

Medications that may affect memory and possible substitutes

As shown in the table below, alternatives are usually available. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that a new medication is taking the edge off your memory.

That can make it difficult to pay close attention to new things. Medications. Tranquilizers, antidepressants, some blood pressure drugs, and other medications can affect memory, usually by causing sedation or confusion. Too little restful sleep can also lead to mood changes and anxiety, which in turn contribute to problems with memory. Lack of sleep. Not getting enough sleep is perhaps the greatest unappreciated cause of forgetfulness. But there are some treatable causes of forgetfulness. When they happen more than they should, they can trigger fears of looming dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Memory slips are aggravating, frustrating, and sometimes worrisome.
