Posted by yxibow on November 13, 2008, at 1:37:01
In reply to Re: long term use of benzos, posted by jakejohnson007 on November 12, 2008, at 22:33:02
> Depression as a S/E makes sense since Benzos are depressants by nature. This S/E is probably more pronounced for those prone to depression.
>
> The cognitive side effects are the ones that really worry me. I'm 22. What are the long-term cognitive side effects of taking Klonopin for, say, 40 years?Depends on the dose. 0.5-1mg, probably nothing much, that's relatively easy to come off of. 8mg, it is your body weight, time, and a whole load of factors that can't be determined as to when you will become used to, habituated (not addicted), to a benzodiazepine.
Memory issues are a real problem with benzodiazepines for some people, especially at high doses -- I have trimmed my dose of Valium but I can't seem to go below a certain point without having breakthrough symptoms. And I've been on it for probably 4 years, no benzodiazepine now gives me a "zing".
Your GABA receptors become used to the agonizt effect and only time and a crystal ball will know how long it will take to undo the effects at GABA-A so that once again benzodiazepines can be used and have a "zing" back again.
But don't mistake it, they may still be working in the background.
I don't know about 40 years, but even 4 or 10 years, you're talking about short to medium term memory loss. Long term memories will still be there for the most part, unless you are elderly which then complicates things I would imagine -- not to single out a group because there are plenty of seniors with sharp memories.
Benzodiazepines, besides affecting anxiety, sleep, and anticonvulsant activity, are also amnesics. Hence the memory loss issue.
I do have problems with memory loss but it isn't necessarily 100% psychiatric, it may have some psychological ramifications. However I do notice it when having to go back up on my Valium. But I have to be functional on some extent. But mine is a special case. Everyone is different.
I hope that answers some thoughts on the topic
-- tidings
Jay
poster:yxibow
thread:862339
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081106/msgs/862744.html