Posted by Else on July 14, 2001, at 20:54:06
In reply to Re: regular Klonopin users: Does it impair memory » Else, posted by Janelle on July 14, 2001, at 16:02:45
There is no doubt in my mind that Klonopin impairs memory but I'm not entirely sure that this is a bad thing. I have always had this exceptional memory. I made it through high school without studying, simply because I could vaguely overhear what the teacher said and store this information somehow, whithout even trying. Every drug I've taken that was effective against anxiety caused me some level of memory impairment ( this includes most benzos and SSRIs.) It's a price I'm willing to pay considering I can probably spare the lost learning skills. Something tells me memory and anxiety are closely related. Aren't the most embarassing moments in your life those you can remember the most vividly? In any event, this has led me to believe that benzos just make me "normal". Most people are not as anxious as me and they clearly do not possess the memory I possess. I, for example, am the only person I know who can remember a phone number the first time I hear it without even writing it down. Well, I can't do that anymore but really, so what.
> As a long-term Klonopin user (1 - 1.5 mg/day, depending on conditions), I didn't think about it impairing memory until you raised the question, and now I'm wondering because my long-term memory ain't what it used to be. However, I think that this is due to there being years now of incredible stress in my life, so much to deal with and think about that my brain can only "hold" so much. I've never heard anything about Klonopin impairing memory. Hmmmm ...
>
> If it has impaired my l-t memory, I'd rather have that than live with the anxiety that Klonopin helps me with.
>
> As far as Klonopin being addictive and having withdrawal if you go off it, it's "less" addictive than the short acting benzo's and is said to be the LEAST addictive, but IS nonetheless addictive and should be tapered off GRADUALLY.
poster:Else
thread:68599
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010714/msgs/70151.html