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Can Carvedilol And Furosemide Cause Memory Loss?

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Posted on Tue, 15 Dec 2015
Question: What is known about possible memory loss due to carvedilol (25 mg. twice daily) and/or furosemide (20 mg. twice daily) taken either separately or together? I am an 83 year old male and consume about 16 oz. of 80 proof liquor per day. I have also been undergoing chemical treatment, during the last 18 months, for myelodysplastic syndrome with courses of Vidaza and Procrit, and my condition remains relatively stable, except that the quality of interaction of my short-term memory with my long-term memory seems to be in decline. Thank you for any enlightenment that you may be able to provide me in this connection.
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Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Carvedilol is known to be protective too.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Beta blockers which enter the CNS i.e. non-specific beta blockers (eg. carvedilol) which have an anti-adrenergic effect can affect memory only in patients who are having a cognitive decline. In normal patients, carvedilol is not known to affect memory. On the contrary, it is very helpful in patients who are at risk for Alzheimers disease or vascular dementia.
2. Furosemide is known to affect memory only on short term basis due to impairment of fluid balance in Central nervous system. Only during acute emergency conditions, it has been described. It is not known to affect any memory loss over time.
3. Also low oxygenation due to anemia, age-related changes, and nutritional imbalance can also affect memory.
4. If you still want to check your memory decline, do meet your doctor to get a mini-mental state examination. Based on the test, further evaluation and management will be possible.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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Can Carvedilol And Furosemide Cause Memory Loss?

Brief Answer: Carvedilol is known to be protective too. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Beta blockers which enter the CNS i.e. non-specific beta blockers (eg. carvedilol) which have an anti-adrenergic effect can affect memory only in patients who are having a cognitive decline. In normal patients, carvedilol is not known to affect memory. On the contrary, it is very helpful in patients who are at risk for Alzheimers disease or vascular dementia. 2. Furosemide is known to affect memory only on short term basis due to impairment of fluid balance in Central nervous system. Only during acute emergency conditions, it has been described. It is not known to affect any memory loss over time. 3. Also low oxygenation due to anemia, age-related changes, and nutritional imbalance can also affect memory. 4. If you still want to check your memory decline, do meet your doctor to get a mini-mental state examination. Based on the test, further evaluation and management will be possible. Hope it helps. Any further queries, here to help again. Dr. Prakash HM