Drugs That May Alter Brain Function: Medicines help us recover from diseases. When a person has health related problems, he is treated with medicines. Medicines contain many ingredients, which prove to be life saving. Medicines play a very important role in protecting our health. Medicines reduce people’s pain and improve the quality of life. However, the effect of every medicine is not limited to the body only. Most of the medicines also affect our brain. Many people use common over-the-counter medicines as per their wish, but doing so can cause serious damage to the brain. This can cause many brain related problems.
Use these 5 medicines only on doctor’s advice
Benzodiazepines – Benzodiazepines medicines like Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Diazepam are used for anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia and epileptic seizures. Sometimes these medicines are also given for muscle strain. They are quite effective for a short period of time, but if taken for a long time, it can lead to weak memory, slow thinking speed, addiction and increased risk of falling in the elderly.
Anticholinergic Drugs – These drugs include Diphenhydramine, Oxybutynin and some antidepressants. They are used in the treatment of allergies, cold, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease and sometimes depression. These medicines block a chemical called acetylcholine, which is important for memory and learning. Excessive or prolonged use may increase the risk of confusion, decreased concentration, and dementia.
Opioids – These medicines contain Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine. These medicines are given in cases of severe or unbearable pain, pain after surgery, cancer pain or serious injury. These are very effective painkillers, but prolonged use can lead to addiction. Their excessive use can lead to changes in brain structure, reduction in gray matter and adverse effects on decision-making ability.
Chemotherapy Drugs – Chemotherapy drugs like Methotrexate, Cisplatin are used in the treatment of cancer. These are life-saving medications, but some patients may experience chemo brain during or after treatment. This includes difficulty in concentrating, loss of memory and slow thinking. This effect is often temporary, but may last longer in some cases.
Stimulants – Amphetamines and some other medicines are given in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These medicines are sometimes also given in narcolepsy. These can be safe and effective under doctor’s supervision, but taking them without a prescription or in large quantities can cause increased anxiety, poor sleep, increased blood pressure, and imbalance in the dopamine system.