what mental problems could be caused by prolonged use of antidepressants and anxiety medication?

Question

my aunt has been taking medication for anxiety for over 20 years and the other day, she wandered to a stranger's house and didn't remember her last name and she was completely disoriented and confused. she had been out of her medication for awhile, but even when she does take it, she's been going out in the car to run errands or visit the family and winds up in other places. she gets delusional alot and just goes out of her head sometimes. i was wondering if the medication may have deteriorated her brain function.

Answer 1

Well, some of these medications can cause some memory impairment, concentration problems, etc. However, if she has not been compliant on her meds, that could cause some of these symptoms. Then again, she could have the symptoms of early alzheimer's. It is best she get to a Dr. soon to be evaluated.

Answer 2

Antidepressants increase brain function in the parts of the brain responsible for memory and emotions. I'm not sure about anti-anxiety meds. I have to assume you mean something along the line of Ativan, Valium, Xanax. or Klonopin...which are all benzodiazapines and all can be physically addictive. They are generally recommended for short term use (although I have been on a low dose of Ativan for quite a few years.)

Running out of medications is not a good idea, especially with antidepressants or benzos you have been on for many years. It can cause all sorts of psychological and physical effects, none of which are positive.

There is so much that remains unknown though about both the human brain and long term effects of medications. Since emotion and memory are very closely related and are controlled by the same part of the brain, it seems logical that people with mood disorders/anxiety/etc could possibly more prone to problems with dementia later in life. As far as I know though, research has not shown this correlation.

It's a good question though and definitely worth further reading and research.

Answer 3

First I want to tell you that I'm sorry she is going through this. What age is she? She MUST continue with the medication and her doctor MUST be informed of these happenings. If you don't get anywhere with the Doctor then talk with his/her supervisor. She may not be taking the meds as she should be. I haven't heard of any harm being caused by long term use of antidepressants but I'm not a Doctor and I don't know what meds she's taking. I feel for you and your situation. If you'd like to talk more about it please feel free to contact me. [e-mail] If not that's fine too. I wish you all the best.

Happy Holidays

Christine

P.S. If she is "elderly" there are MANY services that will help you. Good Luck

Answer 4

Hi, I am sorry to hear about your Aunt, my mum is displaying the same sort of memory loss after taking mild antidepressants for over 20 years. It is very hard to deal with as everyone seems slow to take people of medication but I think its sad that patients are encouraged to stay on these tablets for such a long time with out encouraging therapy.

Answer 5

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I am taking medication for both for the last 3 months because of port partum depression. i hope to be out of it within one year. a lot to say so hope these will help:
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/#null
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthproblems/depression/antidepressants.aspx