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Are my memory problems due to the long term use of Lamotrigine?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I took Lamotrigine for six years at around 300 to 600 mg I think. I have been off it and unmedicated for depression and anxiety for the last 5 to 6 years roughly besides some Xanax that I used three years ago. I am a 25-year-old male and have been having small memory lapses lately but they are very inexplicable ones and I wanted to know if there is any evidence that Lamictal use for the length of time I did could cause long term issues with memory or dementia.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you have mentioned that you are suffering from depression and was always undermedicated, in depression, it is common to have a disturbance of memory and attention which lead to forgetfulness. These memory issues are most probably due to depression itself and not due to Lamotrigine use. For depression, I would suggest you have an SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) which are the best treatment strategies for depression and discuss your memory lapses to your psychiatrist.

Medically reviewed byDr. Divya Banu M
Published At April 8, 2019
Reviewed AtJuly 25, 2024

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