List of benzodiazepines
Pharmacokinetic properties of various benzodiazepines
Table:
Drug name
Common trade names[a]
Year approved (US FDA)
Approx. equivalent oral doses to 10 mg diazepam[b] (mg)
Time to peak onset of action

(hours)

Elimination half-life of active metabolite (hours)
Therapeutic use

Adinazolam

Deracyn
Research chemical

1–2
3
anxiolytic, antidepressant

Alprazolam

Xanax, Helex, Xanor, Trankimazin, Onax, Alprox, Misar, Restyl, Solanax, Tafil, Neurol, Frontin, Kalma, Ksalol
1981

0.5
1–2
10–20
anxiolytic, antidepressant

Bentazepam[c]

Thiadipona

1–3
2–4
anxiolytic

Bretazenil[15]

2.5
anxiolytic, anticonvulsant

Bromazepam

Lectopam, Lexaurin, Lexatin, Lexotanil, Lexotan, Bromam
1981

6
1–3
20–40
anxiolytic,

hypnotic

Bromazolam

Research chemical

anxiolytic

Brotizolam[d]

Lendormin, Dormex, Sintonal, Noctilan

0.5–2
4–5
hypnotic

Camazepam

Albego, Limpidon, Paxor

0.5–2
6–29
anxiolytic

Chlordiazepoxide

Librium, Risolid, Elenium
1960

25
1.5–4
5–200
anxiolytic

Cinazepam

Levana

2–4
60
hypnotic, anxiolytic

Cinolazepam

Gerodorm

0.5–2
9
hypnotic

Clobazam

Onfi, Frisium, Urbanol
2011

1–3
8–60
anxiolytic, anticonvulsant

Clonazepam

Rivatril, Rivotril, Klonopin, Iktorivil, Paxam
1975

0.5
1–4

19.5–50
anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant

Clonazolam

Research chemical

0.2
0.5–1.5
10–18
anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, muscle relaxant

Clorazepate

Tranxene, Tranxilium
1972

20
Variable
32–152
anxiolytic, anticonvulsant

Clotiazepam[c]

Veratran, Clozan, Rize

1–3
4
anxiolytic

Cloxazolam

Sepazon, Olcadil

2–5
80–105
anxiolytic, anticonvulsant

Delorazepam

Dadumir

1–2
80–105
anxiolytic, amnesic

Deschloroetizolam[d][lower-alpha 4]

Research chemical

anxiolytic

Diazepam

Antenex, Apaurin, Apzepam, Apozepam, Diazepan, Hexalid, Normabel, Pax, Stesolid, Stedon, Tranquirit, Valium, Vival, Valaxona
1963

10
1–1.5
32–205
anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, amnesic

Based on the following table along with the textual context listed at the end.

State the answer to the question: What is the patent year of the 5 - 200 half-life medicine ? Output only the correct answer as {"answer": "YOUR ANSWER"}. Use only the information given.

The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA or USFDA ) is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services , one of the United States federal executive departments . The FDA is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of food safety , tobacco products , dietary supplements , prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs ( medications ) , vaccines , biopharmaceuticals , blood transfusions , medical devices , electromagnetic radiation emitting devices ( ERED ) , cosmetics , animal foods & feed and veterinary products . The FDA was empowered by the United States Congress to enforce the Federal Food , Drug , and Cosmetic Act , which serves as the primary focus for the Agency ; the FDA also enforces other laws , notably Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act and associated regulations , many of which are not directly related to food or drugs . These include regulating lasers , cellular phones , condoms and control of disease on products ranging from certain household pets to sperm donation for assisted reproduction . The FDA is led by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs , appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate . The Commissioner reports to the Secretary of Health and Human Services . Stephen M. Hahn , MD is the acting commissioner , as of December 2019 [ update ] . The FDA has its headquarters in unincorporated White Oak , Maryland . The agency also has 223 field offices and 13 laboratories located throughout the 50 states , the United States Virgin Islands , and Puerto Rico . In 2008 , the FDA began to post employees to foreign countries , including China , India , Costa Rica , Chile , Belgium , and the United Kingdom .
Adinazolam ( marketed under the brand name Deracyn ) is a benzodiazepine derivative , and more specifically , a triazolobenzodiazepine ( TBZD ) . It possesses anxiolytic , anticonvulsant , sedative , and antidepressant properties . Adinazolam was developed by Dr. Jackson B. Hester , who was seeking to enhance the antidepressant properties of alprazolam , which he also developed . Adinazolam was never FDA approved and never made available to the public market , however it has been sold as a designer drug .
Research chemicals are chemical substances used by scientists for medical and scientific research purposes . One characteristic of a research chemical is that it is for laboratory research use only ; a research chemical is not intended for human or veterinary use . This distinction is required on the labels of research chemicals , and is what exempts them from regulation under parts 100-740 in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations ( 21CFR ) .
An anxiolytic ( also antipanic or antianxiety agent ) is a medication , or other intervention , that inhibits anxiety . This effect is in contrast to anxiogenic agents , which increase anxiety . Together these categories of psychoactive compounds or interventions may be referred to as anxiotropic compounds or agents . Some recreational drugs such as alcohol induce anxiolysis initially ; however , studies show that many of these drugs are anxiogenic . Anxiolytic medications have been used for the treatment of anxiety disorder and its related psychological and physical symptoms . Light therapy and other interventions have also been found to have an anxiolytic effect . Beta-receptor blockers such as propranolol and oxprenolol , although not anxiolytics , can be used to combat the somatic symptoms of anxiety such as tachycardia and palpitations . Anxiolytics are also known as minor tranquilizers . The term is less common in modern texts and was originally derived from a dichotomy with major tranquilizers , also known as neuroleptics or antipsychotics . There are concerns that some GABAergics , such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates , may have an anxiogenic effect if used over long periods of time .
Antidepressants are medications used to treat major depressive disorder , some anxiety disorders , some chronic pain conditions , and to help manage some addictions . Common side-effects of antidepressants include dry mouth , weight gain , dizziness , headaches , and sexual dysfunction . Most types of antidepressants are typically safe to take , but may cause increased thoughts of suicide when taken by children , adolescents , and young adults . A discontinuation syndrome can occur after stopping any antidepressant which resembles recurrent depression . Some reviews of antidepressants for depression in adults find benefit while others do not . Evidence of benefit in children and adolescents is unclear . There is debate in the medical community about how much of the observed effects of antidepressants can be attributed to the placebo effect .
Alprazolam , sold under the trade name Xanax , among others , is a short-acting benzodiazepine . It is most commonly used in short term management of anxiety disorders , specifically panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder ( GAD ) . Other uses include the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea , together with other treatments . GAD improvement occurs generally within a week . Alprazolam is generally taken by mouth . Common side effects include sleepiness , depression , headaches , feeling tired , dry mouth , and memory problems . Some of the sedation and tiredness may improve within a few days . Due to concerns about misuse , some do not recommend alprazolam as an initial treatment for panic disorder . Withdrawal or rebound symptoms may occur if use is suddenly decreased . Other rare risks include suicide , possibly due to loss of inhibition . Gradually decreasing the dose over weeks or months may be required . Alprazolam , like other benzodiazepines , acts through the GABAA receptor .
Bentazepam ( also known as Thiadipone , Tiadipona ) is a thienodiazepine which is a benzodiazepine analog . It possesses anxiolytic , anticonvulsant , sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties . Peak plasma rates are achieved in around 2,5 hours after oral administration . The elimination half-life is between approximately 2-4 hours . Bentazepam is effective as an anxiolytic . A severe benzodiazepine overdose with bentazepam may result in coma and respiratory failure . Adverse effects include dry mouth , somnolence , asthenia , dyspepsia , constipation , nausea and drug-induced lymphocytic colitis has been associated with bentazepam . Severe liver damage and hepatitis has also been associated with bentazepam . Whilst liver failure from bentazepam is considered to be rare , liver function monitoring has been recommended for all patients taking bentazepam .
Bretazenil ( Ro16-6028 ) is an imidazopyrrolobenzodiazepine anxiolytic drug which is derived from the benzodiazepine family , and was invented in 1988 . It is most closely related in structure to the GABA antagonist flumazenil , although its effects are somewhat different . It is classified as a high-potency benzodiazepine due to its high affinity binding to benzodiazepine binding sites where it acts as a partial agonist . Its profile as a partial agonist and preclinical trial data suggests that it may have a reduced adverse effect profile . In particular bretazenil has been proposed to cause a less strong development of tolerance and withdrawal syndrome . Bretazenil differs from traditional 1,4-benzodiazepines by being a partial agonist and because it binds to α1 , α2 , α3 , α4 , α5 and α6 subunit containing GABAA receptor benzodiazepine receptor complexes . 1,4-benzodiazepines bind only to α1 , α2 , α3 and α5 GABAA benzodiazepine receptor complexes .
Anticonvulsants ( also commonly known as antiepileptic drugs or as antiseizure drugs ) are a diverse group of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of epileptic seizures . Anticonvulsants are also increasingly being used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder , since many seem to act as mood stabilizers , and for the treatment of neuropathic pain . Anticonvulsants suppress the excessive rapid firing of neurons during seizures . Anticonvulsants also prevent the spread of the seizure within the brain . Conventional antiepileptic drugs may block sodium channels or enhance γ-aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) function . Several antiepileptic drugs have multiple or uncertain mechanisms of action . Next to the voltage-gated sodium channels and components of the GABA system , their targets include GABAA receptors , the GAT-1 GABA transporter , and GABA transaminase . Additional targets include voltage-gated calcium channels , SV2A , and α2δ . By blocking sodium or calcium channels , antiepileptic drugs reduce the release of excitatory glutamate , whose release is considered to be elevated in epilepsy , but also that of GABA . This is probably a side effect or even the actual mechanism of action for some antiepileptic drugs , since GABA can itself , directly or indirectly , act proconvulsively . Another potential target of antiepileptic drugs is the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha . The drug class was the fifth-best-selling in the United States in 2007 .
Bromazepam , sold under many brand names , is a benzodiazepine . It is mainly an anti-anxiety agent with similar side effects to diazepam ( Valium ) . In addition to being used to treat anxiety or panic states , bromazepam may be used as a premedicant prior to minor surgery . Bromazepam typically comes in doses of 3 mg and 6 mg tablets . Bromazepam is contraindicated and should be used with caution in women who are pregnant , the elderly , patients with a history of alcohol or other substance abuse disorders and children . Prolonged use of bromazepam causes tolerance and may lead to both physical and psychological dependence on the drug , and as a result , it is a medication which is controlled by international law . It was patented in 1961 by Roche and approved for medical use in 1974 .
Hypnotic ( from Greek Hypnos , sleep ) , or soporific drugs , commonly known as sleeping pills , are a class of psychoactive drugs whose primary function is to induce sleep and to be used in the treatment of insomnia ( sleeplessness ) , or for surgical anesthesia . [ note 1 ] This group is related to sedatives . Whereas the term sedative describes drugs that serve to calm or relieve anxiety , the term hypnotic generally describes drugs whose main purpose is to initiate , sustain , or lengthen sleep . Because these two functions frequently overlap , and because drugs in this class generally produce dose-dependent effects ( ranging from anxiolysis to loss of consciousness ) they are often referred to collectively as sedative-hypnotic drugs . Hypnotic drugs are regularly prescribed for insomnia and other sleep disorders , with over 95% of insomnia patients being prescribed hypnotics in some countries . Many hypnotic drugs are habit-forming and , due to many factors known to disturb the human sleep pattern , a physician may instead recommend changes in the environment before and during sleep , better sleep hygiene , the avoidance of caffeine or other stimulating substances , or behavioral interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia ( CBT-I ) before prescribing medication for sleep . When prescribed , hypnotic medication should be used for the shortest period of time necessary . Among individuals with sleep disorders , 13.7% are taking or prescribed nonbenzodiazepines , while 10.8% are taking benzodiazepines , as of 2010 . Early classes of drugs , such as barbiturates , have fallen out of use in most practices but are still prescribed for some patients . In children , prescribing hypnotics is not yet acceptable unless used to treat night terrors or somnambulism . Elderly people are more sensitive to potential side effects of daytime fatigue and cognitive impairments , and a meta-analysis found that the risks generally outweigh any marginal benefits of hypnotics in the elderly . A review of the literature regarding benzodiazepine hypnotics and Z-drugs concluded that these drugs can have adverse effects , such as dependence and accidents , and that optimal treatment uses the lowest effective dose for the shortest therapeutic time period , with gradual discontinuation in order to improve health without worsening of sleep .
Bromazolam ( XLI-268 ) is a benzodiazepine derivative which was first synthesised in 1976 , but was never marketed . It has subsequently been sold as a designer drug , first being definitively identified by the EMCDDA in Sweden in 2016 . It is the bromo instead of chloro analogue of alprazolam , and has similar sedative and anxiolytic effects . Bromazolam is a non subtype selective agonist at the benzodiazepine site of GABAA receptors , with a binding affinity of 2.81nM at the α1 subtype , 0.69nM at α2 and 0.62nM at α5 .
Brotizolam ( marketed under brand name Lendormin ) is a sedative-hypnotic thienotriazolodiazepine drug which is a benzodiazepine analog . It possesses anxiolytic , anticonvulsant , hypnotic , sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties , and is considered to be similar in effect to short-acting benzodiazepines such as triazolam . It is used in the short-term treatment of severe or debilitating insomnia . Brotizolam is an extremely potent drug and has shown anti-anxiety activity at doses as low as 0.08 to 0.1 milligrams , but the usual hypnotic dose of brotizolam is 0.125 to 0.25 milligrams , and it is rapidly eliminated with an average half-life of 4.4 hours ( range 3.6-7.9 hours ) . It was patented in 1974 and came into medical use in 1984 . Brotizolam is not approved for sale in the UK , United States or Canada . It is approved for sale in the Netherlands , Germany , Spain , Belgium , Luxembourg , Austria , Portugal , Israel , Italy , Taiwan and Japan .
Camazepam is a benzodiazepine psychoactive drug , marketed under the brand names Albego , Limpidon and Paxor . It is the dimethyl carbamate ester of temazepam , a metabolite of diazepam . While it possesses anxiolytic , anticonvulsant , skeletal muscle relaxant and hypnotic properties it differs from other benzodiazepines in that its anxiolytic properties are particularly prominent but has comparatively limited anticonvulsant , hypnotic and skeletal muscle relaxant properties .
Chlordiazepoxide , trade name Librium among others , is a sedative and hypnotic medication of the benzodiazepine class ; it is used to treat anxiety , insomnia and withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and/or drug abuse . Chlordiazepoxide has a medium to long half-life but its active metabolite has a very long half-life . The drug has amnesic , anticonvulsant , anxiolytic , hypnotic , sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties . Chlordiazepoxide was patented in 1958 and approved for medical use in 1960 . It was the first benzodiazepine to be synthesized and the discovery of chlordiazepoxide was by pure chance . Chlordiazepoxide and other benzodiazepines were initially accepted with widespread public approval but were followed with widespread public disapproval and recommendations for more restrictive medical guidelines for its use .
Cinazepam ( BD-798 , sold under brand name Levana ) is an atypical benzodiazepine derivative . It produces pronounced hypnotic , sedative , and anxiolytic effects with minimal myorelaxant side effects . In addition , unlike many other benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics such as diazepam , flunitrazepam , and zopiclone , cinazepam does not violate sleep architecture , and the continuity of slow-wave sleep and REM sleep are proportionally increased . As such , cinazepam produces a sleep state close to physiological , and for that reason , may be advantageous compared to other , related drugs in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders . Cinazepam has an order of magnitude lower affinity for the benzodiazepine receptor of the GABAA complex relative to other well-known hypnotic benzodiazepines such as nitrazepam and phenazepam . Moreover , in mice , it is rapidly metabolized , with only 5% of the base compound remaining within 30 minutes of administration . As such , cinazepam is considered to be a benzodiazepine prodrug ; specifically , to 3-hydroxyphenazepam , as the main active metabolite .
Cinolazepam ( marketed under the brand name Gerodorm ) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative . It possesses anxiolytic , anticonvulsant , sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties . Due to its strong sedative properties , it is primarily used as a hypnotic . It was patented in 1978 and came into medical use in 1992 . Cinolazepam is not approved for sale in the United States or Canada .
Clobazam ( marketed under the brand names Frisium , Urbanyl , Onfi , and Tapclob ) is a benzodiazepine class medication that was patented in 1968 . Clobazam was first synthesized in 1966 and first published in 1969 . Clobazam was originally marketed as an anxioselective anxiolytic since 1970 and an anticonvulsant since 1984 . The primary drug-development goal was to provide greater anxiolytic , anti-obsessive efficacy with fewer benzodiazepine-related side effects .
Clonazepam , sold under the brand Klonopin among others , is a medication used to prevent and treat seizures , panic disorder , and the movement disorder known as akathisia . It is a tranquilizer of the benzodiazepine class . It is taken by mouth . It begins having an effect within 1 hour and lasts between 6 and 12 hours . Common side effects include sleepiness , poor coordination , and agitation . Long-term use may result in tolerance , dependence , and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly . Dependence occurs in one-third of people who take clonazepam for longer than four weeks . There is an increased risk of suicide , particularly in people who are already depressed . If used during pregnancy it may result in harm to the baby . Clonazepam binds to GABAA receptors , thus increasing the effect of the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) . Clonazepam was patented in 1960 and went on sale in 1975 in the United States from Roche . It is available as a generic medication .
A muscle relaxant is a drug that affects skeletal muscle function and decreases the muscle tone . It may be used to alleviate symptoms such as muscle spasms , pain , and hyperreflexia . The term muscle relaxant is used to refer to two major therapeutic groups : neuromuscular blockers and spasmolytics . Neuromuscular blockers act by interfering with transmission at the neuromuscular end plate and have no central nervous system ( CNS ) activity . They are often used during surgical procedures and in intensive care and emergency medicine to cause temporary paralysis . Spasmolytics , also known as centrally acting muscle relaxants , are used to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and spasms and to reduce spasticity in a variety of neurological conditions . While both neuromuscular blockers and spasmolytics are often grouped together as muscle relaxants , the term is commonly used to refer to spasmolytics only .
Clonazolam ( also known as clonitrazolam ) is a benzodiazepine that has had very little research done about its effects and metabolism , and has been sold online as a designer drug . The synthesis of clonazolam was first reported in 1971 and the drug was described as the most active compound in the series tested . Clonazolam is reported to be highly potent , and concerns have been raised that clonazolam and flubromazolam in particular may pose comparatively higher risks than other designer benzodiazepines , due to their ability to produce strong sedation and amnesia at oral doses of as little as 0.5 mg .
Clorazepate , sold under the brand name Tranxene among others , is a benzodiazepine medication . It possesses anxiolytic , anticonvulsant , sedative , hypnotic , and skeletal muscle relaxant properties . Clorazepate is an unusually long-lasting benzodiazepine and serves as a majoritive prodrug for the equally long-lasting desmethyldiazepam , which is rapidly produced as an active metabolite . Desmethyldiazepam is responsible for most of the therapeutic effects of clorazepate . It was patented in 1965 and approved for medical use in 1967 .
Clotiazepam ( marketed under brand name Clozan , Distensan , Trecalmo , Rize , Rizen and Veratran ) is a thienodiazepine drug which is a benzodiazepine analog . The clotiazepam molecule differs from benzodiazepines in that the benzene ring has been replaced by a thiophene ring . It possesses anxiolytic , skeletal muscle relaxant , anticonvulsant , sedative properties . Stage 2 NREM sleep is significantly increased by clotiazepam .
Cloxazolam is a benzodiazepine derivative that has anxiolytic , sedative , and anticonvulsant properties . It is not widely used ; as of August 2018 it was marketed in Belgium , Portugal , Brazil , and Japan .
Delorazepam , also known as chlordesmethyldiazepam and nordiclazepam , is a drug which is a benzodiazepine and a derivative of desmethyldiazepam . It is marketed in Italy , where it is available under the trade name EN and Dadumir . Delorazepam ( chlordesmethyldiazepam ) is also an active metabolite of the benzodiazepine drugs diclazepam and cloxazolam . Adverse effects may include hangover type effects , drowsiness , behavioural impairments and short-term memory impairments . Similar to other benzodiazepines delorazepam has anxiolytic , skeletal muscle relaxant , hypnotic and anticonvulsant properties .
Amnesia is a deficit in memory caused by brain damage or disease , but it can also be caused temporarily by the use of various sedatives and hypnotic drugs . The memory can be either wholly or partially lost due to the extent of damage that was caused . There are two main types of amnesia : retrograde amnesia and anterograde amnesia . Retrograde amnesia is the inability to retrieve information that was acquired before a particular date , usually the date of an accident or operation . In some cases the memory loss can extend back decades , while in others the person may lose only a few months of memory . Anterograde amnesia is the inability to transfer new information from the short-term store into the long-term store . People with anterograde amnesia can not remember things for long periods of time . These two types are not mutually exclusive ; both can occur simultaneously . Case studies also show that amnesia is typically associated with damage to the medial temporal lobe . In addition , specific areas of the hippocampus ( the CA1 region ) are involved with memory . Research has also shown that when areas of the diencephalon are damaged , amnesia can occur . Recent studies have shown a correlation between deficiency of RbAp48 protein and memory loss .
Deschloroetizolam ( also known as Etizolam-2 ) is a thienotriazolodiazepine that is the dechlorinated analog of the closely related etizolam . The compound has been sold as a designer drug .
The below tables contain a sample list of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine analogs that are commonly prescribed , with their basic pharmacological characteristics , such as half-life and equivalent doses to other benzodiazepines , also listed , along with their trade names and primary uses . The elimination half-life is how long it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated by the body . Time to peak refers to when maximum levels of the drug in the blood occur after a given dose . Benzodiazepines generally share the same pharmacological properties , such as anxiolytic , sedative , hypnotic , skeletal muscle relaxant , amnesic , and anticonvulsant effects . Variation in potency of certain effects may exist amongst individual benzodiazepines . Some benzodiazepines produce active metabolites . Active metabolites are produced when a person 's body metabolizes the drug into compounds that share a similar pharmacological profile to the parent compound and thus are relevant when calculating how long the pharmacological effects of a drug will last . Long-acting benzodiazepines with long-acting active metabolites , such as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide , are often prescribed for benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal as well as for anxiety if constant dose levels are required throughout the day . Shorter-acting benzodiazepines are often preferred for insomnia due to their lesser hangover effect . It is fairly important to note that elimination half-life of diazepam and chlordiazepoxide , as well as other long half-life benzodiazepines , is twice as long in the elderly compared to younger individuals . Individuals with an impaired liver also metabolize benzodiazepines more slowly . Many doctors [ who ? ]
Diazepam , first marketed as Valium , is a medicine of the benzodiazepine family that typically produces a calming effect . It is commonly used to treat a range of conditions , including anxiety , seizures , alcohol withdrawal syndrome , benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome , muscle spasms , trouble sleeping , and restless legs syndrome . It may also be used to cause memory loss during certain medical procedures . It can be taken by mouth , inserted into the rectum , injected into muscle , injected into a vein or used as a nasal spray . When given into a vein , effects begin in one to five minutes and last up to an hour . By mouth , effects begin after 15 to 60 minutes . Common side effects include sleepiness and trouble with coordination . Serious side effects are rare . They include suicide , decreased breathing , and an increased risk of seizures if used too frequently in those with epilepsy . Occasionally excitement or agitation may occur . Long term use can result in tolerance , dependence , and withdrawal symptoms on dose reduction . Abrupt stopping after long-term use can be potentially dangerous .
Amnesia is a deficit in memory caused by brain damage or disease , but it can also be caused temporarily by the use of various sedatives and hypnotic drugs . The memory can be either wholly or partially lost due to the extent of damage that was caused . There are two main types of amnesia : retrograde amnesia and anterograde amnesia . Retrograde amnesia is the inability to retrieve information that was acquired before a particular date , usually the date of an accident or operation . In some cases the memory loss can extend back decades , while in others the person may lose only a few months of memory . Anterograde amnesia is the inability to transfer new information from the short-term store into the long-term store . People with anterograde amnesia can not remember things for long periods of time . These two types are not mutually exclusive ; both can occur simultaneously . Case studies also show that amnesia is typically associated with damage to the medial temporal lobe . In addition , specific areas of the hippocampus ( the CA1 region ) are involved with memory . Research has also shown that when areas of the diencephalon are damaged , amnesia can occur . Recent studies have shown a correlation between deficiency of RbAp48 protein and memory loss .