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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by beebopp on January 22, 2007, at 8:17:26
I have been on Effexor XR for four years (225mg for about 3 years, 300mg for about a year) for depression and anxiety. I have had the impression for the past few years that I am losing my memory. I cannot retain details of events or conversations, I have become far less articulate as I frequently blank on words, and I read books and essays that I cannot recall as soon as the following day. To put it simply, I feel like I have been getting slowly "dumber" over the past few years. Very recently, I searched the web and discovered a good deal of anecdotal postings regarding similar experiences from people on Effexor XR.
I would consider reducing or switching medications, because additionally, I have the impression that the Effexor is not as effective as it once was. But I had previously tried many SSRI's (Paxil, Celexa, Luvox, Serzone, and Prozac), and those that worked well also caused me to gain a good deal of weight. Effexor is the only medication that did not, and so I stuck with it. (I also tried Neuronton and became unbearably sedated.) So my question is, given my past experience with other SSRI's, which direction (medication-wise) should I turn? Perhaps just reducing dosage? Reducing and adding something else? Or turn to something else altogether?
One note: About a year ago I went through testing and was diagnosed with "inattentive" ADD. After doing a little research, I would agree that this is probably accurate. I have always been a bit ditzy, daydreamy, and slow to processing information. But I feel certain that my current memory issues exceed these ADD qualities, particularly since they have emerged so markedly over the past few years. I understand that Effexor *can* improve ADD. Is it possible for it to worsen ADD issues?
I would appreciate any feedback or insight you might have. I am so longing to regain some of my former cognitive capacity. Thanks!
Posted by Amadeus on January 22, 2007, at 12:54:45
In reply to Effexor XR and Memory Impairment? Options?, posted by beebopp on January 22, 2007, at 8:17:26
I have experienced same problem with SSRI.
I think one problem with NSRI/SSRI is that they aggrevate insomnia and induce stress... not good for memory function.Some on this board have succesfully combined NSRI/SSRI with lamictal or lithium.
Usually NSRI/SSRI can be lowered in combo treatment.
Posted by Gee on January 22, 2007, at 15:32:04
In reply to Effexor XR and Memory Impairment? Options?, posted by beebopp on January 22, 2007, at 8:17:26
Wow, this could almost be my story.
I was diagnosed as inattentive ADD about 5 months ago, and since have decided to ween off the Effexor. I too, found that my memory sucked. I have just started a stimulant and it helps SO much in the concentration area. I'm not sure what to say about the memory issues, and I'm not sure if they're getting better as I'm weening off or not. I've learned to write EVERYTHING down. When I read, (well it depends on what) but I take notes, highlight, reread, and then summerize. Yeah, it takes a lot of work, but it sure does help. In terms of remembering a simple grociery list, I have to write it down, otherwise it's just gone.
Good luck!
Posted by AuntieMel on January 25, 2007, at 13:26:14
In reply to Effexor XR and Memory Impairment? Options?, posted by beebopp on January 22, 2007, at 8:17:26
My doc added wellbutrin to the effexor. *HUGE* difference.
Later we also added provigil - another big improvement (though I've gone from it to adderall now)
After that I still felt a little foggy so I reduced my effexor, very gradually. It's down to 75mg now, from 300
Current mix
effexor xr 75mg
wellbutrin sr 450mg
adderall xr 40mgBy far of all the changes the biggest was adding wellbutrin to the mix. It was the first time I ever tried a med and felt a difference within a week.
This is the end of the thread.
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