Hi Batty, I have not taken Depakote, Risperdal, and Trazadone but I have taken Lamictal and Seroquel. Like Seroquel, Risperdal can have a profound disassociating effect and can definitely reduce spatial and perceptual clarity as well as short term memory. Now I know Lithium has definitely caused significant short term memory loss for me, and I know Lithium is a type of mood stabilizer, therefore it it definitely possible that Depakote could have similar effects, especially over time. The Trazadone is an antidepressent as you already know and, and may or may not contribute to numbness. We've communicated before and you know that I push for explanations outside of the box. I believe in the possibility that 1 of 3 things can potentially happen? 1)Mental state changes in the presence of, and with the assistance of, neuroleptic medications (for good or for bad). 2)Mental state changes regardless of, and outside of, neuroleptic effects. and 3)Neuroleptic effects alter perception of accurate mental state. I believe that your short-term memory loss (3) as well as issues like anhedonia can reinforce misunderstood mental states: distress can become strong enough to cloud perception. Just keep things in perspective; if the your regiment is helping you otherwise, than try and keep the undesireble effects in perspective. Otherwise, consider having your doctor decrease something (maybe Riperdol- b/c has strongest mental side effects, next maybe Trazadone). I like to think of meds as a coping mechanism, a thought stopper, and a perspective enhancer: NOT A DIRECT SOLUTION. I have similar STM problems in grad-school come exam time, actually come any time. I get so angry about it, but I continue to remind myself how much more insighful my difficult experiences have inspired me to become over other "non-sufferers". Pain does some things.. You must continue to do the same.
