darkeyes - I do not know of any longterm problems associated with taking psychotropics (including anti-epileptic drugs) when there is no permanent mood disruption.

There is a condition known as a "brief psychotic reaction" in which a person may appear to have one or the major psychiatric disorders (eg schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, et.), but the symptoms last a relatively short time (eg 6 months). Brief psychotic reactions are often misdiagnosed as a first break or "triggering event" of a major psychiatric disorder.

This is the point that my expertise begins to fade, as I am not able to clinically follow-up those who've had a reversable psychiatric condition (these people don't need medications, therefore they no longer need me). Maybe DocJohn has seem some of these cases.

As for taking medications, I have seen no differences in health issues between those who have taken (or are taking) psychotropics for a continuing condition and those who were mistakenly given drugs when they were not necessary. Ordinarily, I only see problems when the wrong drug is given to a patient that has been misdiagnosed. For example, I have seen "manic switches" in a couple of people who had been misdianosed as having major depressive disorder, but actually did have bioplar disorder. I have seen no similar long term consequences in people who have mistakenly be given mood stabilizers. Although, I am only speaking from my direct experiences. Other health professionals may deal with these people, but I have not had the occasion to here of these cases.

Most drugs that cause memoy problems (like benzodiazepines) do so in a way that involves "state-dependent learning"; it is easier to remember something when you are in the "state" (simialr mental mood and similar environment) in which you learned it. Benzodiazepines slow dampen neurotransmission, so you are not able to retain as much information when learning something while the benzo is acting in your body.

Lamictal™ (lamotrigine) is a little different. It seems to interupt certain aspect of cognition, but again, only when the drug is acting in your body. As time goes by, your brain does seem to compensate for these Lamictal-induced memory lapses.

In both cases above, I have seen no real proof of any long term cognition problems once these drugs have been stopped. I have seen those who have abused benzodiazepines for years who definitely seem to have comprehension problems, but you do have to work at getting to that level.

I hope that I was able to answer your qustions. If not, repharase them and I'll give 'em another go.

- Cam