Memory loss post using anti-depressants

[Chiney]

I used to be  on anatidepressant Lorien - medication ended about a year ago.

Since then I've been having great difficulty remembering events,names etc
E.g. It is really hard to remember what I did last weekend

Please advise?

[Chiney]

Hi, Thanks for the response.

Thing is that I am actually very content and do not think that I am depressed anymore.

Is there any other possible link between using the medication and memory loss?

[Craig Brooker]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without being able to do a history and exam, I cannot give you a diagnosis.  However, given the brief events you mention, it sounds like you may be depressed.  That is, often people with depression first complain of memory problems, often from merely apathy and a lack of attention.  In older populations it's important to differentiate depression and it's associated memory difficulty from dementia (e.g. Alzheimer's).  Neuropsych testing can often be helpful to differentiate and often those who are tried on therapies for depression will improve (unlike most of dementia).  So given the fact you relate you memory difficulties to coming off of this medication, it's most likely that you've become depressed again off your antidepressant.  You should probably see your GP again and see if taking the medication helps with your memory.  Also, exercise can help depression (and accordingly memory) a great deal so see if you can't increase how much you exercise.  I hope this is helpful.