Hello--I'm new here. I've been taking various meds for BP since 1992 (although it was initially misdiagnosed as major depression). I've been on Lamictal for the past 5 years, off & on clonazepam (as needed) for about 10 years & on small doses of various anti-depressants since 1992.

My question is: I'm experiencing cognitive disturbances--in the past year & it seems to be getting worse. I was always very good at spelling & grammar but now I find myself writing and pausing to think about the spelling of words that I know. When speaking I sometimes can't find words & will trail off without finishing the sentence. I misplace/lose things, forget committments & appointments, etc.

Could this a side-effect of long term med-taking? Is is something that happens with bipolar as time goes on--or both? I'm 55, btw, frustrated & getting worried.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this?
Thanks
V.

Hi V,

Welcome to the forum. I am just getting into Perimenapause and those things are happening with me too. I half wonder if it's not related to hormones, and psyche meds. Like today I couldn't remember where the resturant was we were going to, I thought it was on one side of a light on the right and my husband was like, "No, it's past the light" and proceeded to tell me he's worried about my memory. I was like "well DUH! I am worrying about it too!"

I know my mom is 61 and we joke (I'm 40) about our memories becoming swiss cheese and selective about the things we can recall. I have read that doing word puzzles and things which exercise the brain 'muscle' can help keep our minds sharp, but I never have the time for them. I feel your pain.

welcome to the fourms!
yes I have experienced increased memory loss over the years,
my grandfather had alztheimers so that makes me worry.
I am 46 and have to write most things down or I will forget them, my planner is my bible.
I also use visual cues, like leave my vitamins out so that I can see them to remember to take them.
many people use pill boxes to keep their meds straight, I keep mine next to my tooth brush, so I take them twice a day, makes it easy for me.
This must be frustrating to you.
I know that I have to be on meds for the rest of my life, have been gaining weight as a side effect as well.
beth

forgot to add:
have you discussed this with your doctor?
a neurologist would be able to rule out things if you wanted to be evaluated.
jsut a suggestion.
yes I think it is hard pammie to know what is perimenopausal stuff and what is bipolar stuff, I am right there with you.
~sigh
beth

I wanted to add to the fact that it definately could be the affect of
medications. My son is as of yesterday 18, he has seizures.

And his memory is a problem. Has been for years. But the one thing
I've always said, is that one of the things that hurts his memory is
medication.

We just in the last month took him off lamictal which he had been on
for over 8 years.

So I am watching to see what happens. He also took two other medications
with it. Trileptal and zonegran, and now takes dilantin now.

By the way zonegran is a lot like lamictal. You might do a check on the
two medications.

Donna

Hi,
It is likely the meds:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...c23af98d03d79e

A Systematic Review of the Effects of Lamotrigine on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life

Pretty much the same with the other meds you mention.
Talk to your pdoc and other docs.

Sometimes reducing or changing one med can help.

Also, getting enough sleep and getting exercise can help considerably.

M.

Are you taking Topamax?
This medication is fairly well known to cause many people "cognitive dulling."
Surely, other meds used to treat bipolar illness can have similar side effects.
And if you are menopausal, this can make things worse.
I would talk w/ your doctor about your worries. If you are taking a medication known for causing cognitive issues, I would ask for a reduction of this medication. Some folks have taken Aricept, not because they have Alzheimers, but because their medications interfere with their thinking. There is a natural supplement called "PS" that helps many with this issue as well.
Fish Oil can provide all around help.