What are the long term effects of taking Plaquenil?
The long term effects of taking Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) can vary depending upon the condition it is being used to treat. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Plaquenil can help to reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
It can also help to minimize organ damage, and may even help to prevent the progression of some forms of arthritis. For patients with lupus, taking Plaquenil can reduce flare-ups and organ damage, as well as help to reduce skin discoloration, hair loss and mouth sores.
Long-term use of Plaquenil may help to improve physical function and reduce complications like infection or stroke.
However, long-term use of Plaquenil can also have potential side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Some people may also develop an upset stomach, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or an increased sensitivity to light.
Rarely, long-term use can lead to more serious side effects such as vision changes, liver or kidney problems, or anemia. It is important to speak with your doctor if you develop any of these side effects so they can adjust your medication if necessary.
What medications can cause memory problems?
Anticholinergic drugs, which are used to treat conditions such as allergies, bladder problems, depression, Parkinson’s disease and more, can block the transmission of nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body, leading to memory problems.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are also known as antidepressants, can cause confusion, forgetfulness, and cognitive impairment in some people. Benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety, insomnia and seizures, can lead to short-term memory problems, confusion and impaired concentration due to their sedative effects.
Anti-psychotics, which are used to treat mental illness, can also cause memory problems, as they can impair cognitive ability and concentration. Milder problems with memory can also be caused by other medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure, angina and irregular heartbeat), and certain types of diuretics (used to treat high blood pressure, swelling and glaucoma).
It’s important to speak with a doctor if you experience any kind of memory issue while taking medication, as there may be other treatments available.
Why am I suddenly having memory issues?
It is normal to experience minor memory issues as we age, however if you are suddenly having more pronounced memory issues it may be something more serious. It could be caused by something as simple as fatigue or a side effect of medications, however it could also point to a more serious underlying health condition.
To help narrow down the cause, it is important to get a thorough evaluation from your doctor. They will be able to do tests to help diagnose any physical health issues that could be causing your memory problems.
Common conditions that can cause memory issues include depression, thyroid problems or anemia, as well as certain other neurological conditions. They may also suggest lifestyle changes such as getting more sleep, exercising regularly, and eating healthy to help improve your memory.
If necessary, your doctor may also be able to refer you to a specialist who can help provide the appropriate treatment.
What are the 9 memory robbing drugs?
The 9 memory robbing drugs which can have a damaging effect on memory are:
1. Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, and Ativan) – These sedatives can impair memory and have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Anticholinergics (Benadryl, Dramamine, and some tricyclic antidepressants) – these can interfere with the formation of short-term memories and block the transfer of short-term memories to long-term memory storage.
3. Opioids (Morphine and OxyContin) – these can interfere with recall ability and prevent memories from forming in the first place.
4. Alcohol – alcohol use has been shown to interfere with the formation of memories and increase the risk of dementia.
5. Beta blockers (Inderal, Tenormin, and Lopressor) – these drugs can reduce the amount of information that gets encoded into the brain’s memory stores.
6. Corticosteroids (Prednisone and hydrocortisone) – these drugs can interfere with memory formation and increase the risk of dementia.
7. Statins (Simvastatin and Lipitor) – these drugs can suppress the hippocampus, which is the brain structure involved in memory formation.
8. Neuroleptics (Risperdal and Thorazine) – these drugs can interfere with the ability to store, recall, and retrieve memories.
9. Chemotherapy drugs – these drugs can interfere with the ability to store and recall memories, as well as cause confusion and memory loss.
Are there prescription drugs that cause memory loss?
Yes, there are a number of prescription drugs that can cause memory loss. These include benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, statins, beta blockers, some anti-depressants, and drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.
Benzodiazepines, for example, are commonly used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizures, but long-term use of these medications can cause memory loss. Anticholinergics are medications used to treat urinary incontinence, allergies, and asthma, but they can also have an effect on memory.
Statins are medications used to treat high cholesterol, but they also can cause cognitive impairment. Beta blockers are used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, but they can cause confusion, forgetfulness and memory loss.
Finally, medications used to treat epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease can cause significant memory impairment. It is important to talk to one’s doctor about any potential memory loss side effects of prescription medications.
If a patient suspects that their memory problems are caused by medication, they should discuss this with their doctor to see if an alternative medication can be prescribed.
Which medication has been most strongly associated with memory loss?
Research has found that medications most strongly associated with memory loss primarily revolve around those used to treat depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Medications belonging to certain classes of drugs, such as benzodiazepines and anticholinergics, have been linked to memory loss.
Benzodiazepines — typically taken to relieve anxiety, insomnia, and seizures — may have a negative effect on short-term memory. Anticholinergics — medication used to treat urinary incontinence and other conditions — can also reduce short-term memory and degrade cognitive function.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen have also been associated with memory loss and cognitive decline. Finally, Alzheimer’s medications such as donepezil and galantamine may also cause short-term memory problems, particularly for individuals with dementia.
It should be noted that the risk of memory loss from taking medications depends on many factors, including the type of medication, the dose, and how long the medication has been taken. While medications can cause some type of side effects, it is important to talk to a doctor before stopping a medication as the risks may outweigh potential benefits.
What are the 9 prescription drugs linked to Alzheimer’s?
Nine prescription drugs linked to Alzheimer’s include benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants, anti-psychotics, jak-2 inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and certain hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
Benzodiazepines, a type of sedative, are most commonly associated with Alzheimer’s and include alprazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam. Anticholinergics are medications used to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease.
These medications include scopolamine, diphenhydramine, and benztropine. Anticonvulsants are medications used to treat seizures, such as phenobarbital and valproic acid. Anti-psychotics are medications used to treat psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
These medications include olanzapine, quetiapine, and haloperidol. Jak-2 inhibitors are medications used to treat myeloproliferative diseases such as polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia. These medications include hydroxycarbamide and ruxolitinib.
Tricyclic antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and chronic pain. These medications include amitriptyline, doxepin, and imipramine. Calcium channel blockers are medications used to treat certain heart conditions, including hypertension and angina.
These medications include diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) are medications used to treat certain cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension and heart failure.
These medications include captopril, lisinopril, and ramipril. Certain hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, are also linked to Alzheimer’s. While studies suggest these hormones may be beneficial in reducing Alzheimer’s risk, more research is needed to confirm this.
What is the downside of taking hydroxychloroquine?
The main downside of taking hydroxychloroquine is its potential side effects, which can include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, vision changes, nerve damage, and a rare risk of serious heart problems. It can also interact with other medications, leading to potentially dangerous health effects.
Additionally, while hydroxychloroquine has been studied as a potential treatment for COVID-19, the results are still inconclusive, which means there is a risk of taking the medication and it not providing any benefit.
Taking hydroxychloroquine is a personal decision that should be discussed with a doctor who can evaluate its risks and potential benefits.
Is hydroxychloroquine hard on your body?
The safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for long-term use is unknown. Although it is generally well-tolerated by the body, long-term exposure to hydroxychloroquine may cause serious side effects.
The most significant reported side effects include damage to the retina of the eye, allergic reactions, hearing and muscle toxicity, changes to the heart rhythm, and a decrease in the amount of white blood cells.
It is therefore important to speak to your doctor before taking hydroxychloroquine regularly, in order to make an informed decision when it comes to potential risks. In addition, regular monitoring by your doctor may be needed to ensure that the medication is not adversely affecting your body.
How long can you stay on hydroxychloroquine?
The duration of hydroxychloroquine treatment depends on the medical condition being treated, as well as the individual patient’s response to treatment. Generally speaking, it is recommended that a course of treatment with hydroxychloroquine should not exceed 12 weeks.
However, some medical conditions may require a longer period of treatment. As always, you should consult your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your particular situation.
Does taking hydroxychloroquine make you immunocompromised?
No, taking hydroxychloroquine does not make you immunocompromised. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial medication which has recently been studied for its possible protective effects for people who have been exposed to or infected with COVID-19 (coronavirus).
However, it does not affect or reduce the body’s natural immunity and it does not make you immunocompromised. Taking hydroxychloroquine may provide some protection against COVID-19 and other viruses, but it will not refer to an overall weakening of your immune system.
There are some rare side effects which can occur with hydroxychloroquine use, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking it.
What autoimmune diseases use hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine is a medication used in the management and treatment of a range of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, recurrent polychondritis, and antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS).
It is believed to help reduce inflammation and reduce disease activity. Hydroxychloroquine works by preventing the production of certain immunological factors which are released by the body in response to an autoimmune stimulant.
In SLE, hydroxychloroquine is used to help reduce the systemic inflammation and to reduce the production of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). In rheumatoid arthritis, hydroxychloroquine works to reduce joint pain and joint swelling.
In psoriatic arthritis, hydroxychloroquine has been used to reduce skin lesions and to reduce joint pain. In juvenile idiopathic arthritis, hydroxychloroquine is used to reduce symptoms such as fever and joint discomfort.
In Sjögren’s syndrome, hydroxychloroquine is used to reduce dryness in the eyes and mouth. In recurrent polychondritis, hydroxychloroquine can help relieve inflammation in the cartilage and may help stabilize the disease.
In antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS), hydroxychloroquine is used to reduce the symptoms of clotting disorders that can lead to serious complications.
