It is believed that beta-blockers may cause memory problems by blocking the action of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are key chemical messengers in the central nervous system.
First-Generation Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly prescribed medications that are also available over the counter. They are used to relieve or prevent allergy symptoms, motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), brompheniramine (Dimetane), clemastine (Tavist), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), and carbinoxamine (Colistin).
Antihistamine drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that is involved in numerous functions in the body, including functions in the memory and learning centers of the brain. First-generation (older) allergy medications may cause memory loss. However, newer antihistamines, cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are less likely to cause problems with memory and cognition.
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