Does pain meds cause dementia?

Does pain meds cause dementia?

For example, a recent study of chronic pain sufferers found that those who took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, had nearly the same increased dementia risk as those taking opioids.

What medications can cause dementia like symptoms?

Experts say many older adults who are taking a number of prescription pills can develop a “medication fog” that mimics dementia symptoms. Experts say pain medications, sleep medications, and antidepressants are some of the prescriptions that can cause this fog.

Can pain medication affect your memory?

A number of prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with or cause loss of memory. Possible culprits include: antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and pain medications given after surgery. Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.

How do opioids affect dementia?

Heavier opioid use was not associated with more-rapid cognitive decline. Conclusion: People with the heaviest opioid or NSAID use had slightly higher dementia risk than people with little or no use. These results may reflect an effect of chronic pain on cognition or residual confounding.

What drugs affect memory?

Caution! These 10 Drugs Can Cause Memory Loss

• Antianxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Statins)
• Antiseizure drugs.
• Antidepressant drugs (Tricyclic antidepressants)
• Narcotic painkillers.
• Parkinson’s drugs (Dopamine agonists)
• Hypertension drugs (Beta-blockers)

Do opioids make you forgetful?

Opioids are strong pain medications that can help if you have severe, short-term pain such as after surgery or other serious injury. Even when taken as directed, these medications may cause confusion, sleepiness, and memory loss.

Can long term use of opioids cause dementia?

Conclusion: People with the heaviest opioid or NSAID use had slightly higher dementia risk than people with little or no use. These results may reflect an effect of chronic pain on cognition or residual confounding.

Is confusion a side effect of opioids?

People who use prescription opioids can feel relaxed and happy, but also experience drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation, and slowed breathing. Prescription opioids have effects similar to heroin.