I’m relieved to say that the Pregabalin & Amitriptyline I have been prescribed have made me more or less pain free and I have been off Tramadol for just over 6 weeks. I had a few nasty withdrawal symptoms but not as bad as I was expecting.
It’s not all good news though. When on Tramadol I was experiencing memory loss issues which have continued as Pregabalin and Amitriptyline cause the same issue. Work is my biggest problem as I have been making mistakes and at times completely forgotten I had done something as well as making stupid, costly mistakes.
It’s taken over 16 months to get a diagnosis and get the pain under control so I really don’t want to change medication. Has any of you had the same issue and if so have you found a way to improve your memory?
Thank you in advance and good health to you all.
Regards
Martin
I'm happy to hear you're nearly pain free! I have friends who've used amitriptyline for years with no problem.
I was on a high dose for years & last year lost so much cognitive ability I was labeled "demented" & an appointment set up with neuropsychology. I'm 58yo & my dad had dementia so my Dr suggested while I wait for that appointment I stop taking meds one at a time. No improvement until I stopped amitriptyline! Within 2 months I passed all cognitive tests. My memory is good, I don't make mistakes driving, dont lose things.
If you're already having issues & things get worse I bet it's the amitriptyline. It's not easy to withdraw from so keep a careful watch on symptoms.
Can't really help with the meds and maybe this won't work if memory loss has caused bad memory. But I have read that rosemary essential oil helps memory. You could get some pure essential oil and just keep a few drops on a handkerchief in your pocket and sniff it occasionally.
The other thing is to pay attention when you do something. Easier said than done, believe me I know! But that helps move the memory from short term into a longer term storage. And good quality sleep, not with sleeping pills, is supposed to be the best thing.
I mean, of course, if medication has caused memory loss
I've been on amitriptyline (one or two at bedtime) for a week. It's concerning me re memory loss. I'm 71 and don't want to get any worse memory loss by taking it. I take 2 x paracetamol and Voltarol gel 4 times a day and it's not doing me one little bit of good. Back to docs on Thurs !
Many thanks for that idea, I'll get some Rosemary asap. Sounds good!