5 Drugs That Can Affect Your Memory

Mature woman contemplating at home Occasional periods of forgetfulness or “brain fog” where you can’t think clearly or have trouble multitasking and comprehending information is an unfortunate sign of aging. But you may not know that some over-the-counter and prescription drugs can affect your memory and cognitive function too. 1. Sleeping aids (nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics) Why they are prescribed: Sometimes called the “Z” drugs, these medications can be used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems. They also are prescribed for mild anxiety. Examples: Eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien). How they can affect memory: Although these are molecularly distinct from benzodiazepines (see No. 1, above), they act on many of the same brain pathways and chemical messengers, producing similar side effects and problems with addiction and withdrawal. The “Z” drugs also can cause amnesia and sometimes trigger dangerous or strange behaviors, such as cooking a meal or driving a car with no recollection of the event upon awakening. Alternatives: There are alternative drug and nondrug treatments for insomnia and anxiety, so talk with your health care professional about options. Melatonin, for instance, can help to reestablish healthy sleep patterns. And cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line...