[faded]

Hi There!

I was just wondering what your experiences are or knowledge is about lithium dulling your memory? I currently take 1200mg of lithium at night. I have found that my memory is frighteningly horrible.

Whether this is related or not, I'm unsure. It's extremely common for me to go somewhere & forget why I went there. I forget driving directions to places I've gone to millions of times before and it's getting to the point where I'm even forgetting routine tasks like brushing my teeth & eating breakfast!

This is extremely frustrating - particularly as a college student trying to study for exams! I always forget homework & assignments and if it's not written down on my hand I'll lose the paper or agenda book that its written down in!

So, is this really a side effect? & have you had these experiences yourself (or with a friend/loved one)?

[froggie2]

i don't know but I am interested as I just started Lithium. i already have a tough time with memory.

[darkeyes]

I do not think it dulls memory, but I'm not a MD, I do know my brother who has been on this stuff for over 30 years, has a great memory. Meds can affect people differently, so there are some that may have dulled memories, with this med or other meds.
As we get older, it's not unnatural to remember less, or it can happen when our heads are so full of thinking of multiple stuff, that perhaps, we temporarily run out of memory space.
It's an excellent med., I had been on Lithobid, but switched to Lamictal, for that seemed to address my depressive side much effectively. Other than that, it was great, I did much better with Lithobid than Depakote, switching over to Lithobid was the best thing for me, other than the Lamictal I've been on for a few years.
I have heard Topamax and the Benzo's, such as Ativan, to think of one at the moment, can dull memory.
It's always good to check with your doc/pdoc. when there is a concern, cause sometimes there may be some underlying physical condition behind this, best to rule out anything, than to wonder. Wondering, can lead to unecessary (sp?) worry, fueling anxiety.
Check it out, and please take care.