Does Rivotril cause memory loss? Effect may appear, but it is reversible – GOOD FORM

In the period of coronavirus pandemic, many people began to deal with high levels of anxiety, even needing medication support. And one of the most popular drugs for this is Rivotril.

Far from being a problem to need help (including medication) to cope with heightened feelings and sensations, it is important to understand what exactly these remedies are, what they are for and the possible risks. This knowledge is essential both to reassure those who use it and to alert those who believe that the indiscriminate use of these drugs is recommended.

What is Rivotril?

“Rivotril is the commercial name of the substance clonazepam, a well-known and popular medicine. It belongs to the group of benzodiazepines, and is used in several medical situations, such as anxiety disorders and agitation, abnormal movements called muscle myoclonus, sleep disturbances, vertigo and also helps in the treatment of epileptic seizures”, explains the neurologist and neuro-oncologist doctor Gabriel Novaes by Rezende Batistella.

According to the doctor, despite being used for a series of treatments, Rivotril is a medication that must be extremely well indicated and administered in a controlled manner, to avoid the development of chemical dependency or side effects in the short and long term.

Side Effects: Memory Problems and Rivotril

Despite being a drug used to treat anxiety, it is common for Rivotril to have depression as a side effect, as well as episodes of dizziness, fatigue, confusion and chemical dependence, in addition to memory changes. This is also why patients using opioid-type medications should be extra careful if they need Rivotril.

Speaking specifically about memory, the effect is not the best known for nothing. There is scientific evidence that shows how the chronic use of Rivotril can generate amnesia, reduced alertness, mental abilities and even states of cognitive impairment.

“The medicine usually starts to act in the body within 20 to 40 minutes, and its effect lasts less than 12 hours in adults”, explains the doctor. “It works by binding to receptors called GABA, which are responsible for the main inhibitory neurotransmitters in our brain. Why this drug causes changes in memory is not completely understood, however, several short-term changes may be blamed for the sedative effect of the drug.”

A second point is to know that if the medicine is, in fact, generating noticeable effects on memory, it has to be considered that it is being administered incorrectly – and a simple adjustment is enough to revert this. “Therefore, I always recommend an early return with the doctor responsible for controlling this prescription”, explains Dr. Gabriel. “In older patients or those using multiple medications that can cause drug interactions, it may be prudent to consider changing the dose of some medications, or even switching Rivotril to another equally effective medication.”

Last but not least, it is essential to know that these side effects will disappear when the patient metabolizes and eliminates the medicine from the body. However, due to its addictive nature, patients who consume very high doses or daily for many months and years can deal with withdrawal syndromes. It is for this reason that the most important recommendation of all is not to stop the medicine or change your dose on your own – always consult the doctor in charge.