One of the most common causes of memory loss is drugs. Not just illegal drugs, but prescription, and over-the-counter medications included.

If you take medications like Benadryl, or other allergy medications and sleep aids, this may be impacting your memory. Common medications that treat allergies, anxiety, and insomnia are known for causing memory loss.

If you are experiencing memory loss, and you have taken, or are currently taking any of the following medications consult your physician for advice, and more information about your symptoms.

Although your memory symptoms may be easily remedied, it could be something more serious such as developing signs of brain disease.

Top 10 Drugs That Can Cause Memory Loss

1) Benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Xanax, Valium, etc.) These prescription drugs treat a variety of anxiety disorders, prevent seizures, agitation, and muscle spasms. These drugs produce a sedative effect, and decrease activity in key parts of the brain.

2) Statins (Lipitor, Zocor, Lescol, etc.) These prescription drugs are used for lowering cholesterol. Cholesterol medication lowers blood cholesterol levels, which depletes cholesterol levels in the brain.

3) Anti-depressants (Vivactil, Norpramin, Elavil, etc.) These prescription drugs block the brain seratonin, and norepinephrine, the chemical messengers of the brain. They are used to treat disorders such as depression, hormone disorders, eating disorders, and severe menstrual cramps.

4) Narcotic painkillers (Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet, etc.) These medications are used to relieve moderate to severe pain. These medications stem the flow of pain signals, and blunt the emotional reactions to pain.

5) Anti-seizure Medication (Lamictal, Lyrica, Tegretol, etc.) These prescription medications decrease the signal flows within the nervous system. They are most commonly prescribed for bipolar, nerve pain, and other mood disorders.

6) Beta-blockers (Inderal, Timoptic, Coreg, etc.) These prescription medications are generally prescribed for conditions, such as abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure. These medications block the chemical messengers in the brain.

7) Sedatives (Lunesta, Ambien, Sonata, etc.) These prescription medications treat medical conditions like insomnia, mild anxiety, and other sleep disorders. Similar to benzodiazepines, they impact the same brain messengers, and produce similar side-effects, and long-term problems.

8) Parkinson’s drugs (Mirapex, Requip, Apokyn) These drugs are prescribed to treat Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome, and pituitary tumors. They activate signaling pathways for chemical messengers responsible for brain activity, such as motivation, memory, learning, pleasure, and fine motor control.

9) Anticholinergics (Sanctura, Enablex, Detrol, etc.) These prescription drugs are used to treat overactive bladder, and reducing incontinence. They block acetylcholin, which is a chemical messenger responsible for all types of body functions.

10) Antihistamines (Benadryl, Clistin, Dimetane, etc.) These over-the-counter medications are used to treat common allergy symptoms, or symptoms related to the common cold. These medications inhibit a chemical in the brain that mediates numerous bodily functions.