Pain Relievers That Cause Memory Loss

Pain relievers range from simple over-the-counter remedies such as aspirin, to stronger medicines that include narcotic-based analgesics available only by prescription. Some of these have virtually no side effects, but some may have potentially dangerous side effects, such as impaired memory or decreased cognitive function.

Chronic Pain

• The National Centers for Health Statistics reports that more than 72 million people live with chronic pain in the United States alone. Some pain is beneficial, such as normal sensory pain that tells you to remove your hand from a hot stove. Certain pain, however, comes from chronic illness or injury and can sometimes be debilitating, drastically altering the life of the person experiencing it.

Function

• Painkillers, as the word implies, are medications prescribed to lessen or eliminate pain. They are prescribed for acute pain, as experienced in injuries such as broken bones, and are also generally prescribed after surgery to make a patient more comfortable during recovery. They have an important role in treating chronic pain as well, including pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or muscular dystrophy.

Types

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are three main types of pain relievers, with numerous medicines in each category. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories---NSAIDS---are used to calm inflammation and sometimes work on a hormonal level. Narcotic painkillers work by depressing the central nervous system to alter the patients perception of pain. Unfortunately, they also decrease cognitive function, including memory. The third type, corticosteroids, achieve results similar to those of NSAIDS but are actual steroids.

Painkillers and Memory Loss

• According to the American Gastroenterological Association, up to 54 percent of patients taking prescription painkillers were not aware of their potential side effects, one of which is memory loss. The class of pain medication most likely to cause this side effect is narcotics such as opioid analgesics, especially when taken in high doses. Hydrocodone, percocet, tramadol (a synthetic narcotic) and darvocet are examples of medications that have been known to cause impaired memory. The DeGroote Institute for Pain Research recommends these medications be used only in cases of acute pain, as memory loss becomes worse when they are used for extended periods of time.

Other Considerations

• In cases of accidents or injuries, it is important to inform paramedics if you are taking narcotic painkillers. This way the doctor will be aware that if memory loss or impaired cognitive function is present, it could simply be a side effect of medication and not necessarily due to a head injury.