Memory/concentration problems

[purplelily]

Hi, hope you can help. I'm currently on medication which adversely affects my concentration and short-term memory. It's pretty frustrating because I'm supposedly a well-educated person, but I can't remember the simplest of words when I'm in the middle of a sentence. Day-to-day this isn't a huge problem, but I'll be applying for new jobs shortly, and the interview process (which I've never enjoyed!) is now filling me with absolute dread. At work, I keep notes all over the place to remind me to do things, etc. but this isn't a huge help in other situations. My question is, does anyone have any unique ideas on memory aids? Also, does anyone know whether certain foods can help the memory? Thanks, all, I appreciate any help you can give me x

p.s. I'm changing my medication shortly, but there's no guarantee that the new meds won't have the same side effect :(

[Tha-Flash]

Maybe you forget the words BECAUSE you think you will. Relax and maybe the words will come to you easier.

What kind of words do you forget? Can you give an example?

[Kay]

purplelily. Many meds can have an effect on our memorie's. Would you mind telling us exactly what it is you're taking? Antidepressants and tranquillisers cause short term memory loss. Ginko Biloba comes highly recommended to enhance the memory.

[purplelily]

Thanks to you both for responding! Tha-Flash - it can be absolutely any word in the English language. The worst thing is that, whilst I'm trying to think of the word, a whole list of unsuitable words come to mind. For example, I wanted to say the word 'invasion' in a sentence the other day, and one of the words that came to mind was 'sultana'! I'm not aware of being worried about the word loss, but I can see that this might be making it worse! Maybe I ought to practice some breathing techniques or something - I'll look into ways of relaxing...just thinking aloud - thanks.

- FINA, I do take antidepressants. I didn't think that it was this medication that was causing the memory loss, as the other meds (I don't really like to say what it's for) are well known for having this side effect. Maybe I should look into the antidepressants too then!

Thanks again both! x.

[joko]

this has happened to me too. unfortunately my short term memory is still bad 4 years on.

i would ask your doc asap about this - they may have something better

[purplelily]

Thanks joko, sorry to hear that your memory's still bad. I've been telling the docs about my memory problem for about 4 years - it's only since April that a doctor's taken me seriously and is changing my meds, etc. Hopefully something can be done, but I'm not holding out too much hope yet, as I'm guessing that there's a chance that the problem is irreparable (no-one's actually said this is possible, but my glass is always half-empty!). I guess that if a bad memory is the worst I go through life with, I'm lucky! Have a great weekend :)

[Amara]

Hi purplelily - Have you tried linseed or efalex, both contain omega3 oils, and should help you. Efalex is mainly fishoil, or you could try more oily fish in your diet if you like it. Also evening primrose and starflower might help. If you want an alternative to the antidepressants later on you could try St Johns wort. Bright blessings - Amara xx

[purplelily]

Thanks Amara, I'll definitely try the linseed and efalex (I don't like seafood unfortunately). I'm cutting down on my antidepressants at the moment, so it's really great to know of the alternatives for that, too (I hope I won't need alternatives, but you never know!).

Everyone's been so helpful - thanks again!

[Kay]

purplelily. You would be suprised at the damage many anti depressants cause especially the SSRI''s such as Seroxat,Sertralin/Lustral,Celexa,Cipramil,Prozac and the SNRI Efexor. All of these cause memory loss. If you're on any of these and presently cutting down please take it slowly. If its Prozac or Seroxat you can swap to the liquid version's thus making things easier with less withdrawal symptoms.