Page 114 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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CHAPTER 10

Medication Toxicity, Infections, and Head

Injury

MEDICATION TOXICITY IS A COMMON CAUSE of poor concentration and memory loss, particularly
among people who take many medications. In this book, I generally give the pharmacologic name of
the medication first, followed by the U.S. trade name (used to market the product) in parentheses,
whenever applicable. For example, fluoxetine is marketed under the trade name Prozac, and
acetaminophen is better known by its U.S. trade name Tylenol.

Signs of Medication Toxicity to the Brain

Any sudden worsening in concentration or memory, or onset of confusion, after starting a new
medication
Any sudden worsening in concentration or memory, or onset of confusion, after a dose increase
of an existing medication

Common Medication Culprits

Steroids, benzodiazepines, and medications with anticholinergic properties are among the commonly
used medications that can cause memory loss.