Memories

[NotAChevy]

I've now been on Strattera for about 18 months .. I've found it works well for me, and the side effects aren’t near what I hear others discuss (especially those on stimulants). However, I'm noticing a change in my memory that I'd like to discuss- aka is this normal, or just something odd relevant to myself only:

Since I was a young child, my memory hasn't always been the best. This was especially evident on tests when all that was needed was rote memory. Now, give me an essay-type test where I could include facts and an explanation- I could nail that!! Later in life, once I understood ADHD better, I just attributed it to that. My folks always claimed I didn't try hard enough. So, I would try harder, and still get the same results- bummer!

I did over the years develop some tricks to help me memorize things, but I was never really that good. But, once something sat in my head for a while, and it became a long-term memory, I could remember it forever- I still remember parts of a song we learned in 6th grade (1981?) to teach us the US Presidents.

However, since starting Strattera that long-term memory ability has been lost, and the short-term isn't any better. Is this a side effect of the drug? Or, would you say there could be something else causing this? I still remember to do basic things like taking care of myself, but things needing to be done have to be written down, or I'll totally forget them..

Any ideas??

[STEM_Dad]

My life experiences with memory seem to be similar to your own. My experience with Strattera (generic) is different regarding long term memory.

Without meds:

• My working memory is extremely bad

• My short term memory is unreliable (some things I remember, but there's a lot that I don't)

• My long-term narrative memory (experiential memory) is only somewhat impaired.

• My longer recall of facts, names, dates, etc is poor

With medication:

• Working memory is much better, almost to average neurotypical level (I think)

• Short term memory is much more reliable; I can often recall recent information on demand

• Long-term memory is about the same

• Recall of factual information since starting on Strattera seems to be better (but that might just be due to recency), but recall of info from before starting on Strattera seems to be the same as before

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Check with your doctor.

I'm not aware of any studies of atomoxetine and memory, but I did a check on Google Scholar to see if I could find any.

• A study with mice indicated improvement in long term memory and learning. (It was probably better recall of things they had learned since starting on the medication, but that's just my guess.)

• A study report titled "Atomoxetine enhances memory and proliferation in adult male rat hippocampus" yielded that a factor, at least, in the memory and learning improvement was due to "Proliferation of hippocampal cells..." I think that means that more cells grew there.

My thoughts: {That latter study suggests to me that new hippocampal pathways are being formed. The hippocampus is key for memory encoding and retrieval. New pathways might bypass old ones, instead of bolstering them, competing for use in your brain.}

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The best way to strengthen and retain old memories is to use them.

• Spend time thinking about the memories you want to be sure to retain.

• Tell your stories. Journal about your experiences. Make conversation with someone you shared those experiences with.

• Senses can help to bring back memories...like music from a concert you went to, smells from childhood (especially early childhood), looking at old photos, eating some favorite foods from your past. Also, focus on your feelings... many kept memories are kept for an emotional reason.

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Also take into consideration other health and age related factors. (Has your health changed since you started on Strattera?)

Or changes is habit, routine, diet, home or work environment. Any impactful change might have an effect on memory, especially if they have an effect on your sleep.