I now know why I’ve become low IQ

Medications
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I take 2 APs: olanzapine 20 mg and risperidone 1 mg, plus citalopram 20 mg. This combo can cause memory issues and make it difficult to think clearly. It’s partly because of such a high dose of olanzapine plus adding on another antipsychotic to it.

That said, I simply can’t change my meds. This is the only combo to help me function in the last 12 years. I just have to accept I’m not a quick thinker, I can’t problem solve, and I have trouble learning because it’s so hard to remember

Top my meds with my brain lesions and I’m screwed. I’ll just have to work on radical acceptance.

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I definitely understand and have similar issues @LilyoftheValley

For me I do think that the problems are due in part from the schizophrenia disease itself. Not just the meds.

Not sure if that helps you accept but hopefully. It has helped me. My psych told me this and it helped me so I hope it can help you.

Best wishes :pink_heart:

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I asked my doc if olanzapine can cause memory issues. He said no.

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Accept your current limits but always strive to break them!

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I feel completely dumbed down. I used to be so sharp. I blame my first psychotic break. It destroyed my mind. I don’t really blame the meds.

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What do you think about seeing a neuropsychologist for cognitive remediation to optimize your potential?

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My psychosis dumbed me down, then I healed from it off meds, then I were put on meds, and the funny thing is that the meds kind of causes the same state as if you’ve had psychosis, slower thinking, worse memory etc. I also used to be pretty sharp. Exercise and diet can make it better though - that’s proven.

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I can’t afford that. I make $600/mo at most at my minimum wage job

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I eat healthy and exercise regularly (3-5 days per week)

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@Speedy , according to the Mayo Clinic it’s a less common side effect but still a side effect.

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Are you sure? I have issues with my memory and doc was certain it’s not the med.

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@Speedy , scroll down a lot and it’s under Side Effects then under that it’s under Less Common

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Ok I’ll check it out!

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@Speedy , there’s 2 separate lists of more common and less common side effects. It’s under the first list of less common side effects

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so sorry…I only take one ap.

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Olanzapine really had a strange effect on my condition. I felt dumbed down a lot but if it’s working regarding the illness - then it works and changing it may cause problems.

I hate how APs mess with your mind but they also straighten it up from the weirdness of schizophrenia so it really is a predicament.

Are you allowed to use modafinil? It’s a form of a stimulant and some docs allow for it to be used for psychotic illnesses cognitive decline

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I don’t do well when meds give me energy. It’s like I need to be totally sedated in order to function. It’s due to a combo of my sza and my complex ptsd I’ve been told.

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Oh my. How do you manage to strong arm so much sedation :smiling_face_with_tear:

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It’s hard to feel motivated that’s for sure. I’m also prescribed a prescription called hydroxyzine which is sedating but not addictive for anxiety. I haven’t been taking it lately @MisterApple

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I feel like I’m really simpleton with my body but I believe my true eyes and spirit have been in other bods and done good work n abled in other bods n not in my own bod because I’m not in my own bod as such .

Also I have trauma with my body being etc n exhausted n empty or not myself so complicated.

But yeah I reckon I’m simpleton in a way as well .

In another way I don’t think I am but am abled .

Maybe you are abled more in a spiritual or other way too .

Best wishes for our eyes and ability and feel wonderful etc .:slightly_smiling_face::two_hearts::folded_hands:t4:

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