Quote:
Originally Posted by mrsD
Two major drug types affect memory majorly.
1) Benzodiazepines, like Valium, Xanax etc will cause memory loss. They are used in anesthesias for dental work, because of their amnesiac effects. That link to the rat study Dr. Smith put up explains the GABA system and how that works. Benzos are commonly given with opiates to enhance effects, so many people use them and also for muscle relaxing effects.
2) Statins for lowering cholesterol, now have a warning on them for affecting memory. So if you use them you might discuss this with your doctor. Statins damage neurons. There are now photos of this effect published this past year.
Any drug that causes mental confusion, sedation, can affect memory too. In the elderly common acid blocking drugs, Zantac and Pepcid, can enter the brain more easily thru the blood brain barrier and cause confusion and in some delirium.
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After fusion, while in hospital, was given Valium, along with Percocet. I had, on a different thread, mentioned the unexpected plus of the Valium is it also being used for muscle spasms. For many years had been unable to lay on left side because of muscle pain on left side of neck and shoulder (had cervical joint injections, etc.; nothing helped).
After many years of laying only on right side; developted very painful siatica and bursitis on right side. This was long before fusion/laminectomy. I think this problem eventually resulted in my need for fusion/laminectomy.
Since being on the Valium; tho not completely pain free, the pain has greatly lessened and am able to lay on left side. I only wish I had been given the Valium years ago.
Even tho the Valium may be adding to memory issues; stil feel it is worth the lessened spasm pain.
Since learning much about the affects Statins have on PN, started cutting my Simvastatin in half. I told my doctor I had been doing this for over a year.so he prescribed half the dose I had been taking.
After the posting with you a while back; I decided to try getting off the Simvastatin completely. I had lab work done on Thursday with fasting for cholesterol. (I have lab work done every 5 months because of Thyroid.) I had informed doctor's office of my eliminating the Statin med completely.
We shall see the result when I see him this coming Tuesday. It has been over a month with no Statin medication. I do have very good HDL; but the LDL is not too good. Hopefully, my readings are good enough to remain off Statin medication.
Just a little side note; went off Lisinopril (you had mentioned this med in the same post) at the same time as well. (Do take Spironlactone which has lowered blood pressure so doctor has agreed to omit Lisinopril for now.)
Really appreciate all your input. You have been an "angel".
Gerry