Memory loss

Has anyone managed to improve their memory after cutting down or withdrawing from psych meds?

My memory is better after cutting down on some. But it's still not great--coming some from getting older, though, I'm sure.

Thanks for your reply Traveling Lady. I have been trying to do some memory exercises for the past couple of days. I just hope that they work. I also read that exercise generally helps but fitting that in is more challenging. Oh and I've started taking fish oil.

Yes. Since I stopped my sleep med I have better memory.

I had lots of memory loss with Topamax and since I've been off it I can think again. Some call it "Dopeamax!"

What meds are you on?

I take a neuroleptic, and I used to take an antidepressant. That's good that your memory improved after stopping the sleep med.

That's great LucyD. I am encouraged to hear of someone who's memory has turned around after withdrawing.

the neuroleptics are rough. i take an 'atypical' neuroleptic, and...yeah. its non-sedating, blah blah blah, but...the ill effects are there. it was worse at a higher dosage.

my only advice--as a non expert, non professional--would be to make dosage changes very slowly, if possible...especially when reducing or discontinuing something. with neuroleptics...they have a whole list of "withdrawal-emergent" adverse events and syndromes, and it seems that taking it slow w/ dosage reductions or complete discontinuation helps one's brain and body (re)adjust to life without the tranquilizer.

Thanks for your post - sorry to hear you've had to contend with ill-effects too. Yes, I've heard of withdrawal syndromes that can happen - I understand that vitamin E can help with tardive dyskinesia. They also recommend fish oil and magnesium on another site.

I have some memory difficulties and some word-finding difficulties with a few meds. I saw major and rapid improvement with med withdrawal.


WC

Well done! That's really encouraging to hear.

I'm very concerned over the damage thats been done by taking meds for so long and I have many years which I cannot recall at all.