HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Which OCD Medication Causes Memory Loss?

default
Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015
Question: Checking to see if any of the medications I am taking could cause memory loss when interacting with my body or alone. The following is my list: xarellto, paroxetine, Paxil, simvastatin, L Throxine, toprol, tisanidine, myrtizapine, omeprazole. Spelling is probably all wrong. Has been diagnosed with OCD many years ago. I am 81 years old.
YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Can influence alertness and attention and hence memory.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Technically none of those drugs causes memory loss in a direct manner. However several of them can cause somnolence and concentration issues which in turn make it difficult to be attentive and retain information, namely mirtazapine, tizanidine or paroxetine. Also since you are treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy if thyroid levels aren't high enough it can also cause mental slowing and memory issues.

Also another issue you should be worried about is the use of paroxetine and mirtazapine which are both antidepressants and if used together can have a threatening reaction called serotonin syndrome. It is not common but if happens it can be serious so I think you should consult your physician about the use of both of them.
You also mention both paroxetine and Paxil, but they are the same thing, Paxil is just one of Paroxetin brands in circulation, I hope you're not taking two brands of paroxetine by mistake.

I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Which OCD Medication Causes Memory Loss?

Brief Answer: Can influence alertness and attention and hence memory. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Technically none of those drugs causes memory loss in a direct manner. However several of them can cause somnolence and concentration issues which in turn make it difficult to be attentive and retain information, namely mirtazapine, tizanidine or paroxetine. Also since you are treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy if thyroid levels aren't high enough it can also cause mental slowing and memory issues. Also another issue you should be worried about is the use of paroxetine and mirtazapine which are both antidepressants and if used together can have a threatening reaction called serotonin syndrome. It is not common but if happens it can be serious so I think you should consult your physician about the use of both of them. You also mention both paroxetine and Paxil, but they are the same thing, Paxil is just one of Paroxetin brands in circulation, I hope you're not taking two brands of paroxetine by mistake. I hope to have been of help.