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What Causes Depression And Cognitive Deterioration?
Does Lamictal cause cognitive deterioration? I have bipolar 1, (diagnosed in Oct 2013-after taking Nortriptyline for over a year, for nerve damage) mostly the depressive side. I already feel as though my brain is not working well, and am not on any medication for the last 6 months, after taking Abilify and Depakote for 3 months. I have racing thoughts, that cause me to have insomnia. I have anxiety, and panic attacks, and cannot think clearly enough to answer emails, handle daily activities/ chores, and am depressed, apathetic, and feel worthless. I fear I m going to lose my family, and often wish they didn t have to put up with me, because I feel so inadequate and dumb! Please advise. Thank you.
posted on
Sat, 28 Jun 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 1 Sep 2014
Answered on
Mon, 6 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
In my opinion, you should take medicines that have helped you in the past. Depression may cause temporary cognitive impairment. Therefore, anything that helps cure depression helps cognition. Therefore, Lamictal may actually help in improving cognition. It is generally safe. If your doctor has suggested it, you should give it a trial. From your description of your mental state, I feel that you have significant depression and anxiety.
You will benefit from medicines.
Proper treatment of depressive episodes is shown to help reduce severity and treatment response of future episodes as well.
I hope this answer helps you.
You will benefit from medicines.
Proper treatment of depressive episodes is shown to help reduce severity and treatment response of future episodes as well.
I hope this answer helps you.
I find this answer helpful
Hi, thanks for the query; you are diagnosed with bipolar 1 which means you have had at least one episode of Mania & 1 or more episodes of depression. Simple answer is NO; lamotrigine (Lamictal) dosent cause cognitive deterioration. It causes dizziness, drowsiness, headache, blurred/double vision, loss of coordination, shaking (tremor), nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach with occasional worsening of depression & suicidal thoughts. Considering your symptom profile, you are most probably suffering from an episode of bipolar depression. Hence you need to Consult your GP/Psychiatrist for a detailed evaluation to ascertain its depression; followed by switch to either Lithium, Quetiapine, combination of Olanzapine+ Fluoxetine which are better drugs than lamotrigine in their own right as mood stabilizers. Lastly start doing 30 minutes daily physical exercise, try to sleep for at least 6-7 hours each night; stay away from alcohol & other illicit drugs. If required, get back to me for further assistance. Hope this helps; good luck
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