Drug-induced amnesia is impairment or loss of memory due to drug use. Drug-induced memory loss is typically anterograde, the inability to create new memories for a period of time beginning soon after drug introduction. Memory loss effects are generally transient and limited to short-term memory. Patients usually do not suffer from sustained impairment, and baseline memory function returns upon discontinuation of the drug. However, the amnesia from the period immediately after drug introduction may remain permanently. Rarely, some drugs may be able to induce retrograde memory loss, the inability to recall memories created prior to drug introduction.

Aged patients or patients with comorbid cognitive decline may be more likely to experience amnesia and may be more severely affected. General anesthesia, benzodiazepines, or sedatives can result in periods of amnesia. Drug-induced memory loss is an intentional therapeutic component during surgery or other procedures requiring sedation. Substances of abuse, such as alcohol or marijuana, can also result in amnesia. Amnesic drug effects are potentiated by alcohol.

Physicians should also be aware of drug-facilitated sexual assault in patients presenting with memory loss. Flunitrazepam and ketamine are known "date rape" drugs whose use can result in amnesia. Any other amnesic drug or a combination of these drugs and alcohol and/or other substances of abuse can be used in "date rape" situations.

Related topics: Transient global amnesia, Adult sexual abuse, Alcohol use disorder