[Ms manic]

Can long term use of lamotrigine / lamictal cause memory loss? Ten years plus and I'm starting to think I have dementia.

[bizi]

Have you talked to your psychiatrist? I think that you may have good results talking with a pharmacist too. You can ask to be evaluated by a neuropsychologist. They can tell you if you have any dementia. Your general practioner can refer you to one.
I am sorry that your memory has been effected so much....mine has been over the years but started before I was put on the lamictal. So I can't blame that. I have been fairly stable(still have periodic breakthru mania at times). I am BP1 so I run pretty high normally.
keep posting we are listening.
bizi

[Mari]

Hi,

Lamictal can cause impaired cognition. You can talk to your psychiatrist about reducing the amount or switching to another medication for you.

Mari

[Dmom3005]

My son had some problems with memory loss on lamictal. He has /had
seizures. And had been on lamictal along with two other medications
for many years. As we took him off lamictal, which was maxed his
memory started to get better.

But he never has gotten completely better.

Donna

[Ms manic]

Thanks. It's been years since I've seen a psychiatrist. I suspect that mine has retired. Lamictal worked so well for so long that I dropped off the radar. If it was just day to day living I wouldn't be sweating the memory loss - price well paid if you know what I mean - but I soon may be unable to do my job. I'm young (50) for other diagnosis but twenty years of meds can wreck your brain and I took every drug available before we found lamictal. I'm bp2 so it won't take long to find out what cutting back will do.

[Ms manic]

I'm wondering about b12 deficiency too. Will see doc and ask. Probably grasping at straws. I need to keep things in perspective. Being stupid is pretty small potatoes compared to what many folks deal with.

[Mari]

Dear Ms. Manic,

Do not diminish what you are going through or compare yourself to others. You have valid concerns and dealing with cognition problems counts as big potatoes.

I hope that your doctor can help you and provide answers.

M

[Dmom3005]

Dear Ms. Manic

Mari, is so right. And please keep talking to us. You are very welcome here.
And we really want to be here for you.

Donna

[Goshawk]

Originally Posted by Ms manic

Can long term use of lamotrigine / lamictal cause memory loss? Ten years plus and I'm starting to think I have dementia.

I recommend speaking with your psychiatrist. My experience with all mood stabilizers is that they impair memory, and over time it just seems like I have lost a lot. On the other hand, the alternative of going without the medications would definitely be worse for me.