Benzodiazepines amnesia from

Hommer, D., Weingartner, H., and Breier, A., Dissociation of benzodiazepine-induced amnesia from sedation by flumazenil pretreatment, Psychopharmacology, 112, 455, 1993. 

Virtually all effects of the benzodiazepines result from the action of these drugs on the central nervous system. The most prominent of these effects are sedation, hypnosis, decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, and anterograde amnesia, in which individuals may experience a loss of memory for events that occurred while under the influence of the drug events occurring after the drug has worn off are remembered normally. 

Hashemian, F., Khoshnood, K., Desai, M., Falahati, F., Kasl, S. and Southwick, S. 2006. Anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress in Iranian survivors of chemical warfare. J. Am. Med. Assoc., 296 560-566. Hatta, K., Miura, Y., Asukai, N. and Hamabe, Y. 1996. Amnesia from sarin poisoning. Lancet, 347 1343. Hayward, I.J., Wall, H.G., Jaax, N.K., Wade, J.V., Marlow, D.D. and Nold, J.B. 1990. Decreased brain pathology in organophosphate-exposed rhesus monkeys following benzodiazepine therapy. J. Neurol. Set, 98 99-106. 

Benzodiazepines, especially lorazepam, are used to prevent and treat CINV.5,10 Lorazepam is thought to prevent input from the cerebral cortex and limbic system from reaching the central vomiting center in the brain stem.10 Sedation and amnesia are common side effects. Respiratory depression can occur with high doses or when other central depressants such as alcohol are combined with benzodiazepines. 

As with some, but not all benzodiazepines, anterograde amnesia of varying severity and paradoxical reactions have been reported following therapeutic doses of HALCION. Data from several sources suggest that anterograde amnesia may occur at a higher rate with HALCION than with other benzodiazepine hypnotics. 

A 23-year-old military officer on active duty took diazepam 5 mg tds and ibuprofen for back spasms. Three days later he was found sitting in a church, having assumed a previous role from his past life. He identified the date as 14 months before and his memory before that time was intact. However, he had no memory of events during the previous 14 months. There were no symptoms suggesting a schizophrenic disorder and his mental function was normal. His symptoms resolved within 24 hours of withdrawal of diazepam, except for amnesia of the event. He assumed his correct identity and was aware of the correct date. He had taken ibuprofen in the past with no adverse effects and this was his first exposure to a benzodiazepine. No other medications were involved and a full medical review found no cause for his symptoms other than diazepam use. 

Adverse effects. In addition to those given above, benzodiazepines can affect memory and balance. Hazards with car driving or operating any machinery can arise from amnesia and impaired psychomotor function, in addition to sleepiness (warn the patient). Amnesia for events subsequent to administration occurs with i.v. high doses, for endoscopy, dental surgery (with local anaesthetic), cardioversion, and in these situations it can be regarded as a blessing. ... 

A more recently recognized problem is that benzodiazepines may interfere with the storage of memories, a phenomenon called anterograde amnesia. Thus, when an individual is awakened by a phone call from sleep induced by benzodiazepines, he or she may fail to remember the phone conversation. The drug may be present in... 

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