“Can Blood pressure medicines cause forgetfulness?”
I am 57 years old and have recently been put on blood pressure medicine due to my increased blood pressure which has gone to about 150/75. Since the time I have started out my medicines, I am forgetting a lot. Could the medications be causing this side effect?
5 Answers
Not always, but it can be secondary to brain damage in small vessels. You need an MRI of the brain.
Generally, they are not sedating. But effects on the blood flow to brain are variable. Have it checked out by a neurologist and consider getting a carotid ultrasound (which also checks vertebral arteries).
Not likely, unless you are being given a high dose of Clonidine or a Beta-blocker, or if your blood pressure is being lowered excessively.
Sometimes when first lowering BP, you can have some side effects or if it is too low, but long-term this should not affect your memory in a negative way. Actually, HTN untreated long-term can lead to strokes and memory loss, so it needs to be treated.
Charles Clarke, M.D.
Charles Clarke, M.D.
Medicines sometimes could cause different symptoms. If problem hasn't improved, I would seek neurological consultation.
