Lamictal is zapping my short-term memory!

I was really happy that I had been off it long enough to go back on but I forgot what it does to my memory! This is ridiculous. I was helping my friend's grandmother while we were playing cards and I realized it wasn't cheating to look at her hand because I couldn't remember what cards she had, any of them. I'm really frustrated.

I have that problem too, which I suspect is from the medication.

I would talk to your doctor about it. Maybe they can switch your medication? Or even help you wean off completely.

My memory is terrible too. Maybe I also need to discuss this with my pdoc. I never put it down to Lamictin though

Its part of bipolar. I thought is was the medication too. Ive had memory tests before and after Lamictal and even ECT and no long term short term memory loss was observed.

Couple of things I noticed since my Lamictal was increased. "Lost" my car in a parking lot (that's a long story) and couldn't process 36"=1 yard when I was measuring 3 yards of ribbon.

I've had increasing cognitive problems for years (hehe, I'm really smart, but there are times you'd never believe it(!)). My psych agrees about it being part of the bipolar. For years I had no treatment, and it only got worse. (Kindling effect much?!) The memory issues didn't start with the Lamictal. Maybe it doesn't exactly help, but I can't rightly put the blame on it.

It's very very frustrating regardless of cause. It took quite awhile to write this because I couldn't remember the word "kindling". Oh the irony!

My memory problems are 100% lamictal related.
I have an almost photographic memory usually, can remember dates and times and pretty much everything everyone tells me. I get comments on what I remember all the time.
Now I can't remember anything.

I've only been on Lamictal for about 7 weeks an YES it diminishes the memory!! I too have always been great with numbers, dates and using big words (my Boyfriend hates that last part) but now I can hardly get out a full sentence with just a few simple words. Just today I was making arrangements to eat lunch with my youngest son (2nd grader ) and as I was asking the secretary about it she had to tell ME what I was asking! Grrrr very frustrated!!

I have to take a deep breath and try and control my word else it would all come out jumbled

Yep, no short term memory at all...

I would question whether or not the Lamictal is causing the problem with your memory. I have been on Lamictal for about 5+ years now and it has worked along with my other meds to keep me stable, except for the occasional depressive episode.

I also have read that bipolar disorder itself comes with the symptom of memory problems, irrespective of the drug cocktail that the patient is on.