![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 12, 2009, at 4:13:48
I was wondering if anyone else experienced short term memory loss while on Cymbalta.
I have restarted my college classes this semester after taking a semester off and I am noticing I am having a hard time remembering a lot of things. When I am reading, I have to read things several times to even absorb what I read, I am forgetting my train of thought while speaking and go completely blank.
I am typically an A student, but so far this semester, I am getting low B's on my tests and this is after a great deal of studying. When I take the tests, the words seem familiar but I can't remember what they mean. The only reason I believe I am even getting low B's is because some of the stuff is review for me. So I am really worried. It isn't test anxiety either, I feel calm before my exams.
I am having trouble with day to day stuff of remembering anything. I noticed this, at the end of last year, but now with me taking classes again, it is VERY noticeable. I think I should see my doc, what do you think?
Posted by Netch on February 12, 2009, at 8:25:48
In reply to Cymbalta and memory loss?, posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 12, 2009, at 4:13:48
On the one hand it's a side effect. Increased serotonin levels has an inhibitory effect on limbic structures in the brain like the amygdala and hippocampus, which are important in memory processing. On the other hand depression impairs memory by itself.
Posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 12, 2009, at 8:33:54
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and memory loss?, posted by Netch on February 12, 2009, at 8:25:48
Thanks Netch,
This summer I thought it was just my depression, but now that I have to actually use my brain for school, it isn't working as well as before when I was on Prozac, in fact I notice a huge difference. I need excellent grades to get into the grad school that I want, I need the A's. Plus the tests were easier ones too, so that has me worried.
I am not sure what is worse depression or lack of memory for school where I get low grades. aaauugghh!
Posted by Netch on February 12, 2009, at 10:03:52
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and memory loss? » Netch, posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 12, 2009, at 8:33:54
I've experienced the same thing. It's pretty frustrating, especially when doctors just blame the depression.
Maybe agomelatine will be a better option for you once FDA approves it. Good luck with your studies.
Posted by Phillipa on February 12, 2009, at 10:36:14
In reply to Cymbalta and memory loss?, posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 12, 2009, at 4:13:48
No never any short term memory loss. You feel it's depression? I think I'd call the doc if I were you. Strange. did the prozac poop out? Love Phillipa
Posted by janejane on February 12, 2009, at 15:19:22
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and memory loss? » Netch, posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 12, 2009, at 8:33:54
Various ADs have had similar effects on me, even when my depression was clearly controlled. Is the cymbalta working well otherwise? If so, maybe you can ask about augmenting with something like provigil or wellbutrin. How's your energy level?
Posted by bleauberry on February 14, 2009, at 17:47:46
In reply to Cymbalta and memory loss?, posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 12, 2009, at 4:13:48
Hmmm, I was never on cymbalta for more than 3 weeks, but during that time I did experience some memory loss that made me feel scatter brained.
Thinking back on it, I dunno, I can't remember.
:-)On the other hand, it can be helpful for some people in terms of mental function. We all react differently.
Posted by 49er on February 15, 2009, at 8:32:02
In reply to Cymbalta and memory loss?, posted by SlugSlimersSoSlided on February 12, 2009, at 4:13:48
> I was wondering if anyone else experienced short term memory loss while on Cymbalta.
>
> I have restarted my college classes this semester after taking a semester off and I am noticing I am having a hard time remembering a lot of things. When I am reading, I have to read things several times to even absorb what I read, I am forgetting my train of thought while speaking and go completely blank.
>
> I am typically an A student, but so far this semester, I am getting low B's on my tests and this is after a great deal of studying. When I take the tests, the words seem familiar but I can't remember what they mean. The only reason I believe I am even getting low B's is because some of the stuff is review for me. So I am really worried. It isn't test anxiety either, I feel calm before my exams.
> I am having trouble with day to day stuff of remembering anything. I noticed this, at the end of last year, but now with me taking classes again, it is VERY noticeable. I think I should see my doc, what do you think?That happened to me on Wellbutrin XL. I would forget words that I never had a problem remembering prior to being placed on the med.
I would lose things that I had no memory of losing. It was like I never owned the items to begin with.
Anyway, sorry you are experiencing that. It must be very frustration.
If it were me, I would get off the med. Adding meds to deal with side effects just makes things worse in my opinion. But that is me.
And no, this is not depression. I wish people would stop blaming all cognitive problems on the label.
Sorry, this is a hot button issue for me as I feel that is used to diminish patients' complaints about side effects.
49er
PS - If you decided to get off the med, please taper very slowly due to Cymbalta's very short half life.
Posted by HappyChaiTea on February 16, 2009, at 4:24:07
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and memory loss?, posted by 49er on February 15, 2009, at 8:32:02
I am seeing my doctor today to talk about this. He really listens to me and my concerns and he knows how serious of a student I am.
Thanks for you support!
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.