Could My Medications Be Affecting My Memory and Sense of Time?
I’m a 19-year-old male, standing at 5’2” and weighing 150 pounds, and I have been diagnosed with PTSD. Lately, I’ve been grappling with some alarming side effects from my prescribed medications that are becoming increasingly challenging to handle. Below is a summary of my current medication regimen: - **8 AM:** 50 mg of Sertraline - **12 PM:** 0.5 mg of Lorazepam - **5 PM:** 0.5 mg of Lorazepam - **9 PM:** 25 mg of Quetiapine - **10 PM:** 0.5 mg of Lorazepam Currently, I’m facing numerous adverse effects, especially from the combination of Sertraline and Lorazepam, which can heighten feelings of confusion. I suspect there has been an adjustment in my dosage, although I am not entirely certain. My parents oversee my medication, as I am under their guardianship. Recently, I’ve encountered some troubling new symptoms that are proving to be quite difficult. The most disorienting issue is my struggle to grasp the flow of time. I often feel disoriented; for instance, I might find myself blinking and suddenly realizing that several hours have passed, or I perceive time as having shifted unexpectedly. Additionally, I am experiencing episodes of memory loss—at times, I am aware of my surroundings but cannot recall moments from just one or two hours earlier. There are also mild hallucinations that I’m facing, although they are not severe. I often question if these are just side effects or if they represent genuine hallucinations, leading to a great deal of confusion on my part. I'm curious if anyone has insights regarding these experiences. I noted in my journal that I should discuss these symptoms with my psychologists, yet I cannot recall initiating that conversation or the feedback I might have received from them, as there's no documentation in my notes.
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 1:40:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling concerned about the memory issues and sense of time changes you're experiencing while on your medications. These symptoms could potentially be linked to the combination of medications you're taking, especially with the mix of Sertraline (an SSRI), Lorazepam (a benzodiazepine), and Quetiapine (an atypical antipsychotic).
Explanation:
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Medication Effects:
- Sertraline may lead to side effects like confusion, particularly when you first start taking it or if your dose changes.
- Lorazepam is known for causing sedation, drowsiness, and cognitive impairment, especially when taken in higher doses or frequently throughout the day.
- Quetiapine also has sedative effects and can affect cognitive function, especially in some individuals.
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Disorientation and Memory Loss:
- The symptoms you're describing—losing track of time and difficulty recalling recent events—may be related to the interaction of these medications, particularly the sedative effects of Lorazepam and Quetiapine.
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Mild Hallucinations:
- While less common, some individuals can experience sensory distortions or mild hallucinations when on certain psychiatric medications, especially if they feel drowsy or disoriented.
Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur and their severity. This will help when discussing your experiences with healthcare providers.
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Communicate with Caregivers: Share your observations with your parents or guardians who manage your medication. It’s crucial they understand the severity of your symptoms so you can together bring this to your healthcare team.
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Plan a Discussion with Your Psychologist: If you’re feeling confused or uncertain about your last conversations, aiming to schedule a specific meeting with your psychologist could be beneficial. Make it a priority to discuss these symptoms explicitly.
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Explore Medication Review Possibilities: Ask your caregivers if they can help set up a consultation with your prescribing physician or psychiatrist. It may be necessary to review your medications to assess the appropriateness and potential need for dosage adjustments or alternatives.
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Consider Safety and Surroundings: While you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to ensure you are in a safe environment. If feelings of disorientation continue or worsen, seek support from trusted individuals.
Remember, you’re not alone in navigating these side effects, and with careful communication and adjustment, improving your situation is possible.
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