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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Could my son's medications be affecting his memory and causing confusion?

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    Depression Mental Health
    I am the carer of my son who is living with me due to his mental health problem. He is on the medications Sodium Valproate Tabs 200mgs and Cymbalta 60mg taken together after breakfast every morning. He is having problems with his memory and concentration to the extent he feels incapable of leading a normal life.
    It is 6 years ago since he had his breakdown and has been on heavy medication since then. I was very thankful for the advice given before from you. He belongs to a walking group and goes to a gym most mornings but because he lacks confidence is not making friends. Against medical advice he has many cups of coffee a day and drinks wine with and after dinner if he can.
    Last year he had MRI scans, memory tests with a specialist for this problem, all stating that there is no problem. However he never starts a conversation and when speaking to him one has to repeat oneself to gain his comprehension. Are these medications effecting his memory or causing his confusion?
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Nicholas Bradfield
    • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith
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  • Dr Nicholas Bradfield

    Clinical Neuropsychologist, Psychologist

    Dr Bradfield is a Clinical Neuropsychologist working in private practice and in the public health system in Melbourne, Australia. He has clinical experience conducting neuropsychological … View Profile

    Hello
    It would be useful to have more information: how old is your son? What is his mental health diagnosis? What type of specialist did the memory assessment? How much wine is he drinking?

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    Thanks

    Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    My psychiatrist told me that mixing alcohol (which is a depressant in the pharmacological sense) with anti-depressant medication like Cymbalta is not a good plan.

    I suggest that you encourage your son to discuss this with his prescribing doctor.

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