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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by n_wolfie on May 12, 2013, at 23:31:13
I've been sporadically (2-4 times per week) taking 5 mg of valium for the last 6 mos. About 2 mos ago I started having vocabulary issues and difficulty with word retrieval and articulation. I'm terrified that these are long term side effects of the valium usage. I've experienced depression related cognitive and memory issues before, but have never had word retrieval, vocabulary or writing problems. Could this be related to my valium usage (I've stopped taking it with no withdrawal problems) and if so, is it reversible? I feel stupid, and it's taking a serious toll on my self esteem, not to mention contributing to my already substantial depression and anxiety issues.
Posted by Phillipa on May 13, 2013, at 9:54:17
In reply to valium cognition problems, posted by n_wolfie on May 12, 2013, at 23:31:13
Seriously after 40 some odd years of benzo useage almost daily. And still on valium. I've never had a problem. They are good meds with about the least side effects of any med. So safe that now medicaire has added them back into their formulary and now pays for them. When they have not advised against antipsychotics especially in older folks over the age of 65. So no I don't feel it's related to valium. I'd suspect it's this depression & anxiety that sounds like it might still be present. What other meds are you taking? Phillipa
Posted by Hugh on May 13, 2013, at 12:26:52
In reply to valium cognition problems, posted by n_wolfie on May 12, 2013, at 23:31:13
Benzos can cause cognition problems. But if yours were caused by Valium, I doubt very much that they're permanent.
Posted by cassandracomplex on May 14, 2013, at 13:49:56
In reply to valium cognition problems, posted by n_wolfie on May 12, 2013, at 23:31:13
Benzodiazepines and their deleterious effect on cognition have been well-documented in the medical literature for years - especially when used chronically/daily.
However, I have discovered that many of the cognitive issues I had on Valium - due to its extremely long half-life - were less prominent on Klonopin, which has a much shorter half-life.
When my tolerance to Klonopin begins to go up, I simply switch back to Valium for 3 to 4 days and then resume taking my standard dose of Klonopin.
These cognitive issues are both related to length of time while on the benzo (and many, many people are not even AWARE that they're having cognitive difficulties since they've been taking benzos for so long) but also related to dose. But you are on a relatively low dose.
Did anything else change two months ago? Any other medication added? Many drugs can increase the cognitive effects of benzodiazepines (a list of 816 drugs can be found here: http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/diazepam.html). However, MOST of these interactions are mild in nature, before anyone freaks out. There are only 11 major interactions.
But if you did add a new medication or change the dosing of any other medication you're taking, it could be related to the combination (and perhaps you could take a lower dose, if so, or switch benzodiazepines).
This is the end of the thread.
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