Posted by Walfredo on April 15, 2010, at 1:11:58
So, I've been on the AD rollercoaster for like 8 years. Been on most of the SSRI's/SNRI's (only Paxil helped until it pooped), Remeron, Wellbutrin, and even Nardil for a short time until the side effect's became unbearable.
Currently am taking 348 mg Aplenzin (which is just Wellbutrin XR) and that's ALL at the moment.
And while I'm still struggling everyday, I feel closer to "well" than I have in some time and I don't think it's because of the medication. I have quit nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and cannabis in addition to correcting any damaging thought patterns I had.
Now and then I have 'glimpses' of clarity of thought, 'glimpses' of how I felt when I was young, but even in these times when I feel relatively good, my memory is ATROCIOUS. I can't remember what I was thinking about just two minutes, prior, you know? I lose my train of thought and can't even remember what I was thinking about. Definite terrible short term memory and long term memory isn't a whole lot better.
And I'm pretty sure my memory wasn't this horrendous before I started this "journey" on the AD's. Maybe it was and it was the least of my concerns, but I do have serious doubts that my poor memory is solely because of my "depression" (if it even is depression that I have...I have doubts about that too which is a whole 'nuther separate post).
So...basically what I'm wondering is....Is the poor memory a symptom of a previous biological problem? A symptom of "depression" or whatever disorder/illness/biological problem I have? Or is it possible that my memory has degenerated because of my taking all these psychotropic drugs over the years?
My doctor gives me the line that "there is no evidence that psychotropic drugs have any longterm adverse effects". It definitely seems like a rehearsed line or something. I think next time I am going to ask her "is there any evidence that they don't?"
I feel like I have read that SSRI's can cause "brain fog" and memory problems but that they are supposed to clear up once you cease taking the drug. But does anyone know or suspect that these drugs cause permanent memory impairment - even when you cease taking them?
Best wishes to you all,
Alex
poster:Walfredo
thread:943442
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100406/msgs/943442.html