8 replies to this topic

[silvergymnasium]

Hi,

 

I have been reading this forum for the last couple of nights.  The threads are so long and detailed, which is good, but I'm finding I'm just going round and round and struggling to take it all in.  So in the end I thought I should sign up and post and explain why I'm here.

 

I'm 28.  In my early 20s I suffered from pretty severe anxiety for a couple of years - I dropped out of college, stopped socialising, never went outside.  I ended up taking escitalopram.  I think I probably took it only for 3 or 4 months but it actually sorted me out and for the next 7 or 8 years, I was pretty much anxiety free. 

 

However - the problem is I'm pretty sure the escitalopram gave me long term serious memory problems.  I went from being top of my classes at school with no memory problems to really struggling with my memory.  

 

Some examples of my memory issues now:  

 

• I would struggle now to tell you what I did on certain days, most of it blurs into one.  Maybe this is kind of normal for some people. 
• I can listen to a song hundreds of time but not learn the lyrics.  I know when I was younger I knew whole albums word for word after a few listens.
• I watch a lot of sport but ask me a month later what the result was for a specific game and I won't know.

 

I seem to have completely lost the ability to convert short term memories into long term memories.  My memories from when I was a teenager, are still as vivid as ever.  The fact this has been going on for 8 years without any additional deterioration has prevented me worrying about things like early onset alzheimers etc.  I feel I have damaged my brain, it's not getting any better but I don't really think it's getting any worse either.  

 

I've honestly lived with this problem throughout my 20s and have never asked for support from a doctor.  At this point, I really don't know why.  Of course there is a chance my memory could have been affected by other factors, alcohol perhaps, but I am 90% convinced it was due to taking the escitalopram (I can't post links in first post but if you google "lexapro memory problems", there is a 'medhelp' post of people who have had similar problems, just hopefully not as severe as mine).

 

Anyway, in the last 6 months my anxiety returned and unfortunately I didn't know what to do but turn back to escitalopram.  (I guess I thought the damage was done and at least I know it helps with my anxiety).  I've taken it on and off for a couple of months.  Another problem with my memory, I can't tell you specifically when I started taking it and for how long.  Anyway, I haven't taken it since Friday and fully intend now not to take it again.  Reading a few posts on here about it pretty much made up my mind.  I'd rather live wtih anxiety than go back to SSRIs at this stage.

 

So... the reason for this post is really 2 things, and I know there are loads of threads for these things anyway but I'm worried about making the wrong choices.

 

1.  What can I take as an alternative to the escitalopram that will help with my anxiety.

2.  What can I take which may go some way to improving my memory, if that is at all possible.

 

Thanks

[silvergymnasium]

I've been re-reading science guys thread and have decided on the following as a starter:

 

Stabilium

L-Theanine 

Magesium Malate

Rhodiola Rosea

Bacopa Monniera

 

Not sure I should take all 5 but will give it a go.

Edited by silvergymnasium, 09 September 2014 - 10:21 PM.

[Michael Rian]

I was on Escitalopram for about 4 years and I also deal with the exact same issues as you.  Can I ask what your dosage was?  I am sorry, I have not found anything that helps regarding the memory issues, but as for anxiety, science guys thread on it has some awesome ideas.  Best wishes with your recovery,

[FocusPocus]

Ive got the same issues as you.

 

Buspirone seems to work well for me.

 

Start at the lowest possible dose and titrate up to find a dose without any side effects.

 

Im currently at 2.5mg four times a day.

 

Other supplements can work on top of this if anxiety still persists.

[Michael Rian]

Ive got the same issues as you.

 

Buspirone seems to work well for me.

 

Start at the lowest possible dose and titrate up to find a dose without any side effects.

 

Im currently at 2.5mg four times a day.

 

Other supplements can work on top of this if anxiety still persists.

 

I am thinking I may try Buspirone soon, Did you notice any effects other than lessened anxiety?  My anxiety isnt that bad anymore, I just feel dumbed down and loss of cognitive function since ending my SSRI treatment 2 years ago. 

[FocusPocus]

Nope. it has no effects other than decreased anxiety. No cognitive defects at all at low doses. I found 5mg twice daily works for me.

 

But im also on 2.5mg Ritalin twice daily and loads of caffeine. And buspirone helps prevent any anxiety from this combo.

 

 

You should try the 'mrhappy uridine stack'. It helped me a lot with repairing my dopamine receptors and helping me feel normal again.

 

But i stopped it now since it doesnt go very nicely with caffeine.

Edited by FocusPocus, 10 September 2014 - 04:35 PM.

[Michael Rian]

Nope. it has no effects other than decreased anxiety. No cognitive defects at all at low doses. I found 5mg twice daily works for me.

 

But im also on 2.5mg Ritalin twice daily and loads of caffeine. And buspirone helps prevent any anxiety from this combo.

 

 

You should try the 'mrhappy uridine stack'. It helped me a lot with repairing my dopamine receptors and helping me feel normal again.

 

But i stopped it now since it doesnt go very nicely with caffeine.

 

Oh that is excellent, My doctor might want me to try ritalin next visit when we discuss things.  I may end up on a similar combo as you.  I will definitely look into the Mr Happy stack, thanks! 

[silvergymnasium]

Does anyone take both rosea rhodiola and l-theanine at the same time?  Is ok to do that?

[gnappi]

Try fasoracetam (10mg). I use it to calm down the anxiogenic effects of NSI-189.