Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

My parent is on an antidepressant and has been having short term memory problems. She thinks it might be the medication and has taken herself off of it. Do you have any opinions about this?

Answer

There are several things your mother should consider. First, that she was put on a medication for a reason, that is depression. The depression still needs to be treated, just as high blood pressure would still need to be treated as one is adjusting to different medications. Starting a medication is serious. Often times the medication is gradually increased to reach the proper dosage. I suggest your mother talk with her physician before discontinuing any medication. It needs to be determined if the medication needs to be discontinued and the proper manner in which to do it. Some medications are safe to stop abruptly and other need to be tapered. The physician can also determine if another medication might be more suitable. Finding the right medication is a ongoing process. Whatever the side effects may be, one always has to weigh the benefits of taking the medication versus the risks of not.

As to whether the medication is impairing memory, your mother needs to discuss this with her doctor. All medications can carry side effects, but it important to determine with her physician if the medication is causing this particular problem. It may be the medication or there may be another underlying medical reason. Only those in the medical profession can make that determination.

I recommend that she speaks with her physician about her concerns. If discontinuing the medication is warranted then it should be done under the physician's care.

3/12/98

Emily Carton MA, LISW, is a licensed social worker who works with Elder Options, a private care social service firm in the DC Metropolitan Area. She is also an is an intern in Bibliotherapy at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington D.C.