Tremor, memory loss and psych meds

[yerfren7]

I was on several meds for mood stabilization: depakote, seroquel, effexor, wellbutrin (got off of that, it made me jumpy). There was some other one in there, coming and going to try and get it right. But now I have tremors and memory loss and friends that I haven't seen in months, came over recently and were SHOCKED. They expressed extreme concern for me and told me that I seemed like a zombie. I have had memory loss. Couldn't remember my phone, SS, driver's license # at the DMV the other day. Other things just don't stick to the wall. I had to take my husband with me to Kaiser because I just can't remember things. The dr asked questions that he had to answer. I have no recollection. I saw a neurologist and he said he didn't think it was Parkinsons but could provide no help or answers. I am afraid that the mix of meds  had permanently tweaked my brain. What should I do?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

It is unlikely that the medications are the cause, but they may contribute, depending on the exact history and timing of medications and symptoms..There is a syndrome related to this medications that has some of these element...I suggest you see a different specialiast...the one you want to see is a psychiatrist who specializes in medications like this...called a psychopharmacologist..you need an expert like this to examine and quesiton you in order to get the answer you need...not just a psychiatrist, but a specialist.

[yerfren7]

OMG! I am so sorry about your experience! That is not the med I was on but I KNOW the meds I WAS on did this to me. I have been off ALL meds for a couple of weeks and am feeling better. I still have the shakes but they  have greatly subsided from when I was on the meds. I am looking into natural alternatives. My sister sent me a book called "The Mood Cure" and the psych I am working with was a naturopath and is completely open to me trying to find an alternative that will work.

No one knows how every individual body chemistry will react to drugs and the medical industry is so interested in just experimenting with us.

My husband recorded a program on Public Television by a Dr. Amen. He has a book titled something like: A maginficent mind at any age. My husband watched the whole program but I fell asleep last night when he got to the bit on what natural supplements to take for which symptoms.

I am going to go this way for a while and see if I can stabilize myself. Of course, no guarantees that we won't have a reaction to even natural supplements.

The search continues.

[Miba]

Hi,

Just a short note: I was on Remeron for anxiety depression and I experienced the exact memory loss that you did, and I have read hundreds of stories on-line about people with similar experiences. In my case IT WAS THE MEDICATION that caused the memory loss. Every time I stoped taking it the memory came back and every time I got back on it I had short term memory loss. I couldn't do anything. Wouldn't remember what the person told me 2 seconds ago. Unfortunately I had to stick with antidepressants for 1.5 years (well, at least so the doctor told me, in retrospect I should never have kept taking them) and now I have been off them for about 8 months. My short term memory has improved but is still BAD and my physicla chemistry seems to be completely off in several ways. I'm just not the same as I used to. I never feel fully awake.

Anyway, it's terrifying and horrible.

/Maria

[yerfren7]

Thanks for your suggestion. I have insurance through Kaiser in CA and I have inquired and there is no psychopharmacologist at this location. I have gotten online to search and found "expert witnesses" but not really a Dr. There was someone in San Ramon but there was no information if he was certified. Where do I go for this specialty? Do you know of anyone in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Also, I have been off the meds for a week now and my symptoms have greatly subsided. I still have a minor case of the shakes but it is pretty minimal. I am so relieved that this apparently is not permanent, but to me, the cause WAS the meds or the mixture thereof.

I am not on any meds right now but am also afraid of having another one of my manic episodes which turn me into something from a horror movie. 5150. Not fun.

Can you suggest anything else?