depression, dementia or drug toxicity?

[DD1234]

I've experience poop out with several SSRIs so I'm taking 3- effexor, wellbutrin & paxil. Now I am in a hugely stressful time (possible job loss & parent with terminal illness). I am having bad problems with depression - but I am also having bad short term memory loss, concentration difficulties and some word mixups- spelling like a 2nd grader in some instances.

This is very bad- I am really messing up at work. I cant remember what or if I just took a med- what number I just dialed. I once had short term memory loss from prednisone years ago- this seems like that sort of. I've NEVER had this from depression- gasp. anybody had this kind of thing? To be stressed about possible job loss- and then screw up from loss of memory, zero concentration etc. is really bad for me- I made a mistakeI COULD NOT BELIEVE I HAD MADE and had zero memory of making - a big one... this is really scary. could the meds be poisoning me after years on most of them? I have added buspar for teeth grinding- is it old age- mom has alzheimers? I'm only 55- i am self supporting- I cannot afford to deteriorate at work- HELP have you had this side affect group from any of these meds?
Thank you

[DD1234]

Do you mind if i ask one question- my therapist (not shrink) suggested Lithium- how have you found it to be? did you gain weight? feel wierd.
thank you a ton.

[DD1234]

Thank you. will try all of the above.

[Marie101]

You are definately going through alot!  Other people have had problems with word retieval while on Effexor.  I had problems with word retrieval and also spelling while on Effexor XR 150mg.  I wasn't quite sure if it was the meds, or depression.  Fortunately, I think I am now on my way out from that dark haze.  My doctor recently switched me to Cybalta and also a low dosage of Lithium.  I am not bipolar - Lithium is sometimes used as an aumentation to an antidepressant, particularly for those that have a long history of being treatment resistant.    

I  question the need for 3 antidepressants plus the Buspar on top of it.  My guess is that you are being over medicated.  I  doubt that your condition is  permanent.  I  would not waste energy worrying about alzeimers or any type of brain injury until you find competent help to adjust your meds.  I agree with the others, you need to talk to another doctor SOON.  Ideally, you should see a psychiatrist, or other mental health provider.

One more thing.  Is it possible for you to take some time off from work by taking sick days or vacation days?  Any reasonable doctor, knowing your condition,  would write you a work excuse.  All they have to say is that you are  ill.  Of course , it would look better if the note came from a G.P., rather the a shrink.  I've done this more than once, because I was not functioning.    It is only when you collect Disability, that the doctor is required to give information regarding your illness.  (I'm assuming you live in the U.S).  I wish you the best.  

Marie

[Jikan]

Namaste,

First of all, I don't understand why you are taking three(3) diffrent SSRI's at one time.

Not knowing what dosage and how often a day you're taking each makes it difficult for anyone to make an assessment as to whether this is a causative factor in your memory lapses.

Personally, I would think that your medications could be the probable cause of your memory losses.  Were these all prescribed by the same doctor?  If so, I think you should talk with another mental health provider soon.

Only a professional can make a full evaluation and subsequent diagnosis as to the cause of your difficulties.  Please follow-up with someone soon.

Michael