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Lupron and Memory Loss ???

Mensch
Mensch
Hi all,

A few months ago I wrote for advice because when we went to the first time to an ART clinic (after trying for 1 1/2 yrs) the doc suggested going directly to IVF since it was the most effective, and our insurance paid for it (which may not be the case forever). We decided to take the flying leap and I'm now 4 days into Lupron shots now and am scheduled for my first IVF the third week of January. I've begun doing research on all the meds and have just read about a pretty terrifying Lupron side effect: memory loss (supposedly sometimes irreversable)!!! I'm pretty tough. I'm willing to grit my teeth and handle injecting myself with needles, cramps, bloating, mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain or loss, etc... but memory loss? I mean, that is equivalent to identity loss, self loss. So far, the only effects I've noticed have been mood swings. I'd like to pose two questions: 1) Has ANYONE on Lupron had any problems with memory loss? and 2) are there other pre-IVF substitutes out there that are safer (and is anyone using them)? Thanks so much and Happy New Year.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't think I had any memory loss from Lupron. We take it in very small doses. It is used for other things in high doses and that is usually when a lot of those other side effects can come into play.
I think you are safe.
deleted_user
deleted_user
When I was on Lupron, I didn't experience memory loss. I did, however, have the side effect of "stupidity". I was making stupid mistakes, had a hard time focusing when driving (I even ran through a railroad crossing when the arms were going down b/c my brain didn't register the need to stop), and couldn't remember simple things. My RE told me it was the Lupron.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Syndey03 is right about the stupid mistakes thing..that is my everyday. Forgetting normal stuff, but not long term things, I am on 20 mg right now twice a day and I am definitely experiencing brain malfunctions on the small scale.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I wasn't on lupron but during the process experienced similar things. I think we are just so side tracked with everything going on. I am not scatter brained but did stupid things like leaving my purse places and leaving the garage door or front door open all night. Just take a deep breath you will be ok.
scubagal
scubagal
Hi Mensch,

I'm glad to see this post so I can inform my DH of the possible "stupid" side effect! ha! I start the lupron on Sunday, and am scheduled (if all goes well) for ER on 1/29 - we are on a very close schedule! :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I just finished day 21 of Lupron and suprisingly enough had no side effects except for an occasional hot flash. I agree with lioness - people who are taking Lupron for endo or fibroids or cancer are taking higher doses for extended periods of time. I was only taking 10 units a day and really - felt great. As for memory loss, well, unfortunately I can't blame that on the Lupron - haha!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Didnt experience memory loss from Lupron but did have hot flashes, headaches. The headaches, I believe they came from caffeine withdraw. But other then the minor side effects, I think I did pretty good. And i think you should be fine.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oh geez. I am forgetful and spacey as it is.
Mensch
Mensch
I was also getting the impression that Endo, fybroid and cancer patients were taking much higher doses and were most likely to complain about memory loss. But I've had bad drug reactions in the past and find that sometimes scary side effects aren't listed by drug companies if they can get away with it. I was once on a very strong sulfide-based antibiotic, Bactrim, and ended up having symptoms similar to a stroke. Sudden weakness and pain in chest, inability to move my limbs, loss of consciousness (and ended up in the ER). The doc there said "bactrim can't do that." But then I found a website where lots of other people had the same symptoms, or had even died, and found out that the drug was banned in the UK for that reason. So when I came across websites where people listed memory loss and other lupron horrors, that scared me. Check out this link: http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=19010&name=LUPRON

So far I feel fine, though. Don't mean to scare anyone. Just want to stay aware. Scubagal, good luck!
turtlegirl
turtlegirl
but would you remember if you had memory loss?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't remember!..... Just kidding.
I don't think I did have any memory loss, but now that I have a bfp- My memory is shot!
I know that my RE told me not to look up Lupron horror stories on the internet because I wasn't taking as high a dose as for other conditions, and he didn't want me to freak out.
Mensch
Mensch
Funny ... folks didn't seem to foget who they were/where they were, but they forgot words and described it as a kind of "brain fog," which sounds like the "stupidity" factor Sydney described. Well, I can handle that ... so long as it goes away when I stop taking the hormone :)
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