[Gabyunbound]

Does anyone else suffer from lack of focus, especially when trying to read?

If so, did it start after the onset of your BP symptoms, or after starting to take meds? Do you think it might be because of anxiety?

For the last several years I've had increasing difficulty focusing on reading which I used to LOVE, especially literary fiction. At this point, forget fiction, I sometimes have trouble following long posts and then feel bad that I'm not responding as much as I'd like. As you can imagine this affects my work as well as other things.

So anyone else have trouble with this --and if so, do you know why? What helps?

Thanks so much!

[Standup2me]

I found that same thing when I was taking Lithium. I love reading, and will read several book a week I would forget the characters and plot-lines.
IT kept getting worse and worse.

Now that I am off it, I am much better

[raspberrytorte]

Not that exactly, but I feel is equally troubling.

My problem is with words and their meaning.

All these words I should know the meaning of too!

I know it's my meds. I didn't start having this problem until my lamictal was increased to 400mg.

I feel your problem is probably med related.

I hope you're able to figure it out!

I love reading too.

Originally Posted by raspberrytorte

I know it's my meds. I didn't start having this problem until my lamictal was increased to 400mg.

Yes, Lamictal is known for doing this.

I have ADHD, so I already had difficulty being able to focus on things. However, Lamictal has certainly worsened my inability to focus.

Gaby, if you are on Lamictal, Lamictal is likely the culprit

Originally Posted by Gabyunbound

Does anyone else suffer from lack of focus, especially when trying to read?

If so, did it start after the onset of your BP symptoms, or after starting to take meds? Do you think it might be because of anxiety?

For the last several years I've had increasing difficulty focusing on reading which I used to LOVE, especially literary fiction. At this point, forget fiction, I sometimes have trouble following long posts and then feel bad that I'm not responding as much as I'd like. As you can imagine this affects my work as well as other things.

So anyone else have trouble with this --and if so, do you know why? What helps?

Thanks so much!

Yes, it waxes and wanes. I went through a wonderful reading streak lately and now, nothing. I'm going to try again today. Don't give up.

Literary fiction is my favorite genre, too.

[Gabyunbound]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Yes, Lamictal is known for doing this.

I have ADHD, so I already had difficulty being able to focus on things. However, Lamictal has certainly worsened my inability to focus.

Gaby, if you are on Lamictal, Lamictal is likely the culprit

Yes I am on Lamictal. But it's probably the one med that I'm not willing to mess with because it was the first I took and has consistently been effective for depression. I'll ask my pdoc if any other med may be causing this as well, a med I could change or lessen the dose of, etc. Thanks!

[JustJace2u]

Originally Posted by Gabyunbound

Does anyone else suffer from lack of focus, especially when trying to read?

If so, did it start after the onset of your BP symptoms, or after starting to take meds? Do you think it might be because of anxiety?

For the last several years I've had increasing difficulty focusing on reading which I used to LOVE, especially literary fiction. At this point, forget fiction, I sometimes have trouble following long posts and then feel bad that I'm not responding as much as I'd like. As you can imagine this affects my work as well as other things.

So anyone else have trouble with this --and if so, do you know why? What helps?

Thanks so much!

I have been struggling alot with keeping focused on just about any task at hand. I keep jumping from one task to another without really even completing the previous tasks fully. Thanks alot BP

Originally Posted by Gabyunbound

Yes I am on Lamictal. But it's probably the one med that I'm not willing to mess with because it was the first I took and has consistently been effective for depression. I'll ask my pdoc if any other med may be causing this as well, a med I could change or lessen the dose of, etc. Thanks!

Yeah, I like Lamictal too much as well. I used to be pissed off 100% of the time until I started Lamictal. It made the persistent anger and irritability go away.