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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by noelle on August 1, 2006, at 0:35:45
Just wondering if anyone has cognitive problems from their meds. Sometimes its so hard to find my words, or remember things, does anyone else have that problem? I just feel like that quickness isn't there anymore
Posted by SLS on August 1, 2006, at 6:29:36
In reply to cognitive blurring?, posted by noelle on August 1, 2006, at 0:35:45
> Just wondering if anyone has cognitive problems from their meds. Sometimes its so hard to find my words, or remember things, does anyone else have that problem? I just feel like that quickness isn't there anymore
Yes, word-finding can be a problem with certain drugs. This happens a lot with Effexor. Cognitive impairments of other sorts can happen with many other psychiatric drugs. Topamax is often cited as a culprit. I have problems with Lamictal at dosages of above 200mg.
Which medications do you find troublesome?
- Scott
Posted by curtm on August 1, 2006, at 8:17:30
In reply to Re: cognitive blurring?, posted by SLS on August 1, 2006, at 6:29:36
> Just wondering if anyone has cognitive problems from their meds. Sometimes its so hard to find my words, or remember things, does anyone else have that problem? I just feel like that quickness isn't there anymore
Especially when starting some new meds. Most cases I hope would subside as the brain becomes accustomed to changes, but not all cases. I can't decide if Abilify is good for that or not. It seems to be inconsistent from day to day as far as cognitive function. My mood is better, but my creativity has seemed to falter a little. Perhaps it is something else. I don't know. I think I would rather be on something else.
Posted by SLS on August 1, 2006, at 9:26:10
In reply to Re: cognitive blurring? » SLS, posted by curtm on August 1, 2006, at 8:17:30
> > Just wondering if anyone has cognitive problems from their meds. Sometimes its so hard to find my words, or remember things, does anyone else have that problem? I just feel like that quickness isn't there anymore
> Especially when starting some new meds. Most cases I hope would subside as the brain becomes accustomed to changes, but not all cases. I can't decide if Abilify is good for that or not. It seems to be inconsistent from day to day as far as cognitive function. My mood is better, but my creativity has seemed to falter a little. Perhaps it is something else. I don't know. I think I would rather be on something else.I am taking Abilify 10mg. I experience no cognitive side effects at all from it. By contrast, Geodon made me feel like I had been hit over the head by a baseball bat.
With Topamax, I started at 25mg and moved up very gradually. I am currently taking 150mg. I don't think I experienced any cognitive side effects at all from it. On the contrary, I might have experienced some improvement in mental energy and mental focus. The benefit is very small, though. I must decide if it is worth the risk of getting kidney stones to remain on it. Of course, there is always the possibility that it would act synergistically with any antidepressant I should decide to try. I hate that there are so many unknowns. You don't know how many drugs it makes sense to take at the same time.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on August 1, 2006, at 11:38:10
In reply to Re: cognitive blurring? » curtm, posted by SLS on August 1, 2006, at 9:26:10
Scott I've noticed at even 37.5mg of lamictal I have trouble remembering names and things of that sort. That's why my pdoc only let me change on med at a time. She said I wouldn't know what caused side effects on more than one change. Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer on August 3, 2006, at 9:01:58
In reply to Re: cognitive blurring? » SLS, posted by Phillipa on August 1, 2006, at 11:38:10
I have lots of blurry cognitive issues. My difficulty is knowing what is 'normal' and what is from the depression itself or from the medication. I think you can never sort it all out and neither can the docs. There's too many variables at work.
I'm always saying to my husband I think I have early Alzheimer's, and I'm serious. I may go and have a neuropsych eval at some point. My STM is poor, people have to repeat things multiple times before I get it and at work I'm always made to feel I can't do things quickly enough. I have taken a medical leave for now because of the overwhelming feelings of not being able to do what others can do and being made to feel inadequate for it. I'm not sure this is accurate but it makes me wonder.
I'm also on Lamictal, but at 200 mg. I think that may be a factor in all this but unless you can test your cognitive status throughout med trials you really never know for sure. Why don't doctors do things like this? Sometimes I think it is logical but too much work for them.
SG
Posted by noelle on August 4, 2006, at 0:12:34
In reply to Re: cognitive blurring?, posted by stargazer on August 3, 2006, at 9:01:58
I really relate to what you are saying. I feel like I'm not the same person, and I am looked down upon because of these issues especially by my husband. I'm on so many meds right now and I know I need them but where have I gone?
Noelle
Posted by curtm on August 4, 2006, at 8:24:00
In reply to Re: cognitive blurringstargazer, posted by noelle on August 4, 2006, at 0:12:34
Posted by noelle on August 4, 2006, at 17:33:45
In reply to ((((((((noelle)))))))) (nm) » noelle, posted by curtm on August 4, 2006, at 8:24:00
HUh,
I don't get it but I guess thats no surprise ;)
Posted by Phillipa on August 4, 2006, at 19:20:01
In reply to Re: cognitive blurringstargazer, posted by noelle on August 4, 2006, at 0:12:34
Noele that's a cyber hug on babble. Love Phillipa
Posted by noelle on August 5, 2006, at 0:19:18
In reply to Re: cognitive blurringstargazer » noelle, posted by Phillipa on August 4, 2006, at 19:20:01
oh cool
This is the end of the thread.
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