Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you think that your symptoms may be caused by a medicine?
See significance of a medicine if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: If your answer to any of the questions below is "yes":
- Call the health professional who prescribed the medicine today. He or she can determine whether you should stop taking the medicine or take a different one. An appointment may or may not be needed.
- If you are taking nonprescription medicine, stop taking the medicine. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine or if you need help to control your symptoms after you stop taking the medicine.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you think that a medicine is causing you to feel confused?
Yes Do you think that a medicine is causing decreased alertness?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you think that a medicine is causing memory loss?
Yes Did you experience confusion or decreased alertness after you began taking a new medicine, but you feel fine now?
Yes Did confusion or decreased alertness start after you stopped taking a medicine?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology | |
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