I don't take any meds so it may not just be med side effects but a symptom of the illness. My dx is bi-polar and focusing and retaining information is really difficult for me sometimes. I used to be an avid reader but now it is hit and miss if I focus well enough to remember anything I read. I used to be able to pick up new learning really quickly but now I can struggle for days to understand something new. It really upsets me sometimes.