Memory Loss: Is It Medication Side Effects or Amnesia?

Forgetfulness + Memory Function

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent forgetfulness over the past two weeks.
For instance, while showering, I often forget which part I was washing, or I forget my appointments with others on the same day.
I even write notes and stick them on the door and in my notebook, but I still forget what I need to do or forget to bring things with me.
Currently, I am taking psychiatric medications (Quetiapine, Duloxetine, and Lurasidone).
I am wondering if my symptoms are related to the side effects of the medications or if there is a possibility of having amnesia.
Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/13

Dr. Li Guanying reply Psychiatry

Dear Sir/Madam,
From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress.
If these symptoms have arisen suddenly, it is essential to consider whether they may be related to a COVID-19 infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the symptoms that persist after an acute COVID-19 infection as "Post-COVID Conditions," also known as "Long COVID." Recently, daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 have exceeded ten thousand, but current public health policies are leaning towards a strategy of coexistence with the virus.
This includes monitoring for "Long COVID" symptoms in asymptomatic individuals, as the associated physical and mental stress can easily lead to the recurrence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, which should not be underestimated.
Clinical findings indicate that, in addition to moderate to severe cases, individuals with mild or asymptomatic infections may also experience Long COVID, with symptoms potentially lasting up to four months.
According to outpatient statistics, the most common Long COVID symptoms include respiratory issues, followed by fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction often referred to as "brain fog," which ranks third.
This can lead to impaired memory and difficulty concentrating, ultimately affecting work and daily life.
Sometimes, individuals may not realize they have Long COVID, and the impact of cognitive dysfunction can result in a decline in performance at work, increasing mental and physical stress, which may trigger the recurrence of mental health issues.
Some individuals who contracted COVID-19 may only experience mild respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, and recover within a week through telemedicine consultations and adherence to medication.
However, they may later encounter difficulties in clearly expressing their thoughts and experience a decline in physical stamina.
Athletes often feel fatigued and worry about missing competitions, leading to insomnia.
Individuals recovering from COVID-19 may still face mental and physical stress between family life and work arrangements, losing balance and continuing to experience insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction, which should prompt consideration of Long COVID.
Moreover, among patients experiencing Long COVID symptoms, women are more likely to develop additional complications related to mental health, emotions, endocrine issues, and fatigue.
Maintaining a regular exercise routine, normal sleep patterns, adequate rest, and practicing self-relaxation can help mitigate concerns about the duration of Long COVID symptoms.
If related symptoms persist for more than a month without improvement, it is advisable to seek professional medical assistance to prevent the emergence of more complex issues, especially for those with pre-existing mental health conditions, who may be more susceptible to relapse.
In addition to medication and psychotherapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (r-TMS) is a non-invasive treatment method that does not require anesthesia, has a high safety profile, and does not necessitate hospitalization.
It can improve anxiety and depressive symptoms, showing significant improvement in patients with treatment-resistant depression or those unable to tolerate medication side effects after r-TMS therapy.
Our clinic offers outpatient services from Monday to Friday, both in the morning and afternoon.
We recommend that you consider visiting the clinic for a personal evaluation of your symptoms by a physician, to collaboratively discuss the best course of action for you.
Wishing you good mental and physical health.

Reply Date: 2023/02/13

More Info

Memory loss can be a concerning issue, especially when it starts to interfere with daily activities and responsibilities. Your experiences of forgetting tasks, losing track of what you were doing, and even forgetting appointments can be distressing. It’s important to consider both the potential side effects of medications you are taking and the possibility of other underlying conditions.

From your description, it seems you are currently taking medications such as tranquilizers (安靜錠), SSRIs (千憂解), and possibly other psychotropic medications (悠樂丁). These medications can indeed have side effects that impact cognitive functions, including memory. SSRIs, for example, are generally used to treat depression and anxiety, and while they can improve mood and cognitive function in the long run, some individuals report experiencing side effects like memory impairment, especially during the initial stages of treatment or when adjusting dosages. Similarly, benzodiazepines (like tranquilizers) are known to cause sedation and can impair memory, particularly in the context of short-term memory and the formation of new memories.

It’s also worth noting that memory issues can arise from a variety of factors beyond medication. Stress, anxiety, and depression themselves can significantly affect cognitive functions, including memory. When a person is under emotional distress, their ability to concentrate and retain information can be compromised. Additionally, factors such as sleep quality, nutrition, and overall mental health play crucial roles in cognitive performance.

Given your situation, it would be prudent to take the following steps:
1. Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your memory concerns with the healthcare provider who prescribed your medications. They can evaluate whether your symptoms are related to the medications or if there might be other underlying issues. They may consider adjusting your dosage or switching medications if necessary.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your memory lapses, noting when they occur and any potential triggers (like stress or lack of sleep). This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in determining the cause of your memory issues.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Ensure you are getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish), and engaging in regular physical activity. These factors can help improve cognitive function and memory.

4. Cognitive Strategies: Utilize memory aids such as reminders on your phone, sticky notes, or digital calendars. Engaging in mental exercises, such as puzzles or memory games, can also help strengthen your cognitive abilities.

5. Stress Management: Consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga into your routine. These practices can enhance your overall mental well-being and potentially improve your memory.

6. Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your mental health and medication effects. If your memory issues persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out conditions like mild cognitive impairment or other neurological issues.

In conclusion, while medication side effects can contribute to memory loss, it’s essential to consider the broader context of your mental health and lifestyle. By working closely with your healthcare provider and making some lifestyle adjustments, you can better manage your symptoms and improve your cognitive function.

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