Posted by steve on March 16, 2001, at 19:25:00
In reply to Re: Memory Loss---Some possible antidotes, posted by jb on March 16, 2001, at 8:50:17
My understanding is that while some of Klonopin's amnesic effects are short-term and due to it's hindering brain function by blocking gaba receptors, long-term usage also seems to cause morphological changes which account for the sort of "loss of personality" some attribute to long-term bzd use.
While I won't dispute that there are reports of noradrenergics and dopaminergics helping in the short-term with cognition, it seems to me to be paradox that one would suggest that they, which in the long-term cause changes to the brain structure, could help memory, as changes to the brain structure invariably are a loss of entropy, and ipso facto memory.
S.
> Hi. Short-term amnesia seems to be associated with a variety of the AD's and benzo's. I've had substantial problems with Klonopin, for example. Also, many of these side effects are not mentioned in studies, because the studies are quite short, such as 6 weeks. Many of the studies, for example, don't mention sexual dysfunction, but most of the AD's cause this to some degree.
>
> In terms of antidotes and augmentation strategies, there are two meds that I am going to discuss with my psychdoc. The first is Modafinil, it's increases mental alertness/cognition. It was orginally used to treat narcolepsy, but has since been used in these other areas.
>
> The second alternative I'm going to discuss is Selegiline. It seems to have neuroprotective effects and enhances memory in people with Parkinson's. At 10 to 15 mg/day, it achieves its full MAO-B inhibition. I also have found it to be sexually stimulating.
>
> Lastly, I realize these two drugs are contraindicated for most, if not all, AD's. However, experienced psychopharmacologists seem to be willing to cautiously explore these in combination with other drugs.
>
> Just some thoughts to explore with a good psychopharmacologist - that is, a pscyhdoc who has a really good handle on meds and "tips and tricks." Many psychodocs don't have this experience/passion, I've found.
>
> John B
poster:steve
thread:56559
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010310/msgs/56701.html