications because they cause memory loss
Many times when a problem arises either with our own health, body and mental or cognitive functions (knock on wood) we go to see a physician. Whatever the problem may be, most times people are prescribed a medication. Some synthetic, man-made pill that is developed to cover or eradicate certain symptoms but bound to contain some adverse side effects. Now there are many theories for why this is the case, such as big pharmaceuticals wanting to keep pumping out pills and products to turn a profit or because recommending an all natural, whole food based diet is not profitable for physicians and the pharmaceutical industry.
- Antibiotics
Scientists are discovering more and more every day about the importance of the brain-gut connection. Many hormones and chemicals that affect our brain, such as serotonin, are found primarily in the gut and GI tract. Because of this, antibiotics, which kill off the good bacteria in our intestinal tract along with the bad, have a direct impact on brain function.
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in the brain relevant to depression, migraines, and other neurological illnesses.New research shows that many common antibiotics, especially quinolones, cause extreme confusion, mental delusion, impaired cognitive function and psychiatric disturbance.
- Antihistamines
Antihistamines and anticholinergics are found in common over the counter and prescription drugs for allergies, colds, dizziness, and even sleep.They alter brain function by inhibiting acetylcholine, the main neurotransmitter for learning and memory. Decreased acetylcholine is known to cause dementia, memory loss, hallucinations, blurred vision, confusion, and delirium.
- Sleeping Pills
Sleep aids cause memory loss because they dampen brain activity in key parts of the brain, including those responsible for learning and memory. The most prominent of these are the benzodiazepines.
- Statins
Statins are mainly used to help lower cholesterol for those with high levels. The problem is they also lower brain cholesterol levels, which in turn affects its ability to function properly. Memory loss caused by statins is well-known and gives even more incentive to take initiative and lower cholesterol naturally.
If you’re looking for some extra help with your cholesterol levels, why not try Broccoli Extract Powder? Broccoli Extract is a yellowish powder that is cultivated from the essence of broccoli flowers and stems. Supplementation of broccoli extract is intended to promote overall good cholesterol levels.
- Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics repress dopamine receptors in the brain, which are responsible for transmitting signals in the brain.(18) These drugs meant to help those who suffer from paranoia, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder also cause the brain to shrink. This affects brain function as a whole, especially learning and memory, which can lead to dementia, early Alzheimer’s, and other brain-related disorders.
Drugs that fall under this category include Haldol and Mellaril.
- Antihypertensives
Used to treat hypertension, these beta-blockers interfere with messages in your brain using epinephrine and norepinephrine which affect memory loss, especially your verbal memory.
Antihypertensives are drugs that end in -olol. Common names for these drugs are Tenormin, Coreg, Lopressor, Toprol, Inderal, Betaspace, and Timoptic.
- Antidepressants and Anti-anxiety
Antidepressants, such as Elavil, Anafranil, Norpramin, and Pamelor, block the action of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which impairs your memory.
Antianxiety drugs, including Xanax, Librium, Klonopin, Valium, and Restoril, dampen activity in the brain related to short and long-term memory.
- Narcotic Painkillers and Anticonvulsants
Both of these drugs decrease the flow of brain signals to the central nervous system and the emotional reaction to pain. This “slow down” of the brain inhibits its function, including learning and memory.
These drugs include Fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, Diamox, Tegretol, Potiga, and Neurontin.
- Parkinson’s Drugs
These drugs act differently than many of the ones previously mentioned. Parkinson’s drugs activate signaling pathways for dopamine. These pathways function largely for learning and memory, so memory loss which can lead to Alzheimer’s and dementia is a risk.
Quick Recap: Medications Linked to Memory Loss
- Amoxicillin
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
- Benadryl
- Vistaryl
- Tavist
- Clarinex
- Oxytrol for Women
- Xanax
- Valium
- Ativan
- Librium
- Lunesta
- Sonata
- Ambien
- Lipitor
- Lescol
- Mevacor
- Prevachol
- Crestor
- Zocor
- Haldol
- Mellaril
- Tenormin
- Coreg
- Lopressor
- Topro
- Inderal
- Betaspace
- Timoptic
- Elavil
- Librium
- Klonopin
- Valium
- Restoril
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Diamox
- Tegretol
- Potiga
- Neurontin
- Apokyn
- Mirapex
- Requip
Next Steps
The drugs listed above are just a few of the hundreds that fall into these categories. It is important that you know what you are taking and what the potential side effects are. If you are taking one of the over-the-counter options above and it is for occasional use, try to find an alternative. However, if you are currently a drug that is for a chronic illness and prescribed by a doctor, do not go off of the drug. Please talk to your doctor first about your concerns so that you can find an alternative solution.
What To Do If You Have To Stay on Medication
Check out the following articles on how to boost your memory and brain function naturally, and share this with your friends and family so everyone can be informed on the life-changing topic of memory and dementia.