Lexapro and Memory Problems?

[scarlettearz666]

I've been on Lexapro (20 MG) for a little over a year now. It quickly fixed my depression/anxiety problems, and I feel okay mood-wise. Although for the first few months, the libido change (MUCH lower) and anorgasmia had been hard to deal with in the begining, but seems to be better.
The only thing is that I've noticed over the last several months an effect that is rather disturbing and I don't know if it's due to lexapro? Kind of an inability to think straight sometimes, or loss of short term memory. Just an overall feeling of almost a blank mind. (IE I used to write a lot, but since taking lexapro, if I pick up a notebook, i've got nothing).
Is it feasible that my brain-dead feelings are attributed to Lexapro?
I'm afraid to go off of it because of my previous moods before Lexapro (suicidal ideation, etc).

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[mariano1983]

Lexapro generates memory problems. I suffered all the symptoms of word absences. I am 33 years old, I am phD and university professor. Being speechless in front of a class is not a good thing. It is true that Lexapro is very good for the remaining symptoms of depression. I researched a lot about SSRIs. While all psychiatrists say that these medications act in a similar way, I can guarantee that everyone feels very different. The only antidepressant that improves declarative memory, memory linked to the memory story, is Paroxetine. I attached the link, maybe it will be a little technical but it is worth trying to understand it.
From today I will try to do something not recommending: I will mix 10mg of lexapro with 5mg of paroxetine and I will evaluate if these small doses of paroxetine help to mitigate the harmful effects of lexapro on my memory. I will try to upload updates of my state. Greetings to all.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14512209
Long-term treatment with paroxetine increases verbal declarative memory and hippocampal volume in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Lexapro genera problemas de memoria. Sufrí todos los síntomas de ausencias de palabras. Tengo 33 años, soy phD y  profesor universitario. Quedarte sin palabras frente a una clase no es algo bueno. Es verdad que Lexapro es muy bueno para los sintomas restantes de la depresión. Investigué mucho sobre los ISRS. Si bien todos los psiquiatras dicen que estos medicamentos actuan en forma similar, puedo garantizar que cada uno se siente muy distinto. El único antidepresivo que mejora la memoria declarativa, memoria vinculada con el relato de recuerdos, es la Paroxetina.  Les adjunto el enlace, quizás les resultará un poco técnico pero vale la pena intentar entenderlo.
Desde hoy intentaré hacer algo no recomendando: mezclaré 10mg de lexapro con 5mg de paroxetina e iré evaluando si estas pequeñas dosis de paroxetina ayudan a mitigar los efectos nocivos de lexapro sobre mi memoria. Intentaré subir actualizaciones de mi estado. Saludos a todos.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14512209
Long-term treatment with paroxetine increases verbal declarative memory and hippocampal volume in posttraumatic stress disorder.

[agawa001]

thank you anyone for sharing your thoughts, i think my memory is getting back to me, even gradually, i lost the aggressive spirit, the selfcondemnation and introversion is disappearing quite slowly, i m relaxed and stable, being involved to society step by step, there is noway i can gain my deep/constant/ramified thinking back, part of my memory is gone too, the good aside the bad, but it is ok, im contented of this outcome, i gained half of my previous self and this is ok, i hope the world will be less imbalanced and abusive thus no resort to this kind of brain distorting drugs.

[mariano1983]

Lexapro generates memory problems. I suffered all the symptoms of word absences. I am 33 years old, I am phD and university professor. Being speechless in front of a class is not a good thing. It is true that Lexapro is very good for the remaining symptoms of depression. I researched a lot about SSRIs. While all psychiatrists say that these medications act in a similar way, I can guarantee that everyone feels very different. The only antidepressant that improves declarative memory, memory linked to the memory story, is Paroxetine. I attached the link, maybe it will be a little technical but it is worth trying to understand it.
From today I will try to do something not recommending: I will mix 10mg of lexapro with 5mg of paroxetine and I will evaluate if these small doses of paroxetine help to mitigate the harmful effects of lexapro on my memory. I will try to upload updates of my state. Greetings to all.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14512209
Long-term treatment with paroxetine increases verbal declarative memory and hippocampal volume in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Lexapro genera problemas de memoria. Sufrí todos los síntomas de ausencias de palabras. Tengo 33 años, soy phD y  profesor universitario. Quedarte sin palabras frente a una clase no es algo bueno. Es verdad que Lexapro es muy bueno para los sintomas restantes de la depresión. Investigué mucho sobre los ISRS. Si bien todos los psiquiatras dicen que estos medicamentos actuan en forma similar, puedo garantizar que cada uno se siente muy distinto. El único antidepresivo que mejora la memoria declarativa, memoria vinculada con el relato de recuerdos, es la Paroxetina.  Les adjunto el enlace, quizás les resultará un poco técnico pero vale la pena intentar entenderlo.
Desde hoy intentaré hacer algo no recomendando: mezclaré 10mg de lexapro con 5mg de paroxetina e iré evaluando si estas pequeñas dosis de paroxetina ayudan a mitigar los efectos nocivos de lexapro sobre mi memoria. Intentaré subir actualizaciones de mi estado. Saludos a todos.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14512209
Long-term treatment with paroxetine increases verbal declarative memory and hippocampal volume in posttraumatic stress disorder.

[tennine]

Wow, what a realization. Thank you all here for sharing all of your stories. I have been having the SAME problems as everyone. Been taking Lex (10mg) for about 4 months last year and noticed the same issues. I first thought it was because of my language issue. (came to the states 10 years ago) I totally blamed on wrong things. I have been stopped taking the lex for about 3 months now because it wasn't really doing anything for me. I think the short term memory issue is slightly getting better for me, though. So guys, do not lose hope.

[Strickster]

Well this is depressing.  I started Lexapro 10mg 4 days ago and chalked up the zombie like feeling to adjusting to the drug.  Was prescribed for anxiety that may be causing massive acid reflux/GERD.


No way I can afford to lose memory, my job depends in retaining information and critical thinking.  Going back to doctor immediately.

[Stephaniebutler]

I had no idea. The thought to google memory loss and lexapro never occurred to me until today!  Now I don't feel so dumb.  I do believe I'm highly intelligent but I've really noticed that I am missing memory on the short term horribly. It's embarrassing.  One person said they have just tried to make lists and use a calendar but man sometimes I have to put extreme details or I still don't know what I meant.  I'm in my mid-30s and been on for over 10 years. I have an appt to see a new dr this month.  If this is why I can't think, I really need help. Plus I saw someone mention headaches..... Ohhhhh the migraines, is this also a side effect because it's wrecking my life I miss work at least 2x a month.  I guess I will know soon enough. I'm going to see about something new.

[jeopardyfan]

The fact that this memory loss/ brain fog may be permanent scares the crap out of me. I am down to 1/8 of a 10mg Escitalopram and still forget what day it is, what year it is, have to check and recheck information constantly, I come back and find I've put things in the wrong drawer...in the fridge...forget tasks at work...unintentionally go to work with no makeup on...

I want to apply for a new job, but I don't have the confidence that I can learn new things or that a new boss would overlook errors.

I used to be smart. Thank God for Google and Siri these days. I don't know what I'd do without them. I try to put appointments into my phone immediately. I make lists. Instead of telling people I'll contact them, I ask them to contact me...

I still watch Jeopardy, but I don't answer like I used to and I can't answer in the time allowed. After the contestant answers I think Oh, yeah, that's right...

I don't get upset about m mistakes anymore, because I now sadly just expect them. I feel disabled, but look fine on the outside. I'm too young for a caretaker or a home. I'm a divorced empty nester and support myself. I've started telling close friends my brain is broken when I forget things.

Good luck everyone I hope this improves.

[agawa001]

i just want to share my sad experience over here, i had been on servere depression cuz i got discarded from university and used to be an easy victime for society, thing like a fortunate prey for social injustice, my straight intuition and consciousness refused to take such meds for 7 years long (period of my depression) until my parents faced me with a bull-face : "take these meds or get the hell out o our house", i m 27 , i had no choice, i m a computer engineer with mathematical degree, designed lot of softwares, 4 of them are of systran and babylon's weight no joking ! i know my stuff in artificial intelligence , now evrything disappeared, the inspiration the chaining of ideas after i couldnt take my hands of the keyboard along a day, now i cant keep my hands 1 minute on the keyboard, a horrible and drastic changes, briefly, i want to pass away each fraction of second due to that stupid decision i assumed, 4 months since i quit that, hopefully i can find something to disintoxicate my brain, please help me, thanks.