Brain Fog – Causes, Symptoms & Ways to Clear the Mental Haze

When you feel brain fog, a hazy, sluggish mental state that makes thinking, remembering and focusing feel heavy. Also known as cognitive clouding, it often shows up alongside fatigue, persistent tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, medication side effects, unwanted reactions from drugs that can alter brain chemistry, sleep deprivation, lack of sufficient rest that impairs neural recovery and stress, continuous pressure that spikes cortisol and clouds judgment. All of these factors interact, making it hard to pinpoint a single cause.

How These Factors Interact

Brain fog encompasses reduced concentration, memory slips, and slowed thinking. When fatigue piles up, the brain's energy supply drops, which triggers foggy thinking. Certain prescription drugs, especially antidepressants or antihistamines, list medication side effects that include “clouded cognition,” directly influencing mental clarity. Missing enough sleep (sleep deprivation) disrupts the glymphatic system, so waste builds up and drives fog. Chronic stress raises cortisol; high cortisol has been shown to impair the prefrontal cortex, causing the same haziness. In short, brain fog requires a combination of lifestyle, health and drug factors to clear.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive into specific triggers and solutions— from how citalopram can affect liver function and mood, to how amiloride treats hormonal imbalances, and even practical tips for managing chest congestion or inflammation‑driven conditions. These pieces break down the science, give actionable advice, and help you pinpoint which piece of the puzzle is affecting your clarity. Keep reading to uncover the details that can lift the haze and restore a sharper mind.