What Causes Memory Loss And Poor Concentration While On Metoprolol, Diovan And Lipitor?

Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017

Question: I sense that I have increasing problems with remembering things since I started (at different times over the last three or so years) my current medications, hydrochlorothiazide (hydrodiuril), valsartan (diovan), metoprolol succinate (toprol), and atorvastatin (lipitor). They were prescribed to control high blood pressure, or so I think, but I sense that I’m having trouble with memory and deep concentration, needed in my work as a scientist. Any suggestions, please? Thanks, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possible dementia, need further evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Thank You for trusting HCM

I have gone through your medication list. Out of the medications you are taking, only metoprolol has side effect affecting your mood causing depressive symptoms.
However, none of these medications are known to cause memory loss or problems with concentration.

I would recommend screening for dementia as a cause for your symptoms.
Neurologic evaluation, Mini-mental status examination (screening questionnaire for dementia) and Imaging studies like CT brain to confirm dementia and what is causing dementia.
There are several causes for demnetia. Some reversible causes include Hypothyroidism, Vitamin deficiencies etc. Non reversible causes include alzheimr's dementia, parkinson's disease etc.
It is important to identify dementia early and its cause.

Please be advised to follow-up with a neurologist to undergo necessary evaluation and further management.

Hope I was able to help you
Please address further questions here
Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T