What Causes Forgetfulness While On Anti-depressants?

Posted on Wed, 3 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 3 May 2017 Answered on

Sat, 20 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I have been treated with various antidepressants since I was 24 yrs old. I am 64 now--yes that's 40 yrs. I have noticed significant forgetfulness, greatly increased in about the last 6 weeks. No new meds recently. Could it be from long-term use of antidepressants?

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

Chronic use of antidepressant is unlikely cause for forgetfulness. However depression itself can cause forgetfulness and may present with memory gaps with advancement of age.

I also like to inform you that wellbutrin helps in depression associated with memory problems and presence of wellbutrin in your prescription compels me to look out for other causes of forgetfulness.

In my opinion nutritional causes and thyroid should be evaluated as possible cause for forgetfulness.

I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar