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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kirbyw on August 15, 2012, at 1:35:07
I am currently experiencing memory loss, not major but still quite inconvenient. I am a working person and I need to be as sharp as possible. I wonder if there is any evidence (anecdotal or otherwise) that any of the following drugs which I take can cause memory problems.
Lithium 600 mg daily, Zyprexa 2.5 mg daily, Parnate 40 mg daily, Clonazapam 1 mg daily. I take an occasional dose of one half of a Vicodin perhaps 5 times a week when I am feeling exceptionally bad and I suspect that opiates could interfere with memory.
I also take lipitor and there is an FDA warning about Lipitor and memory problems, but the studies indicate that the incidence the incidence of memory loss in lipitor users is about 2% which is an extremely small number. My cardiologist says he doesn't believe that Lipitor causes memory loss, and has urged me to keep taking it. Finally, I am 65 years old and certainly age can be a factor. Also, I have taken Parnate for over 25 years (with just a few interruptions when I was feeling good) and I am sure there are no studies of long term effects of Parnate on memory. In fact Parnate is hardly studied at all anymore. Any comments on the above are welcome.
Rick in Costa Rica
Posted by Emme_v2 on August 15, 2012, at 4:38:44
In reply to drugs and memory loss, posted by kirbyw on August 15, 2012, at 1:35:07
I would suspect the clonazepam. I could be wrong of course.
Posted by herpills on August 15, 2012, at 5:39:58
In reply to drugs and memory loss, posted by kirbyw on August 15, 2012, at 1:35:07
How long have you been on the clonazepam?
Posted by SLS on August 15, 2012, at 7:45:56
In reply to drugs and memory loss, posted by kirbyw on August 15, 2012, at 1:35:07
Hi Rick in Costa Rica.
I agree with the previous posters that the clonazepam might be the culprit to your memory problems. The Vicodin might add to this somewhat. It is difficult to know. Would you experience withdrawal were you to suspend your Vicodin intake?
If it turns out that the clonazepam is the cause of your memory problems, what would you?
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on August 15, 2012, at 9:48:51
In reply to drugs and memory loss, posted by kirbyw on August 15, 2012, at 1:35:07
Rick Hi it's great that you are still working at 65. Is it short term or long term memory that is the problem. I imagine any med can or could cause various problems. But it sounds like other than this you are doing well. Phillipa
Posted by kirbyw on August 16, 2012, at 18:19:11
In reply to Re: drugs and memory loss » kirbyw, posted by SLS on August 15, 2012, at 7:45:56
Well, in answer to Scott, Vicodin would not be difficult to stop. Some days I don't take it all.
Same with Clonazapam. Both are part of my treatment regime and stopping them, while not difficult, might make me more depressed. (Although having a better memory might make me less depressed!) Also it seems almost impossible to really find out which drug (if any) is really the cause in my case. Because there is no scientific methodology established, in order to know, for example, how long to suspend a drug before my memory would show improvement. (two weeks? 8 weeks?) With Lipitor they have talked about this effect (if it really exists) being reversible in a very short time (several weeks). With Vicodin and Clonazapam, I don't know the studies, if they exist. I may try to research this on the internet, or if anyone has a lead, please let me know. Please keep in mind that my Vicodin use, although long term, is extremly low dose. Thanks to those who responded for your feedback. Rick
Posted by thegron on August 19, 2012, at 1:08:45
In reply to Re: drugs and memory loss, posted by kirbyw on August 16, 2012, at 18:19:11
> Well, in answer to Scott, Vicodin would not be difficult to stop. Some days I don't take it all.
> Same with Clonazapam. Both are part of my treatment regime and stopping them, while not difficult, might make me more depressed. (Although having a better memory might make me less depressed!) Also it seems almost impossible to really find out which drug (if any) is really the cause in my case. Because there is no scientific methodology established, in order to know, for example, how long to suspend a drug before my memory would show improvement. (two weeks? 8 weeks?) With Lipitor they have talked about this effect (if it really exists) being reversible in a very short time (several weeks). With Vicodin and Clonazapam, I don't know the studies, if they exist. I may try to research this on the internet, or if anyone has a lead, please let me know. Please keep in mind that my Vicodin use, although long term, is extremly low dose. Thanks to those who responded for your feedback. Rickhey Rick,
I'm sorry u r experiencing memory loss. I do believe that any of the drugs you are taking could be a culprit. However, I would say that (without knowing when you started each medication and how long you've been taking them) either the lithium or the clonazepam is causing your memory loss (or both!). I would, if you can do without it, stop the clonazepam immediately. Benzodiazepines are horrible horrible drugs that can cause (in some people) long lasting and sometimes permanent cognitive dysfunction with long-term use, even at low doses and as needed. I am a victim of this specific kind of dysfunction. it is not fun. so take it from me, stop the benzo. now if the lithium is the offender, you could always lower the dose and see if that helps.
-Thegron
Posted by brynb on August 20, 2012, at 15:23:15
In reply to drugs and memory loss, posted by kirbyw on August 15, 2012, at 1:35:07
Hi Rick-
I have to agree w/ the other posters that it's most likely the Klonopin. Benzos are notorious for memory loss. I've experienced benzo-induced blackouts in the past (though I was taking copious amounts).
If you do stop the Klonopin, taper the dose down (even though you're on a relatively low dose); there's always the risk of seizure (and other unsavory withdrawal issues) when stopping benzos abruptly.
-b
This is the end of the thread.
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