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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 12 to 36 of 36. Go back in thread:
Posted by secretstrangth on July 9, 2007, at 22:37:30
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by Myzz2kal on July 8, 2007, at 20:43:12
won't steal a thing
it's just scary, embarrasing at work when I asked the accountant if he was certain he had been talking to me about what he required......as I had zero memory whatsoever......felt like a total fool.......besides the fact that I have to fake so much of what i'm doing, because I can't remember how I was told to do it.
It's very worrisome.....do I blame this med, or is it my own brain that is failing.
Posted by Myzz2kal on July 9, 2007, at 23:32:08
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth » Myzz2kal, posted by secretstrangth on July 9, 2007, at 22:37:30
Honestly, I have looked into various medications and each and every one of them causes the same side effect of losing memory. Initially, I had searched for what was prescribed to me (400 mg Lamictal, then 100 mg Strattera, and 150 mg Effexor now added to the “party”), and checked into similar anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and ADD/ADHD medications thereafter; all of which listed the same results. Whether it is short-term, long-term, or a combination of the two, I do know that these psych meds all tie into memory loss. The extent of the symptom in comparison to other substitutes is unknown to me at this time, however if any of you who read this happen to have any further knowledge of this side effect, each of us would appreciate your input.
Posted by kirkenmiller on July 21, 2007, at 5:34:22
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by Myzz2kal on July 9, 2007, at 23:32:08
To everyone on this thread, I have been on Lamictal three times now. This is taken along with lithium for bi-polar. The first time I was moved to 250mg/d. I would wander into the kitchen having no idea why I was there. I would start a sentence and forget what I was talking about and any distraction would fry my thought process. So I got off the Lamictal. Memory came back 100%. With Bi-Polar, you have problems, so I tried it a second time. Same thing. This third time I am only at 50mg/d with a new doctor. I still get some of the symptoms, but not near to what they once were. As my kidneys are faltering with the lithium, I have no choice, but as to your question if this drug affects you memory(or spelling in my case) it is a resounding yes.
The last post mentinoed other drugs listing memory loss as a side effect, however, ADD/ADHD drugs are supposed to help and affect the body through the nervous system. I've been on nearly every anti-psychotic, anti-seasure, and take clonapin. Not one has ever given me the memory loss that comes with lamictal.
Wish you all the best and hope that helps. I really have been through the works, but this drug is, however, much smoother than the rest.
Take care,
Kirk> Honestly, I have looked into various medications and each and every one of them causes the same side effect of losing memory. Initially, I had searched for what was prescribed to me (400 mg Lamictal, then 100 mg Strattera, and 150 mg Effexor now added to the “party”), and checked into similar anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and ADD/ADHD medications thereafter; all of which listed the same results. Whether it is short-term, long-term, or a combination of the two, I do know that these psych meds all tie into memory loss. The extent of the symptom in comparison to other substitutes is unknown to me at this time, however if any of you who read this happen to have any further knowledge of this side effect, each of us would appreciate your input.
Posted by secretstrangth on July 22, 2007, at 20:58:54
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth » Myzz2kal, posted by kirkenmiller on July 21, 2007, at 5:34:22
Thank you so much for your note.
It is as you have said......i took myself down from 200mg daily to 150 mg and have already had a noticable improvement.
Of course, since this is the first mood stabilizer that has worked this well for me....
I will try to stay on it, at this lower dosage...
don't want to quit altogether and go back to the awful suicidal problems.To everyone on this thread, I have been on Lamictal three times now. This is taken along with lithium for bi-polar. The first time I was moved to 250mg/d. I would wander into the kitchen having no idea why I was there. I would start a sentence and forget what I was talking about and any distraction would fry my thought process. So I got off the Lamictal. Memory came back 100%. With Bi-Polar, you have problems, so I tried it a second time. Same thing. This third time I am only at 50mg/d with a new doctor. I still get some of the symptoms, but not near to what they once were. As my kidneys are faltering with the lithium, I have no choice, but as to your question if this drug affects you memory(or spelling in my case) it is a resounding yes.
>
> The last post mentinoed other drugs listing memory loss as a side effect, however, ADD/ADHD drugs are supposed to help and affect the body through the nervous system. I've been on nearly every anti-psychotic, anti-seasure, and take clonapin. Not one has ever given me the memory loss that comes with lamictal.
>
> Wish you all the best and hope that helps. I really have been through the works, but this drug is, however, much smoother than the rest.
>
> Take care,
> Kirk
>
> > Honestly, I have looked into various medications and each and every one of them causes the same side effect of losing memory. Initially, I had searched for what was prescribed to me (400 mg Lamictal, then 100 mg Strattera, and 150 mg Effexor now added to the “party”), and checked into similar anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and ADD/ADHD medications thereafter; all of which listed the same results. Whether it is short-term, long-term, or a combination of the two, I do know that these psych meds all tie into memory loss. The extent of the symptom in comparison to other substitutes is unknown to me at this time, however if any of you who read this happen to have any further knowledge of this side effect, each of us would appreciate your input.
>
>
Posted by fiftylager on July 24, 2007, at 17:48:48
In reply to Lamictal Memory Problems, posted by Cecilia on April 26, 2002, at 2:40:00
Lamictal has fried my memory and thought processes. I'm going to try to convince my dr. to take me off it since it hasn't helped anyways. I can't stand feeling so stupid.
Crissi
Posted by twlmann on July 25, 2007, at 10:33:14
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems, posted by fiftylager on July 24, 2007, at 17:48:48
Posted by comedy + tragedy on July 25, 2007, at 22:41:57
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth » Myzz2kal, posted by kirkenmiller on July 21, 2007, at 5:34:22
Speaking of memory loss and Lamictal....I have short term and long term memory loss and Lamictal is the only thing I've been taking so I can't blame it on anything else. As for that....I can't remember where I put things & can't find them for the longest, put things in weird places (like milk in the pantry), my vocabulary has taken a plunge and things come out of my mouth that are not what I had planned to say---like stumbling over words (the wrong words) and stuff like that. It's really gotten bad.
When I was taking risperdal (and I can't remember what I was taking it for) it was wonderful. I didn't miss a beat---every word that I had ever read came to my mind/mouth like magic! My vocabulary was stunning--I impressed myself!
Since my memory is so horrible now, I have thought about asking about Risperdal again. The only thing I can remember about it - other than that I loved it - was weight gain. That was the reason I stopped. Anyway, I was thinking it might erase the memory loss.
If anyone has found a magic cure for memory loss on lamictal, I would love to hear about it.
Posted by Myzz2kal on July 26, 2007, at 11:04:56
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by comedy + tragedy on July 25, 2007, at 22:41:57
What I have done is just steadily decreased my Lamictal after my anti-depressants fully kicked in (I'm on Effexor). My vocabulary and memory are slowly coming back. The whole thing is trial and error -see what helps the most out of the combinations and dosages and eventually you should find your nitch. Ginkgo Biloba or "Ginkoba" (same thing) will help with memory and you can find this supplement at any local drug store. Risperdal, by the way, is used for hearing voices, etc. "Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain and is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and mania associated with bipolar disorder" (http://www.drugs.com/risperdal.html).
Posted by mexican pharmacy on July 28, 2007, at 23:23:20
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by comedy + tragedy on July 25, 2007, at 22:41:57
Actually there kind of is a magic cure for memory loss on Lamictal . And it will help with "word-finding difficulty" too .
It's called Cerefolin NAC.
It's basically a powerful prescription vitamin made up of a combination of folic acid and a few other things .
There are two types of Cerefolin , make sure you get Cereofolin NAC . It's considered a medical food - it's just a vitamin .
My dr said that Lamictal lowers the amt of folic acid in the brain, + that is what causes the "word finding difficulty" .
If you look up information or when you get your script filled , it will say that Cerefolin NAC is for "mild to moderate cognitive deficits , mild to moderate dementia , mild Alzheimer' disease"
Ignore that info - everyone should take Cerefolin NAC . It keeps your brain young + protects it . (check out the literature about it)
My doctor takes it too . And he's the smartest person I've ever met .
When I first started taking Cerfolin NAC , I kind of forgot I was even taking it bc it was just another pill in my daily cocktail - I take it w/ Lamictal in the morning .
Suddenly , 3 - 4 weeks later , I started thinking "hey i have the memory of a genius , what is happening"
I work at a stock exchange on the trading floor + it's really important to remember basically everything your boss tells you or else believe me you are going to get screamed at . Literally .
And all of a sudden my memory got so good I'd surprise both my boss and myself - which felt so good , not only was I not getting screamed at anymore , but I surprised my boss by doing so good .
Then I realized - I'm not turning into some super genius with memory - the Cerefolin NAC is working !!!!!!
It helps tremendously with word finding difficulty , helps w/ short term memory .
Only once in awhile now do I have days where words come out of my mouth in the way that you described .
It will definitely help your vocabulary come back .
I still have problems with sort of stumbling speech like you described . It's really a frustrating side effect - sometimes I feel like it can really really interfere with verbally communicating with someone + I end up feeling like an idiot a lot of the time when the speech problems kick in .
I really feel for you - if I learn anything else that helps , I'll be sure to post again . Sorry this is so long . Basically my answer is this - tell your doctor you need to take Cerefolin NAC . and don't take no for an answer .
ps it has literally no side effects at all - it's just a fancy vitamin !
Posted by Jeroen on July 29, 2007, at 7:11:39
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by mexican pharmacy on July 28, 2007, at 23:23:20
got me into emergency room after day 4
psychosis, fever syndrome, sweating, after having a drug free life i decided to try to this, i heared sooo many good things
oh yes, my memory was f*cked up too, it's still not ok
Posted by KayeBaby on July 31, 2007, at 15:45:24
In reply to got me into emergency room after day 4, posted by Jeroen on July 29, 2007, at 7:11:39
> got me into emergency room after day 4
>
> psychosis, fever syndrome, sweating, after having a drug free life i decided to try to this, i heared sooo many good things
>
>
> oh yes, my memory was f*cked up too, it's still not ok
Jeron,
It messed me up after 3-4 days as well. Not as bad as it has you but I know where you are coming from. I had a few trips to the ER and the cure was just as bad as the cause. All told, it took months for me to recover from my Lamictal fiasco.Are you getting any better?
Peace,
Kaye
Posted by Jeroen on July 31, 2007, at 15:54:56
In reply to Re: got me into emergency room after day 4, posted by KayeBaby on July 31, 2007, at 15:45:24
hey, kaye, thanks for sharing your story for me and many many others....
i am better but not recovered yet its been 1 month and a half since i quit my lamictal 25 mg..
did you felt it was working (screwing you up) even after a month you quit?
did you take any neuroleptic for a possible drug induced psychosis by lamictal afterwards, the prescription sais: psychosis (frequent)
i've been tortured much aswell, given abilify again by a doctor who gave it to me previously and he taught he actually gave me haldol instead of abilify.. so why not throw it in Jeroen's face again...
all i wanted is a good summer before taking thisi ended up in summer critital care psychiatry..
please share me something good, as how it cleared up in your case : )
that would make me feel better i hope.
thanks!
Posted by KayeBaby on July 31, 2007, at 20:24:12
In reply to to kayebaby, posted by Jeroen on July 31, 2007, at 15:54:56
> hey, kaye, thanks for sharing your story for me and many many others....
>
> i am better but not recovered yet its been 1 month and a half since i quit my lamictal 25 mg..
>
> did you felt it was working (screwing you up) even after a month you quit?
> Well, yes. They gave me high doses of steroids to counteract the reaction to lamictal which made my weight balloon and also caused me near psychosis. I couldn't think straight and was in a panic. After I went off the steroids the fun really began. I could not sleep for a week and this sent me into a downward spiral of fatigue and depression that took a few months for me to pull out of. Also, the Lamictal itself caused me hypo-mania and made my system oversensitive to the point where I could not tolerate my usual meds so the whole thing just destabilized me. I was awful. I did slowly recover and have a lot more respect for meds now. I inform myself and follow my instincts about them more than before.
> did you take any neuroleptic for a possible drug induced psychosis by lamictal afterwards, the prescription sais: psychosis (frequent)
>No. But only because I turned down that suggestion. Dr. wanted to give me seroquel. I stuck it out and refused.
> i've been tortured much aswell, given abilify again by a doctor who gave it to me previously and he taught he actually gave me haldol instead of abilify.. so why not throw it in Jeroen's face again...That sucks, Jeron. See, they may regret their mistakes but we REALLY regret them.
>
> all i wanted is a good summer before taking this
>
> i ended up in summer critital care psychiatry..Man, I feel for you. Maybe you will be rewarded with an excellent fall. I am hoping you will.
>
> please share me something good, as how it cleared up in your case : )
>It did clear up and all things considered-I have been better since than I was before. You will heal but finding the patience for this stuff is so hard. I am sorry this happened to you. It is time for your luck to change. Isn't this so?
Take Care, Jeron.
Kaye
> that would make me feel better i hope.
>
> thanks!
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by Jeroen on July 31, 2007, at 20:34:25
In reply to Re: to kayebaby » Jeroen, posted by KayeBaby on July 31, 2007, at 20:24:12
thanks for your message!
good luck to you aswell in the future
Posted by comedy + tragedy on July 31, 2007, at 21:48:29
In reply to got me into emergency room after day 4, posted by Jeroen on July 29, 2007, at 7:11:39
As much as I complain about memory loss, the lamictal (with that one exception) is great. It has stabilized my moods and I am almost normal (meaning I don't act like a bitch from hell). I've been taking it now for about 3 years - I take 300 mg per day.
I thought about getting off (because I thought I was ok-ha ha) and then my daughter told me how horrible I used to be and how mean. That really made a big impression on me. So, I must say that, with the exception of the memory loss, I am quite happy with this drug.
Posted by Jeroen on August 1, 2007, at 4:33:14
In reply to Re: got me into emergency room after day 4 » Jeroen, posted by comedy + tragedy on July 31, 2007, at 21:48:29
hi there, if you're happy with it, and your life is good
then mission success! : )
good luck to you
Posted by Shanae Nae on December 19, 2007, at 22:44:32
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by Myzz2kal on July 8, 2007, at 20:43:12
It is crazy reading everyone's confessions because it makes me feel like I'm not insane for thinking the Lamictal was affecting my memory. I am still a student in high school, and since I started taking it in 2005, my short term memory has gotten worse and worse. I feel like I have ADD because I lose concentration within seconds. I am constantly forgeting peoples names for a short period, even if I have known them for a long time. Taking tests is extremely difficult, even when I study and feel prepared. I am only 17 so it kind of worries me about what might happen in the future. I'm hoping I outgrow my epilepsy because it will make college next year much easier.
Thank you for posting your stories...it really makes me feel like I'm not alone.
Posted by Greenmtn on December 23, 2007, at 6:20:15
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by Shanae Nae on December 19, 2007, at 22:44:32
I've been on Lamictal since July. (For depression/ mood stabilization) Before that I was on Depakote ER for many years. I know its terribly frustrating. I tried going off both meds on my own and it wrecked me mentally. Even a slight decrease in Lamictal caused major problems. Please don't do anything without totally conferring with your Doc.. I hope things go well for you. I know you wish things were different. Hang in there.
Posted by Shanae Nae on December 23, 2007, at 21:31:33
In reply to Re: Shanae Nae concerns, posted by Greenmtn on December 23, 2007, at 6:20:15
Thank you for taking the time to right me back. I definately won't stop taking the medicine without talking to my doctor...just accidentally skipping a pill triggers a seizure and messes me up for about 3 days. It's weird because before I started taking the medicine I only had a seizure maybe once every couple months but now I can't miss them at all or I have one within 12 hours. I hope it has helped you with your depression though, I've heard it is quite helpful in that area of medicine.
Posted by Ssplash on March 25, 2009, at 11:39:26
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by mexican pharmacy on July 28, 2007, at 23:23:20
Hi, Mexican Pharmacy
I read your post about folic acid, Lamictal and Cerefolin NAC. It was a while ago (december 2007, phew!) but I hope you remember and you don't mind me asking you a couple of questions.
Are you still taking Ceferolin? I am thinking of taking it because I am too suffering from mild short memory loss due to Lamictal (I stopped Lamictal for a while and it went away) and I would like to take Lamictal when I need it.
You referred in your post to still experimenting "bad days" with the the "word finding difficulty" and stumbling speech. I wonder, is Ceferolin still working for you?
Your doctor seemed to be right on track about Lamictal hitting substantially on the amount of folic acid in the brain. I am surprised there's hardly any information at all about that around. People are suffering and suffering and not getting help. Has your doctor given you more information about it? Do you think that (perhaps) I could talk to him to get further feed back or even a consultation? The only thing is that Ceferolin NAC doesn't seem to have folic acid as such in its ingredients ...
I don't want to be a burden for you but I hope you understand. I have even stopped Lamictal for this issue and if I could minimize it it would be great! Just imagine, getting your brain back, hehe.
I appreciate your help enormously, I hope you will just give me a piece of your mind on these issues.
Thanks very much indeed for posting that information.
Writing you from Madrid (Spain) and a big hug to the whole Psycho-Babble community!> Actually there kind of is a magic cure for memory loss on Lamictal . And it will help with "word-finding difficulty" too .
>
> It's called Cerefolin NAC.
>
> It's basically a powerful prescription vitamin made up of a combination of folic acid and a few other things .
>
> There are two types of Cerefolin , make sure you get Cereofolin NAC . It's considered a medical food - it's just a vitamin .
>
> My dr said that Lamictal lowers the amt of folic acid in the brain, + that is what causes the "word finding difficulty" .
>
> If you look up information or when you get your script filled , it will say that Cerefolin NAC is for "mild to moderate cognitive deficits , mild to moderate dementia , mild Alzheimer' disease"
>
> Ignore that info - everyone should take Cerefolin NAC . It keeps your brain young + protects it . (check out the literature about it)
>
> My doctor takes it too . And he's the smartest person I've ever met .
>
> When I first started taking Cerfolin NAC , I kind of forgot I was even taking it bc it was just another pill in my daily cocktail - I take it w/ Lamictal in the morning .
>
> Suddenly , 3 - 4 weeks later , I started thinking "hey i have the memory of a genius , what is happening"
>
> I work at a stock exchange on the trading floor + it's really important to remember basically everything your boss tells you or else believe me you are going to get screamed at . Literally .
>
> And all of a sudden my memory got so good I'd surprise both my boss and myself - which felt so good , not only was I not getting screamed at anymore , but I surprised my boss by doing so good .
>
> Then I realized - I'm not turning into some super genius with memory - the Cerefolin NAC is working !!!!!!
>
> It helps tremendously with word finding difficulty , helps w/ short term memory .
>
> Only once in awhile now do I have days where words come out of my mouth in the way that you described .
>
> It will definitely help your vocabulary come back .
>
> I still have problems with sort of stumbling speech like you described . It's really a frustrating side effect - sometimes I feel like it can really really interfere with verbally communicating with someone + I end up feeling like an idiot a lot of the time when the speech problems kick in .
>
> I really feel for you - if I learn anything else that helps , I'll be sure to post again . Sorry this is so long . Basically my answer is this - tell your doctor you need to take Cerefolin NAC . and don't take no for an answer .
>
> ps it has literally no side effects at all - it's just a fancy vitamin !
Posted by desolationrower on March 27, 2009, at 2:13:41
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth » mexican pharmacy, posted by Ssplash on March 25, 2009, at 11:39:26
hi, not the person addressed, but about it not having 'folate as such' - lmethylfolate is the form of folate that is actually used in the body; the idea being that many people poorly convert folic acid into methylfolate.also, you can get it w/o prescription at iherb, maybe other places. but need to get NAC separately. i forget the brand name, but it is 'l-methylfolate' just the same...
-d/r
Posted by mexican pharmacy on April 1, 2009, at 17:00:43
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth » mexican pharmacy, posted by Ssplash on March 25, 2009, at 11:39:26
Hi
I'm sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I still take Cerefolin NAC. I take two tablets in the morning.It still works, and I've been taking it for over 2 years. No word finding difficulty. I have my brain back finally! The longer I have been well and stable, the more I feel like my "real self" and that my brain is really back.
I am going to keep this post really concise because later tonight I'll do some research on all this and get some links and sources for you.
Hope you are feeling well.
> Hi, Mexican Pharmacy
>
> I read your post about folic acid, Lamictal and Cerefolin NAC. It was a while ago (december 2007, phew!) but I hope you remember and you don't mind me asking you a couple of questions.
>
> Are you still taking Ceferolin? I am thinking of taking it because I am too suffering from mild short memory loss due to Lamictal (I stopped Lamictal for a while and it went away) and I would like to take Lamictal when I need it.
>
> You referred in your post to still experimenting "bad days" with the the "word finding difficulty" and stumbling speech. I wonder, is Ceferolin still working for you?
>
> Your doctor seemed to be right on track about Lamictal hitting substantially on the amount of folic acid in the brain. I am surprised there's hardly any information at all about that around. People are suffering and suffering and not getting help. Has your doctor given you more information about it? Do you think that (perhaps) I could talk to him to get further feed back or even a consultation? The only thing is that Ceferolin NAC doesn't seem to have folic acid as such in its ingredients ...
>
> I don't want to be a burden for you but I hope you understand. I have even stopped Lamictal for this issue and if I could minimize it it would be great! Just imagine, getting your brain back, hehe.
>
> I appreciate your help enormously, I hope you will just give me a piece of your mind on these issues.
>
> Thanks very much indeed for posting that information.
>
>
> Writing you from Madrid (Spain) and a big hug to the whole Psycho-Babble community!
>
>
>
>
>
> > Actually there kind of is a magic cure for memory loss on Lamictal . And it will help with "word-finding difficulty" too .
> >
> > It's called Cerefolin NAC.
> >
> > It's basically a powerful prescription vitamin made up of a combination of folic acid and a few other things .
> >
> > There are two types of Cerefolin , make sure you get Cereofolin NAC . It's considered a medical food - it's just a vitamin .
> >
> > My dr said that Lamictal lowers the amt of folic acid in the brain, + that is what causes the "word finding difficulty" .
> >
> > If you look up information or when you get your script filled , it will say that Cerefolin NAC is for "mild to moderate cognitive deficits , mild to moderate dementia , mild Alzheimer' disease"
> >
> > Ignore that info - everyone should take Cerefolin NAC . It keeps your brain young + protects it . (check out the literature about it)
> >
> > My doctor takes it too . And he's the smartest person I've ever met .
> >
> > When I first started taking Cerfolin NAC , I kind of forgot I was even taking it bc it was just another pill in my daily cocktail - I take it w/ Lamictal in the morning .
> >
> > Suddenly , 3 - 4 weeks later , I started thinking "hey i have the memory of a genius , what is happening"
> >
> > I work at a stock exchange on the trading floor + it's really important to remember basically everything your boss tells you or else believe me you are going to get screamed at . Literally .
> >
> > And all of a sudden my memory got so good I'd surprise both my boss and myself - which felt so good , not only was I not getting screamed at anymore , but I surprised my boss by doing so good .
> >
> > Then I realized - I'm not turning into some super genius with memory - the Cerefolin NAC is working !!!!!!
> >
> > It helps tremendously with word finding difficulty , helps w/ short term memory .
> >
> > Only once in awhile now do I have days where words come out of my mouth in the way that you described .
> >
> > It will definitely help your vocabulary come back .
> >
> > I still have problems with sort of stumbling speech like you described . It's really a frustrating side effect - sometimes I feel like it can really really interfere with verbally communicating with someone + I end up feeling like an idiot a lot of the time when the speech problems kick in .
> >
> > I really feel for you - if I learn anything else that helps , I'll be sure to post again . Sorry this is so long . Basically my answer is this - tell your doctor you need to take Cerefolin NAC . and don't take no for an answer .
> >
> > ps it has literally no side effects at all - it's just a fancy vitamin !
>
>
Posted by ssplash on April 1, 2009, at 17:12:36
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by mexican pharmacy on April 1, 2009, at 17:00:43
Thanks so much! I was thinking of taking Deplin or Metafolin, but I saw that Cerefolin NAC looks interesting from the point of view of its components ;-)
I'll definitely check it out.
Thanks again! Will wait for your next mail.
Posted by mexican pharmacy on April 5, 2009, at 3:58:05
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by ssplash on April 1, 2009, at 17:12:36
Hi, hope you are doing well.
I see my doctor on April 13th so I will try to gather more information from him then, but I know that he gives patients taking antidepressants SSRI's and SNRI's Deplin, but that he usually gives patients taking Lamictal Cerefolin NAC.
Okay I'm going to go back to your first post and try to answer your questions. But first I was wondering were you taking a really high dose of Lamictal? It's kind of crazy to me how like some people supposedly can take just like 50 mg but some people take like 600 mg of it. Like how is there any way to tell if someone is on too high of a dose?
I feel like doctors should try to keep patients on the lowest dose possible that works, because otherwise we end up getting all whacked out by the meds...
Sorry for that random rambling but I guess that's something to keep in mind, I think.
I never have word finding difficulty or stumbling speech anymore.
Here is an excerpt from the Handbook of Drug-Nutrient Interactions by Joseph Boullata, Vincent Armenti - pg 285:
"The drug-nutrient interaction (DNI) between folic acid and specific AEDs (antiepileptic drugs) is an old clinical problem. However, the prevention of this dual and interdependent interaction between this B vitamin and the AEDs is not a standard of practice despite the research that began in the 1960s. Traditional AEDs... lower endogenous folate... To date, there is no information on the newer AEDs, except the possibility of lamotrigine (Lamictal) which may have antifolate properties" (pg 285).
Here are a few other links
http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu/medication/swf/lamictal.swf"Lamictal may reduce the amount of folate (folic acid) available from your diet. It may be prudent to take a multivitamin or B-complex supplement containing the adult daily requirement of folate (400 mcg)."
(that quote is from the website link listed above)
Okay and here are links to Cerefolin NAC's official website and to the drug company that makes the product:
http://www.pamlab.com/Products,Cerefolin
I emailed the company asking them if their product was available in Spain (that's where you live right?).
If Lamictal worked for you aside from the memory issues - trust me, it's so worth another shot. Cerefolin NAC works so well, and it worked relatively quickly (3 to 4 weeks was when I noticed a huge difference) - I mean my boss noticed a difference in my work performance so it's not like I just felt like it worked, someone actually observed the change.
I did end up going up from one dose a day to two doses a day at some point. I think about 6 months after I had initially started. So that's no big deal, I take 2 pills of it instead of one. And I've been on that dose for like a year and a half.
Bottom line - it works.
I actually have a better memory than many of my friends. I credit Lithium for that as well (it protects your hippocampus among other things, if I get into all that, this post would be insanely long). Basically the bottom line is that I'm on great medications that work for me and my brain. People who have bipolar disorder start to lose brain mass and develop structural abnormalities in the brain if they continually have episode after episode and don't take medication. Supposedly medications (some of them) can reverse that.
I hope you find the right medication for you. It's so great to have my brain back. And in my experience in trying medications and learning to deal and manage side effects - I take a strong stance - I only want to take the dose that definitely works for me and has no debilitating side effects.
(When I was really sick when I was younger, I definitely had to take some medication regardless of the side effects - but now that I'm finally stable, and ready to live my life - work and go to school - there is no need to be on some kind of high dose for no reason)
This post is super long, I really feel for you, I hope you find the right medications, and that you feel better fast, there is so much hope for people with bipolar disorder and depression - because there really are treatments that work. And you can get your life, and your brain, back.
Mexican Pharmacy
Posted by elanor roosevelt on April 6, 2009, at 0:20:51
In reply to Re: Lamictal Memory Problems/secretstrangth, posted by mexican pharmacy on April 5, 2009, at 3:58:05
How great to find this post.
My memory has come and gone with the meds but it was most noticeable with the lamictal.
Never seemed the same--never got less scattered.I'm going to try the ceferolin NAC if I can get my MD to write a script.
This is the end of the thread.
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