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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Meds for epilepsy

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Columbia, SC

Great morning everyone, I been realizing for a few yrs that my memories & struggles to get words out even when the words are on the tip of my tongue. I knew my neurologist told me a few yrs ago that's why he put me on lamotrigine and lower my mg of Vimpat to 100 twice daily. He said because Vimpat effects your memories over time. I'm just wondering if anyone else heard of this or they experience similar issues. I lost my father in 2019 to Alzheimer and at times it irritates me I'm only 54 live… read more

July 10
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Most if not all siezure drugs have the side effects on Memory . Then there are the seizures to add in. They can also cause memory issues .

July 10
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I only know a little about Vimpat because I was only on it for a short time until my MD took me off of it. Side effect for Vimpat are here if that helps any.
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/vimpat-side-effects.html

I've been on Lamotrigine a longtime and it's been holding me well. You probably have a greener thumb than I. Take care of yourself and I'll pray that the memory issues resolve themselves. I like taking the drives to nowhere as well
Nathan

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/vimpat-side-effects.html
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/vimpat-side-effects.html
July 10
MyEpilepsyTeam

What a lovely morning message — and congratulations on the new home in Columbia! Gardening is actually great therapy, even without a green thumb. 🌱

Your neurologist's thinking makes a lot of sense. Anti-seizure medications, including Vimpat (lacosamide), can affect memory and word-finding over time. This is a well-recognized Show Full Answer

What a lovely morning message — and congratulations on the new home in Columbia! Gardening is actually great therapy, even without a green thumb. 🌱

Your neurologist's thinking makes a lot of sense. Anti-seizure medications, including Vimpat (lacosamide), can affect memory and word-finding over time. This is a well-recognized side effect, and your doctor adjusting your dosage while adding Lamotrigine was a thoughtful way to try to balance seizure control with protecting your cognitive function. Memory challenges with epilepsy are very common and can show up in a few ways:

- Difficulty recalling words (that "tip of the tongue" feeling)
- Short-term memory gaps
- Trouble learning new information

These can be caused by both seizure activity itself and certain medications. The good news is there are strategies that can help. A MyEpilepsyTeam member recommended writing down important information right after conversations to help with recall. Memory-training approaches have also shown real benefit for people with epilepsy.

Since seizure control itself helps protect memory, keeping up with your medications consistently is really important — missing doses can trigger seizures, which can further impact memory over time. It's worth having an open conversation with your new neurologist in Columbia about how your memory has been since the medication adjustment. They can help track whether things are improving and explore additional options if needed. You're clearly taking great care of yourself — keep enjoying those drives and those house plants! 🌿

July 10

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