Short term memory symptoms and conditions

Hi- I am a recovering alcoholic four years sober with Bipolar II diagnosis. I previously was treated with only an antidepressant/anxiety med- lexapro,
but 9months ago was put on lamictal 250mg. After the initial slow buildup in dosage I felt pretty stable. Now I am experiencing depression again. I have to get a new psychiatrist, my current one is going on a leave of absence. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced initial positive results and then after a while a recurrence of depression. Anyway- others have asked about "mental fogginess", short term memory loss, mine went away about a month after I reached my current dosage.

I am a 27 year old female and I have stage 4 endo and have had lots of rupturing ovarian cysts. The laporoscopy was pretty ineffective for me and I tried birth control and had severe vaginal bleeding during intercourse. So my doctor wanted to do 3 months of Lupron Depot and add back therapy with Premarin.
I have only had one shot of Lupron and that was on 10/16/09. I noticed side effects with in 24 hours. I had severe joint pain especially noticed in the right hip ( I was injected in my right side) severe migraines, awful mood swings, short term memory loss and that was all in my first week on the shot. I started feeling better like 10 days after the shot, but that was only short lived. Now even after three weeks into the shot, I am in so much pain in my joints, it is difficult to take care of my two toddler boys and my home. I now have a crazy rash on my butt, and still have so much pain in my body as well as feeling numb in my toes, left arm, and fingers. This drug appears to be more ineffective than effective and I feel like women need to explore other options before going down this unknown path. I found out through research on the internet that the Premarin that I was taking as an add-back is made from PREGNANT HORSE URINE and that the horses are treated like crap so everyone can get rich off them. There has to be other options for people that have already gone through the nightmare of endometriosis. I would take endo over these side effects any day.

MAJOR loss of short-term memory and inability to concentrate.

I have been on Lamictal (for bipolar tendencies) for 3 or 4 years now. Overall it has been really great for me -- really calmed me and leveled me out like no other medication has.

Except that it has made me embarrassingly dumb. I have a graduate degree in electrical engineering, which is pretty worthless at this point because I cannot add two simple numbers in my head. My grammar and spelling skills have taken a nosedive. I took a grammar refresher class to try to boost it again, but I couldn't concentrate and can't remember what I learned. And even worse, sometimes I can't remember basic things like which way to flip the turn signal lever to signal left or right when I am driving.

I went up to 350 mg and it worked great (for the bipolar), but I could barely function at my job. So I've lowered it slowly to 150. My brain works a bit better, but still not well. Today in a meeting I was explaining something important and realized a couple minutes later that I was totally wrong -- I'd remembered incorrectly. So I had to interject later and explain that I'd been wrong. Things like this are very embarrassing and ruin my credibility at work.

But as I said the Lamictal has been amazing in other aspects. Ultimately I don't know if trading my brain for that is worth it, but for now it is because no other medication has worked. I worry though that even if I stop it in the future, my brain may not be able to recover, from lack of use.

Thank you all for your information. I am relieved to know I am not alone.

I too have been taking 100mg Lamictal for about a year for rapidly cycling Bi Polar, and am very concerned about my short term memory loss. I lose my train of thought in the middle of speech, can't remember what I did on the weekend when asked on Monday in conversation, and generally wonder if I have to put up with this somewhat debilitating and frustrating symptom just to have the plus of controlling my mood swings...Also recently have notice trouble spelling words - this was my pride and joy that I could spell pretty much any word and now that seems to be going too. Anyone know if these symptoms will dissipate if I stop taking Lamictal?

I started Lupron injections 9/28/09 and I started having side effects almost right away. Headaches, mood swings, socialized anxiety, lack of appetite, no short term memory, no short term memory (LOL), confusion and extreme inability to focus, hot flashes/night sweats, tired all the time. Also, when I'm not having a hot flash/night sweats, I am chilled to the bone. This may be due to my appetite, which in turn is odd that I have cravings of chocolate. My husband has to pretty much force me to eat a meal. The chocolate craving goes beyond anything else, it's strange for me to eat like this. From what I understand is that it could be a hormonal issue due to the Lupron. Also chocolate can trigger endorphins that can help with pain, seeing how as the Lupron is doing nothing in that department!

Started taking Lisinopril approx. 6 years. ago. Shortly afterwards I started a spiral downwards for no apparent reason. Did not connect this med. Shortly after starting it I was put on Synthroid for low thyroid. Started having loss of balance, dizziness, vision problems, muscle and nerve pain. B/P went up instead of going down. Have been to every type of Dr. (Neurologist, Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, Internist) and every nerve & muscle test and blood work came back negative. I have extreme cold in my hands and feet, increased back pain. headaches. This past week I have broken out in a rash on my torso and down both legs. The doctors answers are that I'm suffering from depression. The irony is that when the symptoms first started I questioned if I could be having a reaction to the medication and they flat out said no. After reading some of the comments as of today I am discontinuing the Lisinopril and will searce for something natural. I'm fed up with doctors and really short on cash from all the money spent trying to find an answer.

I took Cipro for 3 days back in March 2009. After 24 hrs, I was completely disoriented, had HUGE blisters appear on my feet (they are scars now) and lost my memory. Thank God my husband realized something was very wrong and took me to my Dr (the ER had prescribed the meds) He took me off of it, and my symptoms got better.

Since then, I have had pervasive short term memory loss, loss of vision (periods of blindness), and extreme exhaustion, joint pain, and body aches. My doctor is getting ready to send me for an MRI and EEG- this is after full body X-rays and huge amounts of bloodwork.

My life is not what it used to be. I have 3 small children, and I am terrified to be alone with them for fear of forgetting something crucial. My grades have suffered, and I can barely function.

I am trying to find out if anyone has experienced 5 minute delayed reaction from Lamictal. My 18 year old son has been on Lamictal for over 3 years. He started out at 200 mg, had a breakthrough seizure after 1 1/2 years and is now on 600 mg. Since they increased him, he has episodes about every two weeks where he feels really dizzy and then forgets what just happened five minutes before. His short term memory is getting progressively worse. You wouldn't know anything is wrong if you were talking to him, but since he has had four grand mal seizures, he knows something is up. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I took lupron for about a year or so back in 1999. I don't remember a lot, just the hot flashes, etc, that I was warned about. I began to have memory problems a little. As the years passed by, it became worse. It is 10 years later and I have no short term memory. I have searched and searched to figure out what is wrong with me. My memory is gone. Its a sad thing, that this shot is still being given.

I too have memory loss. It is humiliating not to recall events with friends and family and people I have been introduced to. I cannot conversations, movies and names of bands. I am 43 and have been taking this drug for seizures. The seizure disorder is gone due to the drug. I have gained weight, awaken with a severe headache on several occasions behind my right eye, feel tired and dizzy after an hour of taking the drug and blurred vision. I thought it was early onset of Alzheimer ( i forget how to spell it though I am in the medical field). My generalized Doctor and my Neurologist say this is not from the medication but from age and normal. The quality of life is not as I would like. I feel like I am missing out on my own life. Thank God I came across this blog! I have been researching this drug on the net and NOWHERE does it state this as a side effect. This is the only med I take.

I'm 27 years old and have been married for four months. I've been on the nuvaring for about 2 years straight (i've been on bc for a total of 9 years more on than off). The first year was great despite the weight gain and constant bloating. My partner and I agreed that the pros outweighed the cons. But for the past 4-6 months or so I've been experiencing the following symptoms, all gradual but definitely in effect:

vaginal dryness, itching, yeasty discharge, migraines on the OFF week, nasal dryness, dry eyes/ intolerance to contact lenses, irritability, mood swings, weight gain, brittle hair, short-term memory loss, severe anxiety.

it seems to me that the cons outweigh the one pro that we were defending. pregnancy. i am definitely speaking with my doctor and getting more information on hormone-FREE pregnancy protection.

When I Take Allopurinol I lose my short term memory completely. I turn into a blithering idiot and ask the same questions over and over in the same conversation.

Hi,
Back in May of 2008 my it was alleged by doctors that my mother needed to have her gallbladder removed. During the surgery, she was given Diprivan 200MG AMP, and Fentanyl 5ML vial. Since the surgery, she is yet to recover. After seeing many local doctors and surgeons, we decided to go to UNC Chapel Hill, where the doctors there cannot even tell her what is wrong. She has since (the surgery) also developed C-diff. She has had her medical records released an I'm trying to take this into my own hands as I'm tired of seeing her literally get sicker and sicker. Here's my question: Is it possible for these side effects to last over this long period of time, from just having a 5 ML vial of Fentanyl? The reason I ask is because every above listed symptom that people have had after using the medication, is what she goes through on a daily basis. Here is a small list of her daily symptoms: flue like symptoms, hot flashes, constant fatigue, sometimes diarrhea, sometimes vomiting, slurring of some words, disfunction in her language ability -- sometimes she cannot read a sentence clear on her first attempt. EXTREME short term memory loss, physical instability, as well as weakness in her body. I've researched side effects of this medication and those are all listed, and I've seen more lists above. Is it possible for her to be having long-term adverse side effects from this medication? Is it possible for her C-diff to be related to the medication? If anyone could help with anything I could greatly appreciate it. While this is risky, I'm going to put my personal email because I just need immediate help and advice from anyone, and I check my email ample amounts of time throughout the day. So, please email me if you have any suggestions. ******

**I found something that helps the foggy head, forgetfulness, short term memory, and sleepiness that comes with taking Lamictal!!**

I want to pass this along , because it has helped me SO much. I was diagnosed bipolar II recently and was put on Lamictal. I'm a writer, so my biggest concern was being able to find the words I need and having the concentration for my work, but suddenly I lost my ability to string words together when speaking OR writing. The words weren't even close to coming to me. I felt like I was sleepwalking half the time, along with other symptoms, but the bouts of spacehead were hardest to take. I felt pretty desperate and kept researching until I came across a post on a message board that claimed to have the answer.

If you can manage, do not take Lamictal at night. The following is so simple that it might seem strange that it works (it did to me):

All you have to do is set your alarm for a half hour to an hour before you would normally get up. Then take your Lamictal and go back to sleep for a half hour to an hour (it takes a little practice to get used to this morning routine at first, but it's totally worth it). For some reason, it's ESSENTIAL that you do go back to sleep for that short period and do not just rest with your eyes closed until it's time to get up.

I tried this, not really expecting anything from it, but on the very first day it seemed that at least 85 percent of the foggy-head was gone. Just gone. It has continued to work every day that I have managed to do it, and when I don't do it, the foggyhead is back again with a vengeance. I finally feel great, as if the medicine is doing exactly what it's supposed to.

Taking Lamictal at night (like doctors often recommend) can make the fogginess worse than any other time. The person who posted about this originally said he told his psychiatrist about his experience, and the psychiatrist told his other patients on Lamictal to try it. It worked for them too.

I hope this is helpful to others as much as it is to me, though I know everyone's body and brain are different, so it's possible that it won't work for everyone. I do hope if it works for you that you'll spread the word, because this is such a debilitating side effect.

Best wishes to you all.

let me just say i have never been the same since taking this drug almost 5 years ago! don't take it!

I am friend and caretaker for TBI patient (Traumatic Brain Injury).(he has no short term memory and some cognitive problems. Seroquel is his miracle drug . He has been on it for about 5 years now and it has helped so much with inappropriateness and keeping him calm and functional. He had been in long term care facility for about 6 years and they over medicated with many potent drugs (just wanted to keep him inactive since he was young mobile male with TBI).He has been out and living with me for past 5+ years, it took a little while to change and modify the medication and is now taking daily low doses of meds: (20 mg paxcil, 750 depakote er, 50mg x 3 times a day (total 150mg) of seroquel (using 25mg pills), and 5 mg of lipitor and 100mg docqlace. He does have a weight problem which is a bit hard to control because he does want to eat a lot but having lots of fruits and vegetables around and asking him to wait 30 minutes after eating for his food to digest rather than getting 2nds has helped a lot too. Seroquel for him is in my opinion the most important one.

Posted June 11, 2009 that Testosterone tested at 174 in April and 207 in June(6 weeks off Lisinopril). My last test results July 21 have my Testosterone up to 237. That's 3 months off Lisinopril and a 63 point increase. I still have all of the symptoms listed in the original post but they seem to be slowly fading away. I weighed in at 216 lbs this last visit. The only real change is that I have not taken Lisinopril since mid-April. Going to try to lose 15 lbs and lift weights to increase Testosterone. (63 POINTS in 3 months)

(ORIGINAL POST)
(42 year old male 6 ft 217 lbs) Testosterone dropped like a stone to 174 in April. To give you an idea how low that is normal range is 280-870. Symptoms include severe short term memory loss, confusion, panic attacks, many times unable to complete a sentence without losing track and of course E.D. Got off this in mid April and started a diuretic instead.(started lisinopril June 05) Bloodwork in early June shows testerone up to 207. Hmm, up 33 points after being off this medication for 6 weeks. Maybe I'm an anomaly when it comes to men using this medication. Any man considering this med would be advised to test testosterone before starting and 1 year later to see if there is any correlation.

Hello. I just finished the one month starter pack of Lamictal for depression. I've been noticing some strange things going on with me lately but did not make the connection to the Lamictal until I spoke with my pharmacist (while picking up my official prescription). Mainly the info warned of dizziness, sleeping issues, heart racing and sinus issues. I have had ALL of these. Two weeks into taking the medication I can't sleep well at night. I wake up and my heart is racing. I have to go watch TV to settle down. Plus, I'm extremely EXHAUSTED all day. And finally, the worst symptom is my sinus issues. I have constant mucous in my throat and pressure in my sinuses. I have the worst headaches. I'm popping Advil to deal with my sinus pressure. It's agony. Plus, I'm not motivated and I think I'm a little depressed. I'm going to discuss getting off this medication with my doctor tomorrow.

Been taking Lotrel (at least 5 years), then generic without connecting the dots. Constant back pain, easly fatigued, leg muscle soreness, occasionally a swelling in the inside of the mouth over a couple of days until a layer of skin flakes off and goes away (to return many weeks later), light spotted rash on topside of forearms, muscle weakness in arms with arms elevated, definite loss of sex drive, no endurance, easily prone to heavy sweating, back muscles extremely tight and rigid causing pains when exerting with repeated constant motion, blood work showing muscle damage, possible short term memory issues and ability to concentrate, periods of times with the feeling of constrictions on the body compared to a inflated balloon walls stressed with pressure. Exercise (walking) causes a drop in blood pressure to normal (110-125/68-84) compared to 140/90+/-.

My husband was taking coumadin and developed an infection in his leg. He was ordered Bactrim DS bid. By the third day of the Bactrim, his INR was 4.7 and he was having mental status changes and vomiting. A head CT Scan showed he was bleeding in his brain from the interaction of the coumadin and Bactrim. He had to have 2 bilateral crainiotomies to flush out the blood from his brain. He nearly died. He has severe headaches and short term memory loss.

My husband was taking coumadin and then developed an infection. He was ordered Bactrim D.S twice a day and by the third day he was bleeding in his brain. He had to have bilateral subdural crainiotimies twice to flush out all the blood in his head. He almost died. He now has severe headaches and some short term memory loss.

Oh I forgot to mention acne in the t-zone, pain in my knees, short term memory issues, and numbness in my right leg often. I don't know why I have been putting up with this thing for so long. Some people say anything is better than being pregnant but that couldn't be further from the truth.

59 year old female. A history of hypertension started on Lisinopril in April of 2009..I am so GLAD I found this site! I have developed a severe chronic cough. This cough keeps me up at night ( and everyone else in the home)
Severe soreness in every joint in every part of my body. I can not sleep, serious fatigue, I have had mental confusion, short term memory loss I NEVER had the mental confusion or memory loss. I went to my Dr. 2xs he put me on antibiotics, told me I possibly had aspirated mucous in my lungs or had "silent reflux" no matter what I have taked or done none of the above symptoms lessened. Therefore, I started to do my own research and wound up here on this site. I am going to my doctor tomorrow informing him of the side effects ( which I would have thought he knew) and asked to be put on another medication for my hypertension. My question I have that there does not seem to be a easy answer is how long will it take to reverse all these symptoms? Truthfully I put all these symptoms in to the "just getting older" category. Thank You so much for sharing

I have taken Lamictal for about three years since I was 19. I feel like I'm experiencing the memory loss of a 60- or 70-year-old. I've always been quick and witty with impeccable grammar and spelling. These days, I struggle to remember words and their meanings, spellings and pronunciations.

I can't remember conversations I had with people half an hour before or items on my to-do list. I MUST write everything down. Sometimes, if it's in my planner, I still don't remember to do it.

It has affected me in my college classes, on the job and in my relationships. I hate the feeling that I'm less intelligent and quick as I used to be when I'm just 22. My short-term memory is shot.

Along with memory loss, I struggle to focus (always have been a straight-A student), follow conversations and often feel confused and need people to restate their thoughts so I can understand.

It's just so embarrassing to be so spacey. I didn't put it together until my sister (also on lamictal) told me about the memory loss and it clicked. At least there's a reason for my new-found stupidity.

Thanks for telling me doctor. Oh wait, she didn't.

I have been on Lamictal 200mg per day for about 3 years along with Wellbutrin and Lexapro. Over the past few months, I have noticed numerous things happening to my mind and body and finally put the pieces of the puzzle together...side effects of Lamictal. Short term memory is gone which is the scariest. Difficulty putting coherent sentences together. Fumbling for words. Spelling is awful. Heaviness in legs. Trouble writing. Inability to communicate well with the spoken word. Slow thought process. Shakiness - Hands shaking - Tremor. Speech disturbance. Weight gain. Coordination problems. Dry mouth is worse. Back pain. Increase in sweating including night sweats. Irritability. Impaired concentration. Forgetfulness.

This is so embarrassing when I'm in meetings. I start to sweat and can't seem to get my words out. I am also in a master's program and it is getting really hard to concentrate enough to write the papers. I am starting a doctorate program in Aug. which will not happen if these side effects don't go away. I called my doctor on Friday and we cut the dose in half and evaluate in 2 weeks. I want off of this drug! I need all of the symptoms described above to go away, especially my short term memory loss. I am very scared at this point.