My mother took Tramadol for back pain for many years. Two and a half years ago with increased pain, her doctor changed her to hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5/325 which she takes 4 times per day. Both before and after the change in medication her memory has been declining. Can the hydrocodone-acetaminophen cause memory loss over a period of time?
A lot of bad press is about, regarding narcotic pain meds, but they have been around for a long time, and have been proven effective if taken appropriately and kept out of the hands of others, especially kids!
Make sure to keep them locked away or hidden, and never speak of them except to her Dr's, else you/she becomes a target for theft. I know that someone took the emergency medication kit out of a bedside drawer, that Hospice left should my dying Mother need it, but these things happen when there are a lot of visitors in the house. You cannot be too careful!
Talk to her Dr's about your concerns!