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Can Lexapro And Cymbalta Cause Early Dementia?

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Posted on Mon, 14 May 2018
Question: Currently taking Zonegram for migraines, lexapro for mild depression and cymbalta for mild depression a anxiety. along with adderall for years i have been complaining of not being able to find words, and forgetfullness. I was tested about 1 year ago and diagnosed with adult add, was on Vvance it did not work started adderal recently. I am concerned the the lexapro and cymbalta are the real culprits. I was really worried about early dementia . that was the reason for the testing for add. they say no. can any of these drugs cause memory loss?
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not associated with those drugs, often though with anxiety.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern regarding side effects of those antidepressants.

However memory loss is not a side effect of these drugs, neither of Lexapro nor of Cymbalta, I do not think that they are the cause.

On the other hand anxiety and depression which you take them for are known as common mimics of dementia. That is not because there is a true memory loss but because they affect concentration, hence affection retention of information. So I think that is a much more likely cause.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Can Lexapro And Cymbalta Cause Early Dementia?

Brief Answer: Not associated with those drugs, often though with anxiety. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern regarding side effects of those antidepressants. However memory loss is not a side effect of these drugs, neither of Lexapro nor of Cymbalta, I do not think that they are the cause. On the other hand anxiety and depression which you take them for are known as common mimics of dementia. That is not because there is a true memory loss but because they affect concentration, hence affection retention of information. So I think that is a much more likely cause. I remain at your disposal for other questions.