Posted by SLS on May 21, 2000, at 9:58:28
In reply to Re: Memory boosting, Wellbutrn & othr ADs effects?, posted by dj on September 10, 1999, at 14:01:23
> Did anyone notice any impact on their short or long term memory from Wellbutrin? For better or worse?
>
> Any folks had positive memory boosting from any of the ADs????
So many people who are depressed have memory complaints (if they can remember to complain about them). As we know, problems with memory and concentration (focus) are common with depression and is attributable to the alterations in brain function associated with it. These impairments usually completely disappear upon full remission of depression.Some drugs are well known to impair memory and cognition by themselves. This really sucks when it is added to the impairments that already exist. I can barely tolerate this as I am so impaired to begin with. I am not sure how often the drug-induced impairments diminish over time, but any residual is often offset by the disappearance of the depression-induced impairments by a wide margin. When this is to be the case, improvements in memory and cognition will not occur until the depression begins to remit - and we know that more often than not, this does not happen for a few weeks.
Some drugs, the stimulants in particular, can produce an immediate reduction of the depression-induced impairments. They can even enhance cognitive performance in healthy individuals. Wellbutrin has demonstrated amphetamine-like properties, so I don't doubt that many people experience a perceptible improvement in memory. However, for those people for whom it exerts a true antidepressant effect (I hope all of you experience this good fortune), I think they will experience a boon of improvements that will dwarf those they initially experience.
Good luck all.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:11226
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/34200.html