Difficult question- serious answers please?

Question

I used to be very smart and have an IQ of 147. I never struggled with anything and got straight A's in school. However, I was crying all the time, isolating myself, and even hurt myself sometimes. I went on medication and was much better and am still on it today. The problem is, is I am doing terribly in subjects that I used to excel in. My memory is terrible and I can't remember math equations for more than a few minutes. I just failed a calculus test even though I studied for hours before my test because I forgot what I was doing! I have decided to quit my medication but I am scared for two things:

1) I won't end up being smart again
2) I will revert to my old depression and end up hurting myself

What do I do? I really want to succeed and no studying helps. I've even been said I was "disabled" and have a "learning disabiltily" which I don't! Serious answers only and I promise 10 points for best answer.

Answer 1

Well the first thing is to make sure that if you quit your meds that you did it by tapering off. Anytime you are on meds especially ones that alter your brain chemistry you need to wean yourself off of them slowly. Not doing so can result in horrible side effects including seizures.

I think the memory loss was due to the medication. Your memory will return. That won't be permanent. I would suggest discussing with your doctor the possibility of trying a different medication and making sure to seek therapy since you are hurting yourself.

I have depression, anxiety and OCD so I do empathize with you. I have also been on meds that have affected my memory and it did improve once I was off of them...

Answer 2

omg i really feel for you. i dont want to brag but im kinda smart n get A's and stuff so i know that if i suddenly lost such an important part of who i am and experienced what you have i would be really really frustrated. Based on what you've told us I think that if you are feeling in a good place in your life and you have the right support and not too much stress you should give it ago cos if you dont you could become so frustrated at being called "disabled" and remembering how you used to be that you could become depressed anyway. Even if you dont regain your intelligence at least you'll know that you tried and you can accept it.
I hope everything goes well for you.xxx

Answer 3

I'm so sorry! I would definitely talk to the doctor who gave you the medication, or some kind of adult. Your doctor would probably have the best answer. He/she might put you on different medication, or send you to a different doctor, like a specialist. Or you could even try one of those tutor things, like Sylvan. I haven't been there but I have heard that it is good. Even your teacher might suggest something. I wouldn't go off the medication, because sometimes it's bad to quit medication suddenly. Talk to your doctor first, before anything else. I hope this helps, I really do.

Answer 4

What meds are you on? You're right in thinking that it's the meds. Psych meds most definitely affect one's ability to learn and focus. They might make you FEEL better but they don't actually MAKE you better. You're finding that out

It sounds like your previous depression was a long time ago.

It's been my experience that depression is NOT a chemical imbalance in the brain but rather the person's response to a difficult situation in their life.

If you feel that that situation has resolved, it's very likely that you'd be OK without the meds. Check with your Doc, though. You need to come off the meds in a supervised program. Oh! Don't let him talk you out of it if this is what you want.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Wow. Well, it's obvious that the medication is effecting you. If you're getting off of the medication then that would be best. If you think of hurting yourself, try making a list. A list of all things that make you happy. Such as a spouse, pet, friend, etc. I wouldn't think that the medication would keep you from excelling in your classes. Maybe it's something different. Wow. But you should go to a sycologist.

Answer 6

I understand what your going through, I really do.

I would talk with your Doctor. Stopping your medications is not the answer, please talk with your Doctor you may need to change your medications, which happens to many people.

One think I noticed regarding your statement is memory problems. I have the same problem, but I am narcoleptic it maybe worth checking out.

Narcolepsy may cause you to experience serious problems in both the professional and personal parts of your life. Others may perceive your undiagnosed condition as lazy, lethargic or rude. Your performance may suffer at school or work.

Answer 7

I take it, you are on ant-depressants. It is possible that you may have developed adult ADD. Adult form of attention deficit syndrome. Talk to your Dr. there are several medications that can help you. My friend was the same way, til college, it was a bit of shock, but she is doing great now. Only quit your other meds under the Dr.s' advice. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

You really dont need to stop your medication.You will have withdrawal from the meds and your depression will come back stronger than before.i think what your experiencing now is called generalized anxiety disorder. In stressful times, your mind will race and you have trouble focusing and concentrating on things like tests.Go back to your doctor,explain your symptoms, let them try and give you something to help you before you take any drastic measures like quitting your meds. Good luck to you.

Answer 9

First of all you need to ask yourself..is there something that is bothering you a lot?..appearnace or anything?..if yes then go visit a psychiatrist or talk to you parents about it.
Take care.

Answer 10

Change your diet- you have low endorphins (hurting yourself) and low blood sugar (poor memory). Here's a quiz to test yourself
http://www.hypoglycemia.org/hypo_test.asp