medications that dull thinking

[crazydiamond]

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I've got a bit of a problem.

After getting my BS 10 years ago, I've decided to come back apply. I thought it a good idea last year to "refresh" myself, ie, take some undergrad bio classes to a) get myself back into school mode and b) get some A's to show adcoms I've got what it takes (and improve upon my 3.45 ugpa).

Except that the class I took last fall I got a B in, and the two classes I just finished this spring, I got Bs in too. I feel so deflated 🙁

The problem is that despite more studying and focus, compared to my ugrad days, I am not getting better grades. When I take a test, I literally "blank out". Things I studied and knew front and back and suddenly can't recall. I have no problem with overall concepts. . it's more like involving specific words. Like given a definition, I have trouble coming up with the word. Most of my tests have been fill in the blank and multiple choice. . .the kind of questions that seem to be giving me the most trouble.

The problem is this kind of cognitive dulling is common with the two medications I'm on. And it doesn't affect just school, but day to day life as well. I wasn't on the meds in ugrad, but am now and will probably be for life. I remember being much sharper than I am now, being able to recall things more readily. I'm no dummy now, please make no mistake. . I'm just not at the top of my game. I'm pretty sure had I not been on these medications I'd probably have gotten As in the classes.

So, what are my options? I'm feeling pretty defeated regarding my grades, though I suspect I might still have a shot at DO. And I'm fine with that. But in interviews, I don't want to pin all my troubles on the meds, in fact I don't even want to talk about them at all. And since I have to be on these for the rest of my life. . .does anyone even want a doctor who isn't "at the top of his game", like ever?

I've been on several different meds and these are the ones that keep my condition under control. If new meds are developed in the future, then I may switch, but for now these are the meds that are pretty much it for me.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Well, you gotta think about this beyond just getting into medical school. You have to consider if you'll be able to keep up with the rigors of school. Only you can know that.

If you haven't already, talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication.

Other than that, you just got to put the best effort you can. You sound like you care a lot about patients and them having the best doctor they have. If you feel you aren't this person, there's nothing wrong with looking into other career options.

 

[Tom Applewood]

TopaDumb? (Topamax)

Just a wild guess... anyways, it's likely not the meds as much as it is your brain. You sound like me - BS (dual) 10 years ago, worked awhile in the real world and now back for round 2. It's just life, matey (matette?). Your BS at 18-23 yrs old involved a much different brain than you have today at 32-ish. I've had a terrible time keeping up with all these "kids" in pharmacy school, but it's possible. I got admitted with flying colors, I've passed all my classes - A's, B's, the occasional C, but who cares. It's tough. Really tough. We have a saying, "C's earn PharmD's". Not to make light of the honor, but seriously... it's tough. Surviving alone is an honor.

The challenge to your kids and marriage are going to be harder than just the challenge to your brain. Your brain will adapt, refurbish, and get stronger. Your kids and spouse are in for a real shock of adjustment, though, to you in professional-school-mode.

 

[TriagePreMed]

We have a saying, "C's earn PharmD's".

LOL the saying is "D's get degrees."