There are many reasons why one would experience memory loss, but in some cases, the reason for the short-term memory loss can be due to the use of certain drugs.

Of course, recreational drugs, such as marijuana, LSD, cocaine, and PCP are all drugs that can cause memory loss, either temporary or permanent, and can lead to more severe cases of amnesia. If you have been using any of these drugs, you may be experiencing memory loss as a result of use. Alcohol, as well as the recreational drugs listed below, can significantly damage your cognitive abilities.

In addition to recreational drugs, there are numerous over-the-counter drugs that can cause memory loss. The list is extensive, and not all manufacturer’s list “memory loss” as a side effect of their medications, so it can be difficult to determine which over-the-counter medications cause memory loss and lapses in memory.

It is understood that statin drugs, which are used to help control hypercholesterolemia, can cause mild short-term memory loss, in addition to anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax. In addition to Xanax and statin drugs, drugs such as Topamax, Vesanoid, Zyban, Lupron Depot, Copegus, Ambien and Klonopin.

Typically, over-the-counter medications that cause memory loss do not cause permanent damage. Once the use of over-the-counter medications is ceased, short-term memory generally comes back to its previous state before the drug was started. Understanding what drugs, either recreational or over-the-counter, cause memory loss as a side effect is a good way to fully understand that reasoning for your memory loss.