Q. I read Patty's last Newsletter in regard to the cognitive effects of her meds, and it prompted me to question whether or not my own meds were the cause of a deterioration in my own mental abilities.

Currently, I am taking 1200 mgs. of Neurontin, 150 mg. of Wellbutrin, and .05 mg of Xanax as need for panic.

I am also taking Fioricet and Baclofen for the herniated discs in my cervical spine, due to an old car accident injury.

Since being put on the Neurontin and Wellbutrin, I have had a noticeably hard time remembering things and my writing skills have deteriorated. To be perfectly blunt, I feel like an idiot! I am confused, as I have been taking the Fioricet and Baclofen awhile and wonder if this has an effect on my problem as well.

A. Two questions about the same problem with anticonvulsants in one day (someone else asked about Dilantin). There are a lot of possible explanations. First, it could be the Neurontin causing the problem. Xanax can also cause memory problems. Second, it could be your illness is causing the problem if depression and/or anxiety are present. Third, Wellbutrin is a lousy drug if you have anxiety, and it is pretty rare that it works at this low a dose even for a simple depression. Fourth, the Baclofen and Fioricet can cause some problems, and it may be worse when the sum total of all you are taking is added up.

I do not know if you have bipolar or BPD, so cannot make any suggestions for alternatives. Clearly the status quo is unacceptable to you and needs to be discussed with your physician.