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A drug that can erase memories

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spaceyourbass

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This drug is propanonol. Originally used for hypertension, a therapist discovered that with high doses, this drug can erase memories that cause PTSD. So if a soldier has had a very recent traumatic experience and is recalling the experience in a therapist's office, the therapist can offer the soldier a high dose of propanonol. If it works, the soldier won't have to live his entire life with PTSD. He may still be able to recall the incident, but the fear will be gone. The emotional connection to the memory has been erased. I think they're only using it for soldiers who will no longer be fighting. We don't want any completely fearless soldiers charging out in the open during a firefight.

Propanonol has also been successfully used to treat rape victims (even a woman who was raped when she was 12). So the drug can also help with bad memories from very long ago.

What do you guys think? I'm interested in an advanced discussion of the mechanism of action, but philosophers are welcome. Should we be erasing memories? Do memories, even horrible ones, make us who we are or make us better people?
 
High doses of propranolol/atenolol doesnt sound all that safe to be honest. Both are used in psychiatry to relax patients with anxiety disorders but im not sure how it could possibly "erase" a memory anymore than say a benzo can.
 
There is no such drug like "propanolol", but rather "propranolol", a non-selective beta-antagonist which lowers blood pressure. No chance that this one will 'erase' any memories. Such statements are ridiculous. :\

UnfortunateSquid talked about the hypnotic benzodiazepines, which act centrally at GABA-receptors, and therefore, are able to prevent memories, like of the said unpleasant endoscopic examinations. Both (groups of) subtances are not related in any way.

- Murphy
 
High doses of propranolol/atenolol doesnt sound all that safe to be honest. Both are used in psychiatry to relax patients with anxiety disorders but im not sure how it could possibly "erase" a memory anymore than say a benzo can.
Click to expand...

The argument here is not that it prevents the formation of new LTMs, let alone erasing prior ones (we as of yet have no idea how/"where" the brain implements LTM storage).

If I understand correctly, the propranolol functions as an aid in exposure therapy, breaking the learned association between the memory and the panic-response (which functions in bringing about 'flashbacks').

ebola
 
How is this supposed to work if the compound just lowers the blood pressure? Do I miss something? :\

- Murphy
 
Much of the panic response is mediated via a feedback loop of the physiology of panic and our perception of it. Beta-blockers reduce this dynamic.

I bet a similar procedure could be used with any anxiolytic (well, unless you're on a high enough dose to just get sloppy as all hell). Why not a GABAnergic? Perhaps its amnesic effects, even when subtle, reduce learning ability, including 'lessons' which break prior learned associations.

ebola
 
I wouldn't doubt it, as benzos may just as easily be used as a method to avoid the work necessary to change habitual thinking patterns rather than as tools to facilitate such work.

ebola
 
I think you peeps should do some research on the origin of PTSD, and similar conditions like DID (formerly known as MPD)

Sometimes erasing these traumatic memories really isn't the best course of action.
(in my humble opinion, at least)
 
A weird little fact that might help us figure out whatever the OP is trying to say. Propranolol more readily passes through the BBB than any of the similar drugs like atenolol. For whatever reason its implicated in causing nightmares/vivid dreams because of this.
 
MurphyClox said:
How is this supposed to work if the compound just lowers the blood pressure? Do I miss something? :\

- Murphy
Click to expand...

[I am not anything... least of all a neurologist. Grain of salt and all that.]

All receptors modulate glutamatergic currents allosterically, if I'm not mistaken; the main difference between them seems to be in what brain regions they produce this effect.

The mechanism by which propranolol would erase memories, then, would be to induce long-term depression in the amygdala/hippocampus by suppressing glutamatergic neurotransmission there or something?

It should also be remembered that propranolol and certain other beta blockers are 5-HT1A antagonists. That could have something to do with it.
 
Propranolol for PTSD
Blunting Memories and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
http://post-traumatic-stress-disorder.suite101.com/article.cfm/propranolol_for_ptsd

Propranolol (brand name “Inderel”) is a cheap, effective beta blocker used to treat heart problems and anxiety. It is also thought to prevent the onset of post-traumatic stress, when given after traumatic events. This may seem like a promising find, however, many have expressed strong ethical concerns.

....
Click to expand...

[EDIT: Rest of article removed at author's request, please visit the link to read it in full. hoptis]
 
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I think you peeps should do some research on the origin of PTSD, and similar conditions like DID (formerly known as MPD)
Click to expand...

Are you suggesting that we get in psych labs and start doing primary research? ;)
Otherwise, I think that my degree in psychology should be sufficient. ;)

Sometimes erasing these traumatic memories really isn't the best course of action.
(in my humble opinion, at least)
Click to expand...

What I've been trying to say, many times over, is that this procedure does not aim to (and cannot) erase or even repress memories.

ebola
 
yeah i read about this stuff in one of Eric Nestlers reviews on CREB.

It's more in the realm of neurobiology I think than pharmacology, definately not chemistry.

Clonidine also disrupts "cognitive function" which is an alpha adrenergic agonist.
 
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