At it's worst. I forgot the names of my cross streets ... From the home Iived in for 3 years.... . I was 28 years old.... I was 28 years old and I couldn't remember in casual conversation Where I Lived. . I can't describe how horrifying it is to feel like that. I'm still not sure I'm mentally recovered, but I'm trying. In contrast, because the lamictal treats bipolar and one of the cognitive side effects is memory problems... It's very hard to expressly blame the lamictal for the memory deficits. That being said, when I started going through what you're going through I did a lot of research on cognitive side effects impacting people who took lamictal strictly for seizure and not for mental health needs.. and they reported parallel cognitive side effects. ... I think lamictal helped me through a really tough spot, but I wish I had known more about it .... Oh also, if you're a female or know any females taking lamictal, please advise: ****Lamictal and anticonvulsants can stop birth control from working**** I feel like they're not outspoken enough about that last little bit.

I was on the maximum dose for 5 years. I do not think I am the same person after. I'm sure there are pros to having taken it. But I kind of wish I never did. Sorry to say so much, but yes, I find it a little heartbreaking how both the treatment for bipolar and the bipolar itself can cause cognitive decline.