Lorazepam-induced amnesia : examination of delayed free recall and priming effects

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that produce a number of side effects including temporary memory impairments which appear to parallel organic amnesia. This raises the possibility that benzodiazepines can be utilised as another method of exploring amnesia and consequently normal memory functioning. This review outlines the current models of memory and amnesia, including the temporary benzodiazepine-induced amnesia. Priming is one memory function that has been shown clearly to be preserved in organic amnesia but not so clearly in benzodiazepine-induced amnesia. This review outlines this research and suggests the need for further research to clarify the exact status of priming in benzodiazepine-induced amnesia.