confusion
When Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes Mental Confus…
I hate the term "senior moment." It implies that when people reach a certain age they start forgetting things...like names, dates, or faces. Some people use a cruder term: "brain fart." Have you ever …
Can Your Medicine Cause Confusion or Memory Loss…
Have you ever experienced trouble finding the right word? What about forgetting someone’s name you should know? How about having a hard time finding your car at the supermarket or airport? Most of t…
Lyrica (Pregabalin) Side Effects Include Confusi…
Lyrica used to be widely advertised on television to treat fibromyalgia or diabetic nerve pain. A few years ago there was this ad featuring Terry, a retired police officer. Terry describes his diabeti…
Brain Changes from COVID Affect Memory!
Long COVID continues to cause a lot of misery. Previous research hinted at brain shrinkage after infection. That may occur even if people experience only mild symptoms! Now, radiologists report that M…
Can You Overdose on Vitamin D?
Doctors generally assume that North Americans are so well nourished that they never need to worry about supplements. In fact, they sometimes fuss that people who take vitamin pills could overdose on …
COVID-19 Has Neurological Effects in Most Patien…
COVID-19 is known as a respiratory infection. Although the coronavirus certainly affects the lungs, however, it can also cause neurological effects. What Do We Know About the Neurological Effects of C…
Gabapentin and Fuzzy Thinking: A Recognized Side…
We have been writing a lot about GABA drugs like gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica). That because a report from ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices) has a QuarterWatch article: …
Is Your Confusion Due to a Vitamin Deficiency?
As we grow older, our mental lapses bother us more and more. Could losing the car keys be the first sign of Alzheimer's disease? Is forgetting the PIN for the ATM an early warning flag for dementia? O…
Will Memory Worsen on Migraine Medicine?
Have you ever discovered that a jacket you once loved no longer delights you? Perhaps the style has changed, or maybe you have changed and it is now too large or too small. Giving up a jacket that ha…
Amitriptyline and Imodium Lead to Brain Fog and …
Q. I am in my 50s and don't consider myself a senior citizen, but my memory has been getting worse and worse. I take amitriptyline and oxybutynin for a urinary problem, along with Metamucil and Imodiu…
No One Is Watching Out for Older People’s …
As we get older, things change. We can see the gray hair cropping up, and try as we might, we can't hide the wrinkles. (At least, not entirely.) Interior changes aren't so visible, but aging also alte…
How to Prevent Dementia
Q. I am interested in information about preventing dementia. What drugs should someone avoid to prevent memory loss? Are there any drugs that might help? Please answer in the newspaper so my wife won'…
Propofol Linked to Less Confusion after Surgery
Q. After reading your column on the aftereffects of anesthesia, I want to share my own experience. I had severe memory lapses for months after undergoing anesthesia. It was like knowing something was …
Don’t Let Older People Die Needlessly: Pro…
Henry's kitchen table is littered with drug paraphernalia. There are syringes, bottles, vials, nebulizers and a pill cutter. Henry is not a drug abuser...rather he is a senior citizen with a pill prob…
Are Older People Being Overmedicated?
Older adults often have more medications than other patients. This is partly because aches, pains and serious conditions tend to accumulate along with birthdays. But it is also partly because doctors …
Are Statins Good or Bad for the Brain?
Q. I just read a news article that says "Statins May Not Harm Memory, Thinking After all." Isn't this worth reporting on The People's Pharmacy website? A. The new study you refer to was published in t…
Topiramate (Topamax) Side Effects & Lowered…
Before accepting any prescription, ask your health care provider about potential side effects. In some cases, your partner should be there for the discussion as well. It's not unusual for a medication…
Anti-Anxiety Pills May Cause Confusion
Q. I was a nurse for over 42 years, and I'm alarmed by the staggering increase in the use of anti-anxiety medications like alprazolam or diazepam. There's no doubt in my mind that these addictive drug…
Dad’s Drugs Behind Mental Decline
Q. Our father is taking medicine for an enlarged prostate, high blood pressure, heartburn, allergies, cough and postnasal drip. A partial list of his drugs include Avodart, doxazosin, hydroxyzine, ipr…
Diarrhea Drug Caused Brain Fog
Q. I appreciate your warning about brain fog due to anticholinergic drugs. I took Lomotil to control diarrhea from IBS only when I went out for an event. At first I thought my episodes of brain confus…
Older People Suffer Side Effects
Q. I am worried about my husband. He is in his 80s and used to be active and fully engaged in our church and community. Now he is suffering from back and leg pain, neck spasms, weakness, dizziness and…
Did Stop-Smoking Drug Cause Hallucinations?
Q. My mom (age 70) took Chantix for two weeks to help her quit smoking. She stopped the drug a week ago, but she is now confused, dazed, paranoid, has hallucinations and cannot concentrate or function…
Some Drugs Dull Mental Edge
Patients should not have to choose between bladder control and brain function, but some medications prescribed for overactive bladder can have a negative impact on memory and concentration. In a recen…