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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Amnesia/Memory Impairment
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Amnesia/Memory Impairment
by THEODORE__0, Oct 27, 1998 12:00AM
I have been taking various antidepressive madication over the past 8 years. For the past 3 months, I started taking WELBUTRIN. I am not happy with this medication and will stop taking it. My head always feels fuzzy; I am having difficulty to concentrate; I do not want to do anything; I still feel depressed; I am having difficulty to remember names.
I took prozac for 6 years and I was very satisfied with it. I stopped taking prozac since I thought it was not helping me anymore (as if my system was used to it).
I have lots of questions in my mind. Do I have alzheimer's disease? Why am I having problem to remember names? Can extreme depression cause amnesia? Can it be Welbutrin related? Should I go back to prozac? I will appreciate any inputs.
Thank you ALL.
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Dear Theodore:
All psychotropic prescription can have cognitive side effects to a varying degree if used in sufficiently high doses. Neither bupropion nor fluoxetine has ANY significant cognitive side effects in recommended doses. Both, however, are known to cause restlessness, nervousness, agitation, insomnia, and weight loss. I can not easily attribute you fogetfulness to bupropion. Both bupropion and fluoxetine are safe and effective antidepressants. Bupropion causes less impotence than fluoxetine does.
Lack of concentration, disorganized and unfocussed thinking, amnesia, and numerous other cognitive difficulties can be experienced by depressed individuals due to the depression itself. Such problems can even be measured on objective neuropsychological tests. Early Alzheimer's disease can also cause teh same symptoms, and neuropsychological tests can be most helpful in distinguishing Alzheimer's disease and pseudodementia from depression.
Your cognitive concerns should be addressed to your psychiatrist.
Good luck!
