Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Significant Memory Loss, Anxiety. Taking Lamotrigine. What Is The Alternative Medication?
I have been taking Lamotrigine for 12 mths after a spell in hospital. I am experiencing significant memory loss.
This also coincided with 12 ECT treatments, which I understand could be the cause of this.
Having read reportable memory loss symptoms with Lamotrigine, I am wondering if I should discontinue and see if there is any improvement, however, my main concern is that the symptoms of anxiety will return and what alternative medication is there available
This also coincided with 12 ECT treatments, which I understand could be the cause of this.
Having read reportable memory loss symptoms with Lamotrigine, I am wondering if I should discontinue and see if there is any improvement, however, my main concern is that the symptoms of anxiety will return and what alternative medication is there available
Mon, 4 Nov 2013
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
Your memory loss could be related to the disease (anxiety) as well as the treatments (lamotrigine and ECTs).
Among these, lamotrigine is the least likely to cause memory loss. Therefore, I am not in favour of stopping lamotrigine. This is more so, as your symptoms of anxiety would also get aggravated after stopping lamotrigine.
So, I would suggest you to continue with the current treatment. In the mean while, rule out other causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid disorders as causes of memory loss.
I hope it helps. Please get back if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Thank you for posting your query.
Your memory loss could be related to the disease (anxiety) as well as the treatments (lamotrigine and ECTs).
Among these, lamotrigine is the least likely to cause memory loss. Therefore, I am not in favour of stopping lamotrigine. This is more so, as your symptoms of anxiety would also get aggravated after stopping lamotrigine.
So, I would suggest you to continue with the current treatment. In the mean while, rule out other causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid disorders as causes of memory loss.
I hope it helps. Please get back if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Electroconvulsive therapy
Loading Online Doctors....