Page 116 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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Therefore, medications with antiacetylcholine, or anticholinergic, properties can produce cognitive
deficits that include memory loss. As with benzodiazepines, high doses can result in confusion and
disorientation, though this occurs mainly in people who overdose. A variety of medications have
anticholinergic properties, including older antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and
amitriptyline (Elavil), as well as antipsychotics like chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine
(Mellaril), and olanzapine (Zyprexa). Acetylcholine also increases muscle activity and secretions in
the gastrointestinal tract and bladder, so anticholinergics can cause the opposite: dry mouth,
constipation, and urinary retention. As with steroids and benzodiazepines, if you're being prescribed
an anticholinergic medication and have begun to experience memory loss, you should report this to
your doctor and ask about stopping it or taking another type of medication.

Among the medications listed here, the research data on barbiturates, phenytoin, antidepressants
with anticholinergic properties, benzodiazepines, narcotics, lithium, and cimetidine are fairly
convincing, but there is less evidence to show that antihypertensives and digitalis cause significant
cognitive deficits. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is widely used, has antihistaminic and
anticholinergic properties, both of which predispose people to cognitive impairment, including
memory loss.

Dosage Makes a Big Difference

If you have memory loss and are taking one or more of the medications listed in the table, you should
carefully review your situation. Keep in mind that most medication-induced brain toxicity usually
occurs at moderate to high doses. Since almost all the medications listed in the table are prescription
medications, you need to check with your doctor about the medication's impact on your memory.

If You're Taking Two or More of the Listed Medications

The risk of memory loss increases.
Ask your doctor if all the medications are really necessary.

Medication Rule

Don't stop or lower the dose of prescription medicines without checking with your doctor.