Hi all, hope I'm in the right place for this.

I suffer with a poor memory and have done so for over 6 years.
I had a bit of a break down back then, which at the time affected my speech and memory.
Although it's not as bad now on a day to day basis, it does get a lot worse if I am under stress. I also have trouble finding words when having a conversation, which I find very embarrassing.
I can't seem to retain information any more. Even reading a book, I find I don't remember characters names etc.

I went back on citalopram July 2010 and am currently still taking 30mg a day.

I have an active brain. I've always had to keep my mind busy, therefore I do word puzzles and play strategy games.
Can anyone tell me how to improve my memory to retain information?
Looking forward to any advice.
Thanks
Buttercup

I understand your frustration.....it's also a bit scary - at least for me it is.
I was actually going to post a thread asking the very same thing you asked.
I hope you get some good feedback.
I noticed this particular forum isn't real active, so we might not get input right away. Hang in there tho. NT is full of great support.

I started noticing my short term memory taking a dive this past year.
I wanted to blame it on meds that I take, but I was told (psychiatrist) that it wasn't the meds, rather, the stress I've been dealing with. Too many demands. I find it hard to accept that as an answer tho. Afterall, I raised TWINS so I'm kinda predisposed to stress.

It's good that you do the word puzzles, etc..... I should probably do that too.

Well, anyway, I just wanted you to know you are not alone.

Is this medication you take (citalopram) specifically for memory issues?
I should check into this perhaps.

I'm pretty sure that stress plays a big roll in this. My Dr told me to do things to 'take me away' from stressful situations....such as 'guided imagery', biofeedback. Have you tried these?

Rae

[SIZE="3"][FONT="Georgia"][I]Hi ~ You're certainly not alone! My memory is shot (short-term) and there are MANY times I just cannot find the right word to use in a conversation. This is frustrating as well as embarrassing!

My doctor says that probably it is caused by the medication I'm on. I take several meds for spinal problems & pain. Memory loss tends to be a frequent side effect of many meds.

I also like to do crossword puzzles -- it helps to keep the mind occupied, and is supposed to help with memory. Who knows? !!

Best of luck & God bless. Hugs, Lee

You might consider trying (use carefully and you should double check with your doctor first ) an over the counter product called PS 100.
You can buy it at the health food store and some on-line vitamin stores like iherb website. They say in Europe, people take it for ADD and for minor memory issues. Check out what people are saying about it at the iherb website reviews....it is really interesting. Many people say it helps their memory a lot. (The ingredient that helps memory is Phosphatidylserine and again, it is sold in health food stores).

Also, avoiding excessive stress, taking a multi vitamin, doing crosswords (or similar challenging games) and regular exercise are all probably helpful and supportive.

Thank you for the responses.
Sorry I've not been back in since posting.
Stress is impossible to avoid in my life at the moment.
My hubby has neuropathy, which is what brought me to this site. We also found out some weeks ago that his Mum has lung cancer and I had been caring for her too after she had a stroke.
I've now had to stop caring for his mum as my hubby needs me to care for him.
I have to be honest, I don't really feel stress as such at the moment, as I very much enjoy caring for my hubby as he has cared for me in the past
Some times I wounder if I am overloading my brain doing puzzles, but most things I have read about memory say to do that kind of think and I have to say I find it very relaxing.
I know there are books etc on line that are suppose to help with memory, but tbh I cant afford things like that with my hubby not working.

Rrae, do you suffer from depression as this is a big factor with memory, speech etc. Stress is also a big factor, as the brain can get overloaded.
The Citalopram I take is for depression, so in fact they should be helping?
Sorry I don't know anything about 'guided imagery', biofeedback, but would like to know more
Lee, can you not speak to your Dr, to see if there are any other meds they could give you which do not have the same side affects. In saying that, if the meds are doing your other ailment good you have to weigh up things first.
Vowel Lady, I have never heard of PS 100, but I will be looking into it Thanks so much for the input.

Once again thanks so much for answering my post. Just to know that there is someone out there listening and giving their time to answer helps

Absolutely, I've suffered with this for most of my life.
My psychiatrist insisted my memory issue was not because of my medications, but I really find that hard to believe since I seemed to be ok until she put me on so much stuff.
But you are so right, being overloaded is a direct contributor.

Guided Imagery is basically creating a peaceful place in your mind and you're supposed to 'go' there whenever anxiety or stress starts to set in.
You're supposed to really 'put' yourself there and incorporate all 5 senses
Ex: one of mine is the mountains. I hear the birds chirping and an eagle's cry up above, a river nearby....smell the pine trees, feel the warm sun, etc etc....

The hard part for me is staying there. I get sidetracked too easily.
I'm still trying to get the hang of biofeedback. Do a google search and you'll get the main idea.

I'd like to find some of that PS 100 that Vowel lady talks about. I looked for it at Walgreens, but I think I'd need to go to a specialty store here in my small town.

Rae