I Am On Risperdal. Why Do I Have Memory Problems And Trouble Processing Information

Question

Originally asked by Community Member womanc

Why do I forget little things at work and little things of what people tell me? I have now lost 3 jobs because of this and doubt I can ever work again. I can work and am well, just memory problems affect me. HELP PLEASE

Answer

Hi womanc,

I understand how you feel about having lost three jobs because of your trouble remembering things at work.

You have to weigh the benefits of taking a certain medication versus the side effects.

I have a good friend who claims his short-term memory was shot because of the Risperdal. This could possibly be a side effect of the Risperdal. Especially if you never had memory problems before going on the Risperdal.

Now, although I have been honest about this, please, stay on your medication and talk this over with your psychiatrist. The drug companies aren’t always honest about possible side effects of their medication. Your doctor should take your concern seriously and suggest things he thinks you can do to compensate for the memory loss.

Lastly, there are “brain power” exercises you could do to boost your memory. Sometimes, the library has books you can check out on this subject, or maybe Barnes & Noble or Borders or Amazon.com has books on the subject.

It is possible you can work at a job, it is simply also possible that you haven’t yet found the right job. Be hopeful.

Regards,

Christina

You should know Answers to your question are meant to provide general health information but should not replace medical advice you receive from a doctor. No answers should be viewed as a diagnosis or recommended treatment for a condition.

Answered by: Christina Bruni

Published On: March 24, 2009