text: how does long term depression and depression medication effect memory and speech patterns? i have memory loss and my speech is getting slurred.  my reflexes are slower than normal. that's interesting that you say that. i know a lot of people have said that's not normal, but i have had a similar experience. i am currently recovering from a period of serious depression, and i'm on anti-depressants. i have noticed that my memory is significantly poorer than it used to be, i really struggle to remember names  or how to drive to places i've been to a couple of times before. my spelling has been really affected (i mix up the spelling of a lot of words now, where i never did before) however, i have not noticed that my speech is getting slurred. that does worry me, and you should definitely see your doctor about that. i went to my doctor to ask about my memory loss and concentration loss. she said that she didn't think that it was a result of the medication, and the only way to determine if it was would be to stop taking the medication, and she doesn't think that's a good idea right now. so she thinks it must be side effects of the depression, but has no idea how long it will take me to get to normal, or if i will. obviously that really worries me! i wanted to let you know that you are not alone, but unfortunately i have no answers!!