How to Handle Memory Loss from Medication

Memory loss may be caused by medication.

Memory loss is difficult enough to cope with when it occurs during the aging process and associated illness. Yet memory loss from medication affects all age groups. Antidepressants and sleeping pills are just some of the culprits. Newer medications designed for everything from smoking cessation to migraines can also cause mild to severe problems. Some techniques can help.

Instructions

1. Make an appointment with your physician to rule out other causes of memory loss and obtain help. Some medication related memory loss is dosage dependent. Your dosage may be adjusted or a substitute prescription provided. If no viable options exist, your doctor may suggest other ways to improve your mental functioning.

2. 

   Investigate vitamin B supplementation, particularly B-100 which contains B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, B-12, biotin, panothenic acid and calcium. The results vary for memory loss due to medication, but vitamin supplementation is recommended in some cases.

3. Ensure that sleep is adequate. Do you feel rested when you awake? If medication is interrupting your sleep patterns, or brain waves, then improvement may be more difficult to achieve. Follow sound advice for the treatment of insomnia, such as avoiding caffeine, alcohol and other deep sleep offenders.

4. Record plans and mental lists and rely less on your memory. Forcing yourself to remember when under stress will not improve your memory. Work with a combination of written reminders and technology. Cell phone alarms, online calendars and organizers are useful. Select aids that you will use regularly.

5. 

   Engage in memory building activities and other mental exercises, using repetition and association. If memory loss is generalized, memory games may help as they involve the necessary parts of the brain. If memory loss is more specific, say verbal rather than visual, try exercises and games that focus on vocabulary.

6. Discuss limitations with loved ones. This will help them understand your needs, allow them to express any frustrations over change and encourage assistance. Sometimes memory loss from medication affects loved ones drastically and discussion helps.

7. Set reasonable expectations. Health professionals note that stress and worry over memory loss, from medication or otherwise, can worsen the problem. If you rely on a brilliant memory, adjustment can be difficult. You may need to reread items, repeat names and numbers or engage in less memory dependent activities.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't expect instant results and be prepared for frustration. Give memory building exercises adequate time to work.

• Depending on the medication causing the memory loss, your results will vary with memory building techniques.