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Memory Loss Forum

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Subj: Noticed incidences of memory loss
Date: 10/6/2010
I SEE BY THE LIST THAT I AM ON 4 OF THE MEDS LISTED AS CAUSING MEMORY LOSS: ABILIFY, BUPROPION, KLONOPIN, and XANAX. My family has noticed incidences of memory loss, as they correct me. I HAVE GAPS IN MY MEMORY that I notice. I cannot drink alcohol and take these meds, or the effect is considerably more pronounced. I’ve been on each of these meds for anywhere from 5-10 years each. I was on LITHIUM, but it caused PSORIASIS and I had to discontinue it. (PSORIASIS is a problem with the immune system that causes a BAD SKIN CONDITION similar to DANDRUFF. I will be discussing these meds with my physician immediately, as I am afraid there may be LONG-TERM MEMORY LOSS. THANK YOU FOR THIS WEBPAGE!

Deborah

Subj: Effexor
Date: 11/16/2010
On 150 dose of Effexor I experienced marked memory loss – almost caused an accident when I forgot how to use a familiar roundabout. A wonderful antidepressant, but too scary memory- wise. I have read forums on Effexor where hundreds of people complain of memory loss. Am therefore wondering why Effexor is not on this list?

Annie

AskDocWeb: That is because “memory loss” is not listed among the possible side effects of Effexor. Just kidding, it is listed as amnesia and the list has been updated. Thanks Annie.

Subj: Muscle cramps and memory problems with Abilify
Date: 11/21/2010
I am taking Abilify in addition to effexor. I have been on effexor for some time but the Abilify for just the past month or so. I start at 2 mg, then 5 mg once a day and now my doctor has just increased it to 10 mg. I’ve had severe depression for the last 5 years and mild depression for many years. Recently it has increased to include thoughts of suicide and I’ve even talked about this to my husband and son. I asked my doctor if being on anti-depressants could actually be harming me since I’ve been on them for so long, but he felt that I hadn’t been on the Abilify long enough or at a high enough dose to do it’s job. Therefore he increased it last week to the 10 mg.

My concern is that I’ve been having a really tough time recently talking – finding words, saying the wrong ones, spacing out in mid sentence, etc. In addition, my muscle cramps have significantly increased so I’m taking more muscle relaxants so now I’m falling asleep – even standing up! But the worse thing is my short term memory – it’s going away. I had an incident yesterday with my husband where I told him to go drop off a prescription 3 times within an hour when we had just dropped it off. I could honestly not remember doing it. Things like that are happening all the time. I don’t remember conversations, seeing people, what I did earlier in the day – and it’s scaring me very much. I am hoping this is related to the addition of Abilify. Can you help?

Beverly

AskDocWeb: We are here to answer questions about side effects. Like most psychotropic medications, the effects of Abilify can be quite different for different people. Some find that their thinking clarity, concentration and memory is greatly improved while taking Abilify while others experience mental confusion, loss of memory and inability to concentrate. Don’t be shy about calling your doctor if the side effects are intolerable. If you feel you are not being taken seriously, either find another doctor or talk to a therapist for another opinion.

Subj: Weight loss pills
Date: 11/27/2010
Do weight loss pills cause short term memory loss?

Purus

AskDocWeb: No, in general, most weight loss pills do not cause memory loss.

Subj: Flunitrazepam
Date: 12/10/2010
Very intresting but I would like to hnow medicines to rescuparate emory afetr using for long time Flunitrazepam.

Jorge

AskDocWeb: Only a doctor who is fully familiar with your medical condition can advise you on what medicines might help to recover your memory.

Subj: Copaxone tablet?
Date: 12/10/2010
Copaxone tablet?? Did not think there was such a thing as listed on the first page.

Robin

AskDocWeb: Copaxone (Glatiramer Injection) is used to reduce episodes and symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It is in a class of drugs called immunomodulators.

Subj: Xanax memory loss
Date: 1/28/2011
I have a great memory loss been taking .5 xanax off and on for 10 yrs. lot of stress and mini stroke. Also take allergy medication.

Helen

Subj: How long does prednisone stay in a person’s system?
Date: 1/31/2011
I have had polymyositis and I am still on 71/2 mgs of predisone. I am taking Melatonin to sleep. My question is: How long does predisone stay in a person’s system? I will soon be taken off predisone and I would love to be able to sleep naturally again. Thanks,

Marilyn

AskDocWeb: The half-life of prednisone is only 1 hour so most of it will be out of your system within 24 hours.

Subj: Abilify memory loss
Date: 2/3/2011
My doctor recently put my on Abilify for my bipolar disorder, should I be concerned about this memory loss? HELP!

Karyn

AskDocWeb: That may depend on how old you are as the concern increases with age. The FDA has released a warning that Abilify increases chances of death in older patients. Elderly people with psychosis related to dementia who are treated with Abilify, are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo.

Subj: Recall memory
Date: 2/4/2011
I take gabapentin, lamotrigine, mixed amphe salts, and lexapro daily and think this is affecting recall memory. Two doctors are prescribing and each knows about all of the medications. I need some help…

Cecile

AskDocWeb: Of the drugs you list recall memory is most likely to be caused by lamotrigine (Lamictal). Although memory loss is listed as a rare side effect of lamotrigine, it does happen. If this is becoming a concern then you may want to talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.

Subj: My memory is shot!
Date: 2/9/2011
I have been on lamictal for 3 months, now 200mg. I have noticed, as well as my family that my memory is shot! Is this a common side effect that will go away or should I take something else?

Janyanne

AskDocWeb: With continued use, memory loss does go away for some people on Lamictal but not for everyone. The manufacturer lists memory loss as a rare side effect.

Subj: Aventyl
Date: 2/10/2011
Aventyl does cause memory loss and confusion and makes it hard to retain any new learned info. Since I no longer take it memory has increased and I don’t get easily confused or distracted. Thanks,

Regina

Subj: Daily exercise and sugar or corn starch in foods
Date: 2/19/2011
I have been taking cymbalta for 4 years, but it is helpful up to a point-but with daily exercise and little sugar or corn starch in my foods my depression and memory loss are less troublesome.

Herbert

Subj: Memory loss from allergic reaction?
Date: 3/28/2011
Hi, I am 24 yrs old and this is about 4 yrs back that I was treated for Food poisoning and was given an antibiotic(unfortunately i dont remember the name). It triggered some allergic reaction and my entire body was shivering. I was unable to talk and my vision also started to blur. I went back to the doctor when he told that I might be allergic to the medicine. After that incident I find difficulty in recollecting and memorising things, I run out of words and combine different languages while talking. I was very sharp at these but now i take time to even recollect my own phone number. Please advice if allergic reactions can cause such memory loss and if there is any way I can find what’s happening to me.

Shikha

AskDocWeb: Yes, memory loss can be caused by an allergic reaction but it can also be cased by a toxic reaction to food, mold, heavy metal, and other causes. You may need the help of a specialist to find out exactly what is happening. Your doctor should be able to refer you to the appropriate specialist for that.

Subj: Melatonin and autoimmune disease?
Date: 4/8/2011
I became seriously ill with Polymyositis 9 yrs. ago and almost died. Prednisone and Cytoxan saved my life. I have not had any flare ups since. My new Dr. wants me to try Melatonin for my insomnia. I read somewhere that if one has an auto-immune disease, they shouldn’t take Melatonin. I am cautious about trying it. I only sleep about 4 hr. a night, then can’t fall back asleep for a few more hours, and then I crash after lunchtime or dinnertime if I don’t get a nap in daytime. The sleep apnea test in 2001 showed no sleep apnea. Mostly allergy and overweight.

Betty

AskDocWeb: Because melatonin appears to affect the immune system, the potential does exist for the development of autoimmune-related side effects. The affect of melatonin on immune responsiveness is still being researched. Most of the existing data is based on small clinical trials but suggests that melatonin may counteract acquired immunodeficiences. This increased immune system activity may aggravate autoimmune disorders. However, your doctor would not suggest it if he or she didn’t think that the known benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Subj: Abilify and memory loss
Date: 5/8/2011
My 12 year old daughter diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury was started on Abilify 20mg QHS, and has been complaining of memory loss, which is really affecting her grades. Can Abilify really cause memory loss?

Angela

AskDocWeb: Yes, it happens to less than 1 out of 100 patients but memory impairment is a possible side effect of Abilify. Also note the FDA warning: “Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment.”

Subj: Abilify for 5 year old child?
Date: 5/14/2011
Can Abilify cause memory loss on a 5 year old boy???

Shawn

AskDocWeb: We didn’t find any mention of memory loss in children younger than 6 years old. The most common side effects of Abilify in children include:

• fatigue
• feeling sleepy
• headache
• increased appetite
• insomnia
• nausea
• stuffy nose
• uncontrolled movement such as restlessness, tremor, muscle stiffness
• vomiting
• weight gain

Abilify may also cause other side effects not listed. Memory Loss Report – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – Page 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – Last Page 11