Lamictal

[Malaksharif]

hi everybody,

i read in more than one forum that lamictal cause serious short memory loss, this was totally new to me.i have been on lamictal 200mg for three years

i used to suffer from short memory loss since high school and thought it was due to my depression (as i was diagnosed bach then).....my short memory is getting really worse and i did not think it could be lamictale..........i thought it just getting worse aging (am 29 now)

now i cannot recall very simple vocabullary during speaking, not to mention spelling while writing simple stuff like this post

Have anyone suffered from similar symptoms and using lamictal

[Xila31]

I'm on Lamotrigine which is the generic Lamictle. I've only been on it for 7days. In the past 3 years I've noticed my short term memory getting worse. I used to be a memory machine, now to say that about me would be a joke. I'm very forgetful. When I'm manic I have a much worse memory. I'm starting to wonder if it is just a side effect of bipolar more than it is meds, after all it is our neurotransmitters and brain chemestry that are the ones in the direct line of fire. I have never been on meds before for this. Since it is only 7 days for me I can't answer your question if the meds make it worse.

Sorry. :(

[opus88]

I have been on lamotrigine for abt 18 months...I have chronic depression and all the SSRI's I've tried only work for a short while...this one seems to keep me from getting depressed.
However I too have been noticing my memory becoming really bad! I have always been proud of my good spelling skills...now I need spell ck.
and I need lists around the house to remind me to do simple things!!
I am 59 and no this isn't alzheimers (I know the diff)...but none the less concerning to me!!
I just hadn't even thought of there being a connection between lamotrigine and memory...have you found a site anywhere that claims this or is it only your findings?
I sure want to look into this more myself.
thx

[Malaksharif]

Hi,
sorry for taking a long time to answer your post.

Actually i do not remember if i searched the side effects of Lmictal on any site,,it is just i came across it in many forums and all of them agree that Lmictal affects short memory loss but not long memory

Here are the links for these forums

http://www.bipolarworld.net/Phelps/ph_2006/ph1419.htm
http://bipolar.about.com/b/2003/06/29/does-lamictal-cause-memory-loss.htm
http://www.depressionforums.org/forums/Lamictal-Loss-Concentration-Short-Te-t22117.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090330/msgs/888084.html
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Pharmacy-1407/Lamictal-1.htm
http://www.************.com/boards/showthread.php?t=450905&highlight=cytomel
http://www.epilepsy.com/blogentry/961287
http://www.medications.com/se/lamictal/short-term-memory-loss


i will try to search this subject on sites rather than forums and will inform you as soon as i do

take care

[opus88]

thx for the sites, I will do some reading also

[mejeba]

hi.  when I had severe cognitive problems a few yrs ago I was on Lamictal at 400 mg and Valproex Acid (depakote) at 1500 mg.

My pdoc said that Lamictal was probably the big  culprit and lowered the dose to 250 mg.  the valproex was reducecd as well, but he definitely thought that Lamictal was more likely the problem.

Now I'm off Lamictal and on Wellbutrin and Valproex.  My memory is sharp like it used to be, and I have no cognitive dulling.

I'm at 750 mg Valproex now, 300 mg Wellbutrin and 1 mg Clonazepam

[opus88]

Hi again...I did some reading on the websites you sent..and found the information alot more thorough than most sites..thx.
And yes there are MANY reports of
short term memory problems
fumbling for correct word when speaking &/or typing
retaining a train of thought
profuse sweating
spelling
forgetfullness
and many more I just listed the one I have noticed in MYSELF
I almost am thankful that I can now attribute the problems I am experiencing to lamtotrigine and NOT to age....
But since I do compensate for these side effects at the moment and now know what to report to my psych doctor and can monitor the benefits vs. side effects for my own self interest I am grateful......since I have noticed an improvement in my depression I will for now continue with this medication.
Are you still currently taking this? Or have you decided to discontinue?