Posted by twlmann on August 29, 2006, at 14:39:34
In reply to Lamictal Memory Problems, posted by Cecilia on April 26, 2002, at 2:40:00
January 06 I had a Grand Mal siezure. I started with Dilanten and that messed up all mental functions real bad. In February I started the change over to Lamictal. Now at 400 mg every night. While most all of the side effects have significantly reduced to include extream virtigo, the major one remains- short term memory loss, or 'blips'. It is noticeable by many, but not dibilitating. Mostly I have problems with words; spelling, saying, names, and even finding the right word to say of things I am very familiar with. Being as that I am an Instructor, I have invented many tricks to effectively combat this problem. I am looking for more diffinative information on this subject, there seems to be little out there. I have read that this is somwhat rare though Lamictal increases pre-existing memory loss. In Men I would guess that it is worse due to Men being more graphicly amd mechanicly inclind while women are better at emotional and organizational memory- to include things said. I have also read that there are other drugs and changes in diet (to include natural dietary supplements) that can aid in memory retention. I would prefere to not take synthetic drugs, but have been unable to gain specific dietary suggestions. I encourage you to look to the future and not concentrate on the memory loss side effects. Over time your body and mind will adapt and you should eventualy have little notice of this side effect. Be patient though, as like most all things-nothing happens over night. My problem did get worse before it began to get better. I notice the memory loss most significantly when I fall off my routine, even if for a few hours. Once I completly skipped a whole day and almost forgot the next evening. I did not regain my 'norm'for a couple of days. The other side effects such as emotional, cognitive, and balance are also increased when I miss a dose, even if by more than a couple of hours. Over all I am doing 100% better than when I was completely off the Dilantin by mid April.
poster:twlmann
thread:104185
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060825/msgs/681211.html