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All the long term benzo users

I didn't necessarily have amnesia as I could recall most of the things that happened to me (although benzos did kill a bit of my memory at the time) but I did have a hard time recalling what order things had happened to me. Like I would recall what I did last week and it would be stuff that I did the week before that, etc. Made me fall asleep during shitty movies too.
 
Kid Ikarus, your description describes my valium use perfectly. Yet klonapin and xanax have no effects on my memory order at all.
 
Yes, I would certinly say that my years of Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin use have taken a toll on my memory, I have also lost my ability to remember explicit details about events and whatnot.. another bitch of a side effect is that without benzos, I suffer really bad anxiety, depression, and I can't fall asleep easy, once I do get to sleep I have no choice but to sleep 10-14 hours, anything less and I am so tired I can't proform even the simplest of tasks..
 
Oh my, I never put 2 and 2 together that the reason for the past two years or so I havent been able to function normally unless I dont have at the very least 12 hours of sleep. I have been, using benzo's a bit more often than I should for about that same amount of time. Is there anyone else that has notcied this effect. Btw besides the fact that I am probably just an idiot, does anyone else really like benzo's because that actually feel like a normal human being when they are on them? I am diagnosed w/ both depression and anxiety and am figuring that is why they make me feel, human.
 
Can benzo's cause permanent memory problems? I take on average about 10-15mg of Xanax per week which isn't that much compared to some people I know, but I've noticed my memory is nowhere near what it used to be. I always blamed it on the almost-daily marijuana use, I just assumed that the benzo amnesia only effected you while under the influence, ie you forget what happened the next day after popping 6mg of Xanax and drinking a few beers......
 
As to permanent memory problems the answer is no. There were some alarming studies which seemed to show permanent imparment on some types of tests. These have since been pretty much discredited (what was going on was that when the tests were given first to control and benzo group the control remembered the test itself better. Months later then when the groups are retested and the benzo people have been abstinant they still perform worse probably at least partially because the controls remembered the earlier test and they did not.
What I have noticed is that they make me more likely to fall into severe melacholic depression (alot like being drunk and depressed) especially when I take them at higher than prescribed dosages (i.e. binge). I also find that klonopin (which I am prescribed 2mg a day) often just seems to brighten my day, especially my social interactions with others. I feel much more myself etc.. but when I am alone it pushes me towards depression.
Also withdrawal is a horrendous bitch that can take a long time during which you are paranoid and anxious. Kinda sucks....but I really like the positive effects. I think II should slowly ramp down and then just save them for certain occasions.
 
Have you people really noticed INCREASED amnesia when kept at the same dose over a period of time? I mean I know that a certain amount of tolerance to amnesia has developed in me. I can now take
doses that once would have acutely resulted in amnesia without that occurance.
 
I'm sorry to tell u guys but benzodiazepines cause brain damage.
I know lots of benzo addicts who are fucked,seriously,i also know hundreds of heroin addicts who are fine!
Seriously stay away from regular benzo use,this is one of the worst drugs for u.
It fucks up your health,your mind,your family etc.
Over here in the uk,the drug councillors can't emphasize enough about the dangers of benzo's +how they fuck u up.
They really alter your brain after a while,U can always spot a benzo head a mile off,pale skin,sweating etc.
carefull lads,
Pete,UK.
"SELAH"
[ 07 May 2002: Message edited by: italyouth ]
 
I would have to argue with the statement that benzos cause permanate brain damage - they can definityl cause longe term memory problems butyou WILL eventually recover .. there are DEFINITLY l0ong term effects that can be a bitch..
*) Long term memory loss as well as totally killing short term memory as well..
*) Forgetting the most simple things
*) Sleep problems - after long term use as a sleep aide, when you stop, you may find sleep does NOT COME easy
*) Addiction with the most horrible withdrawal, in rare instance the withdrawal can be fatal...
Anyway, benzos are great, they are some of the most dynamic drugs (next to opioids).. if you're going to use, KNOW THE POTENTIAL RISKS AND BE READY TO DEAL WITH THEM!
 
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