Memory worse than ever.

[cammeel1]

I have been treated for depression since I was a teenager.  I am now 41 years old and the depression has become so overwhelming that I can no longer work.    Over the years it has been one diagnosis after another and one new prescription after another.  Medicines would work for a few months then the symptoms would be back with a vengeance.  Over the last year some new and frightening symptoms have cropped up.  My memory, concentration, attention span have become so poor that I cannot even cook for my family anymore.  I have caught so many fires in the kitchen from forgetting things are on the stove.  I will have a conversation with someone and minutes later ask the same question I just asked them, not knowing I asked or they answered.  Besides this scary forgetfullness I have started having trouble talking.  It's been going on for a few motnhs now and it not progressively getting worse.  It is very random but there are times when I am talking and all of a sudden I can't say a word.  My mind goes blank and I began to stammer.  Some days it is much worse, other days it barely happens at all.  On top of this I have debilitating headaches.  I have had these since I was a kid but they seem worse and much more frequent, lasting for days instead of hours.
I went to a new psychiatrist and was taken off of all of my medicines 2 weeks ago and started on a new one for Bipolar (Lamictal).  Too soon to know anything with that.  I know it's not the medication changes becuase things have been going on since before that. I have always assumed I had major depression so I am curious about this Bipolar dx.  I do have some hypomanic symptoms at times and in my younger years had them more frequently.
My question is do others experience this extreme form of memory and concentration loss? Can depression really cause such poor memory?  It feels like my brain is turning to mush.  I am scared, suffering and so very tired of all of this.  
Any advice?

[KC30]

Hi!  I'm experiencing the same memory problems.  It's extremely frustrating as I used to have an excellent memory and have always been a quick learner.  Now I'm really struggling at work as my job requires me to problem-solve and think on my feet.  I had to cut down to 2 days a week for fear of making a devastating mistake due to my "scatterbrainness." At home I've been doing really wacky things like getting a reheated dinner out of the microwave setting it on top, and then spending 5 minutes looking for it because I forgot I laid it up there.  I struggle for words often and can't recall passwords, PIN#s, phone #'s, etc to save my life. I'm so sick of struggling to remember the simplest of things!  Have you ever taken Seroquel?  That's the only med I'm on for bipolar.  If the med is to blame, I want off of it fast!!!   GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

[cammeel1]

Had the thyroid checked again.  Nadda.  Went to see a neuro today.  He actually told me my headaches werent all that bad and to just keep taking the motrin I have been taking.!!!! If the motrin helped the pain why would I go see him?? UGH
The memory issues have me feeling so frustrated.  I flooded my bathroom today after forgetting I was running the bath water.  I sat in front of the doctor and couldnt even subtract some number he gave me from another.  You know like start at 100 and subtract 7 and keep going?  I couldnt do it!!
The three things they tell you to remember and then ask you again later.  I was clueless.  The stuttering thing I have where I cant remember the word I am trying to say happened while I was there to.  He talked to me for 5 minutes, poked my reflexes and said its all due to my depressions so I should go back to my psych doc.
Frustrating.  I cried the whole way home.
Anyway I wanted to thank you all for the great advice.  Have a great day everyone.

Camm

[DLA]

Another thyroid expert here.  Make sure your TSH is between 0.3-3.0 and know that if you are very far above 1.0 you are probably suffering from hypothyroid symptoms.  Some ppl also have hyper thyroid symptoms if they very far below 1.0.  Make sure you see the numbers and know what you're looking at.  Thyroid disorders are not common knowledge with drs even if they are endocrinologists who are suppose to know this stuff.

Venora and I are both thyroidless.  And know where of we speak.

[terriemae]

it's terriemae again. just a p.s.  Venora Moonwind  is right about having your thyroid checked. i also have an underactive thyroid which has also contributed to my symptons. i'm on Synthroid for that.                terriemae

[terriemae]

yes, depression can very much affect your memory. i suffer from migraines,fatigue, anxiety and panic attacks, muscle pain and weakness, memory loss, confusion, frustration, comprehension problems,sleep disorders. i have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia which can cause all of these symptons. my dr. put me on an anti-depressant, Cymbalta and a mood stabilizer, Lamictal. they have really helped with my depression and mood, which in turn has caused my migraines and memory to improve. it really is amazing what all depression and anxiety can affect.i also ask the same thing over and over and i sometimes stammer. the Lamictal has not caused me any weight gain at all. i do take other meds for my other problems too. but it did take my dr. 2 yrs to finally reach the right combination to work for me.
                        good luck and good health to you. terriemae

[cammeel1]

Thank you both for responding.  

I have had my thyroid checked several times over the years and it isn't the problem.  Thanks for the advice Venora.

I hope the Lamictal works for you Erin.  Notice an increase in appetite with it?  I have and I'm on week 2.  We shall see hw it goes.

Have a good day ladies.
Camm

[triedeverymed]

I've been there too. I thought I had a stroke one time because I couldn't get my words out. I'm on Lamictal too but very new to it,I can't tell you about side effects but everyone I've met who's on it, loves it. Let's hope it works for us!!
Erin

[Venora Moonwind]

Well It would be good to get your thryoid tested. Hypothyroid can cause this too and see about getting other tests to rule out stuff like alzheimers. It is always best to rule out anything physical before blaming it on bi poalr. Let me know what you find out.
Love Venora