@bruceg, @lizalucier, Good evening. I do not have experience with seizures or the medication Lamotrigine. However, I have had a couple of years of increasing recent memory issues and what is commonly called foggy brain. I too was told by my neurologist that the memory issues will probably not get any better and I began reducing the stressors that seemed to bring it on. I gave up my volunteer role as the marketing director for our local community center. I was unable to continue playing mahjongg unless someone nudged me through the Charleston, or tile passing phase of the game. I became a stay at home, not wanting to get lost even with a GPS, not wanting to make selections and decisions at the grocery store.

And then, my new PCP suggested that the cognitive issues might be due to anxiety. I had been on gabapentin for a couple of years and my body was used to it. At 900 mg taken in the evening, I got just enough to help with the needles in my hands, wrists, and arms. ....and so we discounted that as a potential cause. I do not use opioids for pain, preferring medical cannabis so that wasn't the cause. Finally, I complied with her request that I go through a neuropsychological evaluation which is a four hour series of tests of cognitive function.

Those tests strongly supported a diagnosis of anxiety....fear of not making the right decision, fear of forgetting to take a medication, fear of social situations because I couldn't remember what I had said in the last 30 seconds to a minute. With my friends, I used to ask, "please tell me what I just said to you". Cognitive issues were also causing some pretty severe fatigue just from the effort of trying to remember.

Even genetics were not in my favor. My father was one of nine children, including his twin brother. Both twins and three other siblings developed Alzheimer's and lived out their days in a secure facility. So of course, I had an irrational fear that my cognitive issues were actually the beginning of Alzheimer's.

When I went in for the follow-up, I was pleasantly relieved because there was no evidence of disease or brain deterioration. I was simply anxious about the pain from small fiber neuropathy (SFN). As it was explained to me, the anxiety about the pain creates more pain which then creates more anxiety and the beat just goes on. I began a graduated introduction to duloxetine taken in the morning. Suffice it to say, my memory is greatly improved, I enjoy social outings again and I am not afraid of getting lost. For medication, I use the system of putting the bottles for the next dosage in a tray. Then I know what needs to be taken when.

I can't imagine how difficult it must be to run a company. I had my own business for 20 years and there is a lot to keep track of and manage. I am shouting encouragement for you not to give up, for you to just keep fighting. This forum (Connect) is a great place to gather information and big doses of support that will help you master your challenges. Be free of suffering today....it is July 4th... celebrate. Chris

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