Memory Loss From Gabapentin?
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I have a really bad memory these past 5yrs. I've been taking gabapentin the past 7yrs, I also take oxycodone, oxymorphone, mobic and stopped taking valium and a muscle relaxer about a year ago. I don't consume cannabis anymore. It's been about 15 yrs since I have. But when I did smoke back in the day I smoked a lot for a good 10yrs.

I've noticed lately that I cant remember anything. When someone introduces themselves I just totally forget 2 mins later. I have tried the trick where you say the person's name over 5x's or use it in a sentence to help remember. But to no avail. Even at work, I'm told 3 things to do, I only remember 2 of them, or when it's time to do a task at work I just totally forget. It's affecting my job and making me look very stupid. I usually am a sharp person I'm not the smartest but know a little about a lot of things. So I'm really taking this pretty hard and it's not good when your assistant manager says, "Yeah your memory is s***". Any and all suggestions are welcome by the way. I'm 40 yrs young and work in retail.

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It’s the Gabapentin.
It’s awful. I didn’t realize how confused and dumb it was making me until I got off it.
Benzos are worse for my memory. But Gabapentin is bad.

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Re: lucy (# 20)

I gained thirty pounds in a couple of months, it took awhile to get rid of that. still crave sugar and never did before all of the surgeries and drugs.

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Re: JeanBean (# 28)

Jean, You are right on the money this medication and Lyrica are not or me I'm lucky to be here. There are others but these two are on the top of my list.
Later pain meds.
I've had 8 back, neck and hip surgeries, and have been in pain management over 12 years.
Speedy

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Get rid of that crap, I almost committed suicide and my mind was in for it. I could barley talk. Others I have met said the same things. My Dr. said it's not possible. I told him to try it! By the way I have a new DR. now.

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There are serious cognitive issues and damage with this drug. Do not trivialize the experience of others just b/c you may not have experienced problems.

Walking into a room and forgetting why you went in the room? That may be commonplace and not indicative of a serious problem, but make no mistake, thete are SERIOUS cognitive issues with this drug. You are not helpful, and your superior, mocking attitude might boost your ego, but you help no one. If you have nothing to contribute, why are you here?

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I took a similar gabapentinoid, Lyrica. It wreaked havoc with my memoroy and cognitive function, very simliar to developing a learning disability. Problems with reading comprehension, attention span, recall of words and names of things that I might have known just minutes or hours or days before, suddenly unable to recall. I experienced a few blackout episodes, such as unable to recall that I had dinner with my husband, fell asleep, napped, and couldn’t remember I set the table, cooked the meal and enjoyed his company to eat dinner. Many times forgetting where I was going when driving (why did I turn left? What was my intention?) Did I take my meds? I got the glass of water, I put the pill on the counter- did I already take one, and this one is a second one? Very spacy and forgetful. Left my purse in a store, left my jacket in restaurant, lose my keys, important papers, constant upset and stress b/c of forgetfulness. Going to appointments on the wrong day, or wrong time (I checked, didn’t I? I KNEW last night before bed, but still forgot ) Didn’t I already order those from Amazon? I thought I did. It’s very upsetting. I’ve been off over a year and my memory is much improved, but never fully recovered. Incidentally, no problem on Alzheimer’s test. Just shows the test is not sensitive. You’d have to be pretty bad off for anything to show on that test,

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Re: Kitty (# 14)

Everybody's different. BUT...forget why you walked in a room?? I can't stop laughing...20 year olds with no drug past ever do that. I've heard it ALL of my life.
I've done it myself. Lonnnnng before gaba (-:
Try easing up on yourself. And stop blaming.

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I had the same issues with Gabapentin especially short term memory and just a general feeling "stupid". When I told my doctor about it my dose was cut in half and it made a huge difference. Good luck!

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Re: Kitty (# 23)

No I mean the AMERICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL which is the place to look. And why be so snarky? Everyone has their opinion and some know more than others. It is a FATIGUE DRUG end of story.

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Re: Bella (# 15)

On WHAT list? You mean the patient insert written by the manufacturer? Forget what the manufacturer says!

Memory problems, forgetfulness, dementia-like cognitive problems are high on the list of side effects in many research articles, and are commonly reported by patients seeking information in online forums and support groups.

Also weight gain is just as common as weight loss. Many gain from 30-60 lbs rapidly. Those who lose weight do so b/c of lack of appetite due to nausea, diarrhea etc.

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I think it's the valumn ,I've been on for 11 years I can't even remember wen I take my meds for the day it's so bad

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Re: lucy (# 20)

Wonder how you can find energy on gabapentin when everyone I know it causes fatigue and they actually nod off most times. I hated it because I could not get out of bed. I do not see a cause of energy as a side effect but good for you. I have RA and refuse to take anything because it will only make me worse. I try to take a holistic approach because food can cure you. Since I changed my diet (but won’t give up my coffee or occasional red wine) I have incorporated veggies fruit no meat no dairy etc... just for inflammatory purposes.

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Re: Bella (# 15)

I'm on gabapentin and for me it gives me energy and helps with my pain and I have gained weight from it as it makes me crave sugar.just goes to show how things affect everyone different.

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I have memory lost also I have not taken Gabapentin I'm young 57 I didn't want to tell anyone I'm not on drugs I do take pain pills for my back but I do want to know what to do about my memory can someone help tell me what to do.thanks this is the boss lady

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Re: Kitty (# 14)

It MIGHT be gaba. And taken without that list of really scary stuff, slight possibility. But with the 3 scary things, then doing the math on how much, how long, and at what young age the marijuana was started. I'd say something needs to be eliminated from the Rx lineup. Or decreased in mgs or doses. The gaba is the least problematic for most people, compared to the others. And could open the possibility to ease off the really potent other things. It was most likely just the tipping point. Again, I have taken it for 20 years. Again, everyone is different.

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I've been prescribed Gabapentin for years now and i instantly forget EVERYTHING!!! I don't smoke pot either. I know its the Gabapentin cause my memory used to be perfect!!!!!

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Whoops!! Sounds like the 'officially declared' warnings regarding the longer term possible sfx may indeed carry some value/substance after all. Payback time for previous spells of indulgence (?), hope not, best of bud.

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Re: Kitty (# 14)

It is well known that researchers note that the use of therapeutic cannabinoids has been hampered by the side effects they present, such as memory loss. Smoking pot over the years causes memory loss. Gavapentin causes fatigue, weight loss, dizziness but memory loss was last on this list, but you would have to take it for years. Chances are most certain the Maryjane you’ve been getting stoned on is the culprit. Prices we must pay in order to feel good. Gabapentin was not for me as I couldn’t get out of bed.

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Re: Bella (# 10)

It’s not the cannabis, it’s the gabapentinoids. They are well known among gabapentinoid patients that they experience cognitive impairment and memory impairment.

For many people, these problems improve over time, once off those drugs. It may take from a few months to a couple of years.

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Re: nimshie29 (# 12)

Umh... I'm 41 Years old. I'm pretty sure it's not dementia ??

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