Couple of Questions

**Posts:** 1 · by **bobbi2** » Sun Apr 18, 2004 2:30 pm

Hi...Im new here. Ive had anxiety disorder for 5 years now. I am on Lexapro now and have been for approximately one year.

My questions are these:

1: Has anyone noticed a problem with their memory? I forget everything. And I mean everything. I have resorted to writing things down. My long term memory is great! Short term is shot. Could this be another trick of anxiety disorder?

2. I want to get off my medication and learn to manage my condition through things like therapy and breathing techniques. I asked my doctor. He said he forbade it as I have a few issues in my life like a court hearing, the end to a long term relationship and moving into my own place. He said when these things settle down then he would look at referring me to a professional. Is having issues in my life a valid reason for staying on medication?

If anyone has anything on these questions, please let me know.
Thanks

**Posts:** 5816 · by **Michael Lank** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 9:49 pm

Hi Bobbi2,

In answer to your questions:

1. Memory can be affected by anxiety, see for example this article in New Scientist which exmplains how stress affects memory. However a search on 'google' shows some people reporting memory loss as a side effect of taking Lexapro!

2. My own view is that your doctor should be assisting you in getting what you want - that is for you to take control of your life and to manage those challenges without medication. It sounds as if you are confident you can do this.

**Posts:** 7 · by **midnight ranger35** » Sat May 08, 2004 1:33 am

yeah, the memory thing is a side effect of the anxiety. as for coming off meds, i did. but in the situation youre in i think i would wait until its settled.

Couple of Questions

#1

#2

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