Megestrol Acetate Induces Declarative Memory Changes and Cortisol Suppression in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

Background: The effects of the glucocorticoid and progesterone receptor agonist megestrol on declarative memory, and the ability of phenytoin to block these effects, were assessed.

Methods: Healthy volunteers received each medication combination (placebo and megestrol, phenytoin and megestrol, and placebo and placebo) using a randomized, crossover design. The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test assessed declarative memory.

Results: Megestrol was associated with a significant reduction in declarative memory (p = 0.0008), which was attenuated by phenytoin, and was associated with significant cortisol suppression compared to placebo (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Changes in memory and cortisol suppression were found in healthy volunteers given megestrol.

Keywords: Corticosteroid; Megestrol; Memory; Phenytoin.