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Finding Stability With Bipolar 1 Disorder

6 Treatments for Bipolar 1: Anti-Seizure Medications, Antipsychotics, and More

Medically reviewed by Anna Kravtsov, D.O. 

Written by Emily Wagner, M.S.

Updated on April 1, 2026

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Key Takeaways

• Bipolar 1 disorder is a mental health condition that causes episodes of mania and depression, and managing it typically requires ongoing, long-term care with medications and therapy.

To manage mood disorders like bipolar 1 disorder, mental health professionals may prescribe a variety of medications. Some work to control your symptoms, called acute therapy. Other medications fall into the category of maintenance therapy and help to delay or prevent mood episodes. In most cases, bipolar 1 disorder requires ongoing, long-term care.

In this article, we’ll discuss six treatments for bipolar 1 disorder, how they work, and what side effects you may experience. Keep in mind that this is not a full list of treatments. The best treatment plan depends on how well a medication works, its side effects, how it fits with any other medications you may be taking, and other factors.

Be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider or a mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your treatment plan.

What Is Bipolar 1 Disorder?

Bipolar 1 disorder is a mental health condition that causes episodes of mania and depression. During mania, you may feel unusually energized, irritable, or overly excited. You may also need less sleep than usual. These episodes last at least seven days. In some cases, mania can be severe enough to require a hospital stay.

Episodes of depression can also occur, and they typically last for at least two weeks or longer. You may be in a depressive episode if you’re experiencing persistent sadness, hopelessness, or a loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy. Other symptoms of depression may include trouble with daily activities or thoughts of suicide.

Having four or more episodes of mania or depression within one year is called rapid cycling. Some people with bipolar 1 disorder also have depressive episodes with mixed features. This means they have both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time.

Once you’re diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, your doctor will work to find the best treatment plan for your needs. They’ll use one or more medications to manage your manic and depressive symptoms. Your treatment plan will also likely include:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy), like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Family-focused therapy, which helps loved ones understand bipolar 1 disorder and how to support you

Below, we explain six types of medications commonly used to treat bipolar 1 disorder and how they work.

1. Lithium

Lithium is a naturally occurring element and an effective treatment for bipolar 1 disorder. In fact, it’s commonly used as a first-line treatment based on how effective it’s been shown to be in studies. Lithium is used as a maintenance treatment to prevent mood episode relapses and has been shown to prevent suicide attempts.

Note: If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

If you take lithium, you’ll need regular blood tests to check your kidney and thyroid function and the level of lithium in your blood because high lithium levels can be harmful.

Some people have little to no side effects from lithium therapy. Side effects may show up when you start treatment, but often fade over time.

Examples of lithium side effects may include:

• Fatigue
• Unwanted weight gain
• Stomach cramps and nausea
• Thirst
• Headache
• Mild tremor (uncontrollable shaking)

MyDepressionTeam members have shared their experiences taking lithium. One asked, “Has anyone had side effects from lithium? I’m so tired, just sleeping the whole day, and my mouth is constantly dry.”

“Has anyone had side effects from lithium? I’m so tired, just sleeping the whole day, and my mouth is constantly dry.”

— A MyDepressionTeam member

Another member replied, “I’ve been on lithium before and didn’t get any side effects. Just hang in there, and the side effects should go away.”

2. Anti-Seizure Medications

Carbamazepine (Equetro) and valproic acid help treat manic episodes in bipolar 1. These medications are mood stabilizers and anti-seizure medications used to treat seizures. Anti-seizure medications are sometimes referred to as anticonvulsants. They work by calming overactive signaling in the brain.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) notes that anti-seizure medications may be better for treating rapid cycling in bipolar 1 disorder. However, the best treatment for your individual case is decided between you and your healthcare providers.

Common side effects of anti-seizure therapy include:

• Muscle aches or weakness
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Skin rashes
• Weight gain

Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is a mood stabilizer and anti-seizure medication used for seizures and bipolar disorder. According to NAMI, lamotrigine delays the time between mood episodes in people with bipolar 1 disorder. This means that you may go longer without experiencing a manic or depressive episode.

Lamotrigine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat bipolar 1 disorder. It can help delay mood episodes, but it may not work well during an acute episode. Your doctor might prescribe lamotrigine alone or with other medications for long-term symptom control.

Side effects of lamotrigine can include:

• Nausea
• Severe skin rashes
• Headache
• Tiredness or drowsiness
• Dizziness

A rare but serious reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported in some people taking lamotrigine. This condition can be life-threatening. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:

• Skin rash
• Blistering or peeling skin
• Hives
• Shortness of breath
• Sores around the mouth or eyes.

One MyDepressionTeam member shared their experience taking lamotrigine: “Added lamotrigine about a month ago. It seems to have helped some with my depression. Now, I’m having constant nausea and stomach pains. It’s probably a side effect of the lamotrigine.”

“Added lamotrigine about a month ago. It seems to have helped some with my depression. Now, I’m having constant nausea and stomach pains. It’s probably a side effect of the lamotrigine.”

— A MyDepressionTeam member

3. Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications are often used to treat mania and depression in bipolar 1 disorder. Doctors also use antipsychotics for bipolar disorder as maintenance treatment. Maintenance treatment is important for preventing or delaying mood episodes in bipolar 1 disorder.

The brain uses neurotransmitters, which are specialized chemical messengers, to send signals. People with bipolar 1 disorder have chemical imbalances that lead to mood episodes consisting of depression, mania, or mixed features. Antipsychotic medications work by blocking receptors for the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, as well as other types of neurotransmitters.

There are many FDA-approved antipsychotics for treating mood disorders. Common side effects of antipsychotics may include:

• Dry mouth
• Tremors or unusual body movements
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Drowsiness or sluggishness
• Blurry vision
• Increased risk of high cholesterol or diabetes

Some antipsychotics are also called atypical antipsychotics. Because they can help steady mood, they are sometimes grouped with lithium and anti-seizure medications under the general term mood stabilizers. Antipsychotics are their own type of medication. Mood-stabilizing medications help regulate symptoms during mood episodes.

These medications can’t cure your mood episodes, but they can offer relief from manic and depressive symptoms. Most people find that these medications help to treat:

• Sleep problems
• Feelings of agitation
• Severe psychosis symptoms like hallucinations and delusions

These medications often take several weeks to start working. In some cases, your doctor may recommend combining an antipsychotic with another mood stabilizer for better symptom control.

Mood stabilizers take several weeks to begin working.

4. Antidepressants

Antidepressants are used to treat different forms of depression. Mental health prescribers sometimes use them along with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic to treat bipolar disorder. However, studies suggest that antidepressants don’t offer extra benefits for treating bipolar 1 disorder compared to using the mood stabilizer on its own. Antidepressants for bipolar 1 can increase the risk of mania, so they should be used carefully.

Still, in some cases, certain antidepressants may be used cautiously to treat depressive episodes in bipolar 1 disorder, usually along with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits of adding an antidepressant to your treatment plan.

Examples of antidepressants include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine
• Atypical antidepressants, such as bupropion

5. Combination Antipsychotic Medications

The FDA has approved two medications that combine an antipsychotic medication with a different class of medication.

Olanzapine and Samidorphan

Olanzapine and samidorphan (Lybalvi) treats bipolar 1 disorder in two ways:

• On its own, as a short-term or maintenance therapy for manic or mixed episodes
• Together with lithium or valproate for manic or mixed episodes

In clinical studies, potential side effects of olanzapine and samidorphan among people only taking this drug included:

• Increased appetite
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Tremor

Additional side effects are possible among people taking this drug in addition to other medications for bipolar 1.

Olanzapine and Fluoxetine

Olanzapine and fluoxetine (Symbyax) is a combination for treating depressive episodes in people with bipolar 1 disorder. In some trials, this medication treated depression with bipolar disorder better than olanzapine or lamotrigine alone.

In clinical trials, researchers found that olanzapine and fluoxetine can cause:

• Dry mouth
• Disturbed attention
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Tremor
• Sleep walking

6. Benzodiazepines

Some benzodiazepines have been used to treat symptoms of mania associated with bipolar 1 disorder. They work by calming the brain and nervous system, creating a sedative effect. Your doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine to control manic symptoms when you first start treatment. This gives your other medications, like lithium, time to start working. It usually takes at least five to seven days for lithium to start working.

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that’s given by mouth or as a shot into the muscle. Side effects may include:

• Lightheadedness/dizziness
• Nausea
• Sedation (sleepiness)
• Feeling unsteady
• Memory problems

Benzodiazepine treatment for bipolar disorder alone is typically intended for short-term use due to risks like dependence, falls, and sleepiness. Read more about specific medications in this list of treatments for bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Benzodiazepines are only intended for short-term use due to risks like dependence, falls, and sleepiness.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for bipolar 1 disorder. The right plan depends on your symptoms, how well a medication works, and the side effects you may have. Over time, you and your healthcare provider can find an approach that works for you.

Join the Conversation

On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with depression and related conditions, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What treatments do you currently take or have you previously taken for bipolar 1 disorder? What side effects did you experience? Let others know in the comments below.

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Caution! These Drugs Can Cause Memory Loss

Check your medicine cabinet if you’re experiencing forgetfulness, brain fog or confusion

---

By 

Rachel Nania and Aaron Kassraie, 

Updated April 30, 2025

AARP

By

Zachary Cox, PharmD

539

En español

Updated April 30, 2025

iStockphoto

Drugs That May Cause Memory Loss​

Antianxiety drugs​ • Antiseizure drugs​ • Tricyclic antidepressants (older class) ​• Narcotic painkillers​ • Sleeping aids​ • Incontinence drugs • Antihistamines (first generation)

For a long time, doctors dismissed forgetfulness, brain fog and mental confusion as normal parts of aging. But scientists now know that memory loss as you get older is by no means inevitable. In fact, routine memory, skills and knowledge may even improve with age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most people are familiar with at least some of the things that can impair memory, including alcohol and drug abuse, heavy cigarette smoking, head injuries, stroke, sleep deprivation, severe stress, vitamin B12 deficiency and illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression.

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But what many people don’t realize is that a number of commonly prescribed drugs also can interfere with memory. Here, we’ll delve into seven types of drugs that may cause memory loss and explore alternative treatment options.

Short- vs. long-term memory

There are two key types of memory: short- and long-term, says Jessica Merrey, the lead clinical pharmacy specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Short-term memory, also known as working memory, refers to anything that happened within the last 30 seconds — like forgetting what you meant to add to your grocery list after picking up your pen. In contrast, long-term memory involves anything beyond this brief window. Whether it’s a recent event or a childhood memory, forgetting something after more than 30 seconds is considered long-term memory loss.

Drugs that affect short-term memory can interfere with a person’s ability to focus and process information. These medications disrupt so-called messenger pathways in the brain, Merrey says, “changing the short-term memory processing.” Once a person stops taking the medications, however, short-term memory improves.

Medications that can impact long-term memory interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain. These are the body’s chemical messengers that help you to think, move, breathe and function generally, and when they don’t work like they should, a number of problems can occur, including issues with thinking and memory.

The biggest concern with medications that mess with neurotransmitter activity “is when several are used concurrently, when they are used at high doses and when they are used for long periods of time,” says Joshua Niznik, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.

Note, certain medications can affect both short- and long-term memory, while others may affect only one.

1. Antianxiety drugs (benzodiazepines)

Why they are prescribed: Benzodiazepines are used to treat a variety of anxiety disorders, agitation, seizures, and delirium and muscle spasms. Because benzodiazepines have a sedative effect, they are sometimes used to treat insomnia and the anxiety that can accompany depression.

Examples: alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), flurazepam, lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam, quazepam (Doral), temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam (Halcion).

How they can affect memory: Benzodiazepines dampen activity in key parts of the brain, including those involved in the transfer of events from short-term to long-term memory. In fact, they’re used in anesthesia for this very reason.

Alternatives: Benzodiazepines should be prescribed only rarely in older adults, and then for short periods of time. It takes older people much longer than younger people to flush these drugs out of their bodies, and the ensuing buildup puts older adults at higher risk for not just memory loss but delirium, falls, fractures and motor vehicle accidents. Another drawback: They’re addicting, says D.P. Devanand, M.D., professor of psychiatry and neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.

Talk with your doctor or other health care professional about treating your condition with other types of drugs or nondrug treatments. If you are taking these medications for insomnia, for instance, the first line of treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). And an antidepressant might be able to treat your anxiety, Devanand notes.

Be sure to consult your health care professional before stopping or reducing the dosage of any benzodiazepine. Sudden withdrawal can trigger serious side effects, so a health professional should always monitor the process.

2. Antiseizure drugs

Why they are prescribed: Long used to treat seizures, these medications can also be prescribed for nerve pain, bipolar disorder, mood disorders and mania.

Examples: carbamazepine (Tegretol), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), levetiracetam (Keppra), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), pregabalin (Lyrica), rufinamide (Banzel), topiramate (Topamax), valproic acid (Depakote), phenobarbital (Luminal), primidone (Mysoline), zonisamide (Zonegran) and phenytoin (Dilantin).

How they can affect memory: Anti-seizure medications are believed to limit seizures by dampening the flow of signals within the central nervous system. “Basically these medications are slowing the brain down. And as a consequence, memory and attention and sleepiness are common side effects of these medications,” says Aatif M. Husain, M.D., a professor of neurology and the division chief of epilepsy, sleep and neurophysiology in the department of neurology at the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

Alternatives: If you’re worried about memory and attention issues while taking one of these medications, talk to your doctor to see if an alternative drug — either in the same class or a different one — may be better for you, Husain says.

It’s also possible that other potentially treatable health issues not related to the medication may be messing with your memory, such as anxiety and poor sleep. “Seizures themselves, if the seizures are uncontrolled, can affect memory as well,” Husain says.

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3. Tricyclic antidepressants

Why they are prescribed: This older class of antidepressant drugs is prescribed less often these days, but some people still use tricyclics for depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and nerve-related pain.

Examples: amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Silenor), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil) and trimipramine (Surmontil).

How they can affect memory: Tricyclic antidepressants block the action of serotonin, norepinephrine and other chemical messengers in the brain, which can lead to a number of side effects, including lapses in memory.

Alternatives: Newer antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) don’t have the same anticholinergic effects as tricyclic antidepressants and therefore don’t interfere with cognition, Devanand explains. You can also talk with your health care provider about whether nondrug therapies might work just as well or better for you than a drug.

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4. Narcotic painkillers (opioids)

Why they are prescribed: These medications are sometimes used to relieve moderate to severe pain from surgery or injuries. In some instances, they can also be used to treat chronic pain.

Examples: fentanyl (available as a patch), hydrocodone (Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo), morphine and oxycodone (Oxycontin). These drugs come in many different forms, including tablets, solutions for injection, transdermal patches and suppositories.

How they can affect memory: These drugs work by stemming the flow of pain signals within the central nervous system and by blunting one’s emotional reaction to pain. Both these actions are mediated by chemical messengers that are also involved in many aspects of cognition, so use of these drugs can interfere with long- and short-term memory, especially when used for extended periods of time. Researchers have also found a link between opioid use and dementia in older adults.

Alternatives: In patients under the age of 50 years, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the frontline therapy for pain. Unfortunately, NSAID therapy is less appropriate for older patients, who have a much higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Research shows the risk goes up with the dosage and duration of treatment.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be another option, but again, it’s important to consult your doctor about risks, side effects and drug interactions for all medications.

5. Sleeping aids (nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics)

Why they are prescribed: Sometimes called the “Z” drugs, these medications can be used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems. They also are prescribed for mild anxiety.

Examples: eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien).

How they can affect memory: Although these are molecularly distinct from benzodiazepines (see No. 1, above), they act on many of the same brain pathways and chemical messengers, producing similar side effects and problems with addiction and withdrawal. The “Z” drugs also can cause amnesia and sometimes trigger dangerous or strange behaviors, such as cooking a meal or driving a car with no recollection of the event upon awakening.

Alternatives: There are alternative drug and nondrug treatments for insomnia and anxiety, so talk with your health care professional about options. Melatonin, for instance, can help to reestablish healthy sleep patterns. And cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line treatment for the sleep disorder.

Before stopping or reducing the dosage of these sleeping aids, be sure to consult your health care provider. Sudden withdrawal can cause serious side effects, so a health professional should always monitor the process.

What About Statins?

Statins appeared in an earlier version of this article, published in 2016, but more recent research is giving these cholesterol-lowering drugs the boot from the list.

“Very large studies performed in hundreds of thousands of individuals monitored very carefully do not show any increase in memory problems or anything else related to brain function,” says Donald Lloyd-Jones, M.D., chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern Medicine and immediate past president of the American Heart Association (AHA). A 2018 scientific statement from the AHA says there is “no convincing evidence for a causal relationship” between statins and cognitive dysfunction.

In fact, Lloyd-Jones says the data suggests that statins may be protective against cognitive decline, since they are effective at preventing strokes.

If you have concerns about potential side effects from statins – or any drug – talk to your doctor. “Any medication can cause any number of different types of side effects. And those vary from individual to individual,” Lloyd-Jones says.

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6. Incontinence drugs (anticholinergics)

Why they are prescribed: These medications are used to relieve symptoms of overactive bladder and reduce episodes of urge incontinence, an urge to urinate so sudden and strong that you often can’t get to a bathroom in time.

Examples: darifenacin (Enablex), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), solifenacin (Vesicare), tolterodine (Detrol) and trospium (Sanctura). Another oxybutynin product, Oxytrol for Women, is sold over the counter.

How they can affect memory: Patients who take anticholinergics can have complications with their long-term memory, says Merrey. These medications have been associated with an increased risk of dementia, and that heightened risk can persist even after the medication has been discontinued.

That’s because these drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that mediates all sorts of functions in the body. In the bladder, anticholinergics prevent involuntary contractions of the muscles that control urine flow. In the brain, they inhibit activity in the memory and learning centers. The risk of memory loss is heightened when the drugs are taken for more than a short time or used with other anticholinergic drugs.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the other adverse effects of anticholinergic drugs, including constipation (which, in turn, can cause urinary incontinence), blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, depression and hallucinations.

Alternatives: As a first step, it’s important to make sure that you have been properly diagnosed. Check with your doctor or other health professional to see if your urinary incontinence symptoms might stem from another condition (such as a bladder infection or another form of incontinence) or a medication (such as a blood pressure drug, diuretic or muscle relaxant).

Once these are ruled out, try some simple lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, drinking less before bedtime and doing exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles that help control urination.

Some urologists are treating overactive bladder with Botox injections to help the muscle relax. Solutions beyond the medicine aisle can also come in handy. “I’ve been really thrilled with the improvements in protective [undergarment] items. They’ve really come a long way,” says K. Ashley Garling-Nañez, clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. “There are a lot more options for active adults.”

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7. Antihistamines (first generation)

Why they are prescribed: These medications are used to relieve or prevent allergy symptoms or symptoms of the common cold. Some antihistamines are also used to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting and dizziness, and to treat anxiety or insomnia.

Examples: brompheniramine (Dimetane), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (Tavist), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), promethazine (Phenergan) and hydroxyzine (Vistaril).

How they can affect memory: These medications (prescription and over-the-counter) inhibit the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that mediates a wide range of functions in the body. In the brain, they inhibit activity in the memory and learning centers.

Alternatives: Newer-generation antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are better tolerated by older patients and do not present the same risks to memory and cognition.

Other medications worth noting

Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory drugs, which are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other conditions, can cause confusion and memory loss in patients on high doses, Devanand says. They can also trigger depression.

Heartburn medications: Some recent studies, including one from 2022 published in BMC Medicine, have found a link between medications commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn and peptic ulcers with an increased risk of dementia. If you take an over-the-counter proton-pump inhibitor, Garling-Nañez says it’s important to use the medication in moderation and for short amounts of time. “Anything over the counter, try not to use it for more than two weeks at a time is typically what we recommend,” she says.

Cannabinoids: Access to cannabis and use of the drug have grown in recent years. Mounting research shows that cannabis may have an effect on our cognition. A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry in March 2022 followed approximately 1,000 individuals and found that long-term cannabis users showed cognitive deficits, as well as memory and attention problems.

Concerns? What to do

Worried medications could be messing with your memory? Start by asking others closest to you if they’ve noticed any issues. And don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.

Know that the number of drugs you’re taking could be affecting your memory as well. Taking multiple medications — a practice known as polypharmacy — has been linked to lower memory function in older adults, as well as an increased risk for delirium.

A report from the Lown Institute shows that 42 percent of older adults take five or more prescription medications. If you’re concerned about the number of pills crammed into your pillbox, Garling-Nañez suggests asking your doctor if every single one of them is still necessary or if there are any you can stop taking.

This process, known as deprescribing, involves reducing the dose, gradually tapering off, or eliminating drugs that may contribute to memory loss.  Another approach is switching to a different class of medication with fewer potential complications.

Ask your provider if you’re on the lowest effective dose to manage your condition. Higher doses of certain medications can increase the risk of memory loss, so it’s essential to find the right balance.

“As a pharmacist, I do a lot of work with the provider or the family to replace the medication with healthy lifestyles,” says Merrey. “There’s lots of non-pharmacologic recommendations to do and add those in as you’re tapering down certain medications.” 

In any case, if you want to lower the dosage of a drug or stop taking a medication, be sure to do so under the supervision of your doctor – don’t do it on your own.

Medications, dementia and sundowning

Although sundowning syndrome – a state of confusion or agitation that occurs late in the afternoon and stretches into evening – is typically linked to Alzheimer’s, it can occur with any type of dementia. And medications like anticholinergics, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines and anti-Parkinson’s drugs can trigger or worsen its symptoms. Other substances – alcohol and nicotine, for example – can also cause sundowning, says Merrey.

Beta-Blockers and Your Memory

While there is no evidence that beta-blockers – prescribed for heart failure, angina, certain heart rhythm disorders and sometimes high blood pressure – contribute to long-term cognitive decline or dementia, they can make some people feel “fatigued,” “foggy” and “not their sharpest,” Lloyd-Jones says.

If you experience these effects, don’t stop taking your medication. Talk to your doctor about switching to a different beta-blocker with a slightly different chemical composition, Lloyd-Jones suggests.

Editor’s note: This story, originally published Feb. 9, 2016, has been updated to include new information. 

Zachary Cox is a pharmacist and Professor at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and Adjunct Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Beta-Blockers and Your Memory

While there is no evidence that beta-blockers – prescribed for heart failure, angina, certain heart rhythm disorders and sometimes high blood pressure – contribute to long-term cognitive decline or dementia, they can make some people feel “fatigued,” “foggy” and “not their sharpest,” Lloyd-Jones says.

If you experience these effects, don’t stop taking your medication. Talk to your doctor about switching to a different beta-blocker with a slightly different chemical composition, Lloyd-Jones suggests.

Rachel Nania is an award-winning health editor and writer at AARP.org, who covers a range of topics including diseases and treatments.  

Aaron Kassraie writes about issues important to military veterans and their families for AARP. He also serves as a general assignment reporter. Kassraie previously covered U.S. foreign policy as a correspondent for the Kuwait News Agency’s Washington bureau and worked in news gathering for USA Today and Al Jazeera English.​ ​

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1. Comment by AARPStacyP.AARPStacyPMApril 17, 2023pinnedHow do you monitor side effects when taking a new medication for the first time?reply10 replies 42share

1. Comment by j512507e.j512507eMay 1, 2026My physician has shared that statins can affect memory, something I personally have experienced. I would disagree strongly that statins do not affect memory. Unfortunately, there are few alternatives. My family and I all noticed a significant change in memory while on atorvastatin. We changed to rosuvastatin with significant improvement in memory-related symptoms.   reply1 reply 0sharereport
   • Reply by AdrianaG647724.AdrianaG647724May 2, 2026Reply to j512507eThanks for this comment. My husband has dementia and was just put on atorvastatin to address a slightly elevated cholesterol level. He seems more confused. The doctor didn’t mention this side effect, and it is not clear from the pharmacy information.reply 0sharereport
2. Comment by Terry7442.Terry7442August 27, 2025Thank you for the information. I take meloxicam (15mg) with breakfast for pain as needed. So far this week I have taken only one. editedreply 0sharereport
3. Comment by JoS389696.JoS389696August 26, 2025Very disheartening info. Long term CBT to attempt to address insomnia; or melatonin,which is most definitely NOT a treatment for sleep disturbance; Depends for incontinence?  Isuspect until there are better options people will continue to risk the drugs. until there are better options people will continue to risk the drugs. reply 4sharereport
4. Comment by 2Papa.2PapaAugust 26, 2025What are some other causes?reply 1sharereport

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