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Scientists have found a drug that erases bad memories
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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Researchers from the University of Montreal have discovered that the drug metyrapone affects the brain's ability to change stored memories.
"Metyrapone is a drug that significantly reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is involved in the process of remembering. We found that changing cortisol levels during the formation of new memories can reduce the negative emotions associated with them," explained co-author Marie-France Marin.
"The results show that when we reduce stress hormone levels at the time negative events occur, we can partially prevent the brain from remembering them," said study leader Dr Sonia Lupien.
The experiment involved a group of several dozen volunteers who were asked to read and remember a fictitious story. After a few days, the subjects were divided into three groups: one was given a normal dose of metyrapone, the second - a double dose, and the third received a placebo. After this, the study participants were asked to retell the story. A repeat experiment was conducted after 4 days, when the drug was completely eliminated from the body.
"We found that the group that received the double dose of metyrapone had difficulty recalling negative events in the story, and were more likely to recall neutral moments. We were surprised that the memory impairment persisted even after cortisol levels had returned to normal," said Dr. Marin.
According to experts, the research could be useful for the treatment of post-traumatic stress syndrome. The only obstacle at the moment is that metyrapone is currently out of serial production. However, specialists plan to continue the work using other drugs that reduce cortisol levels.
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