Posted by scott-d-o on January 7, 2004, at 22:28:48
In reply to Re: Long Term Klonopin Usage, posted by Kon on January 7, 2004, at 18:56:58
I'm not sure I understand the debate in this thread. If anything, Klonopin *protects* neurons from damaging excitatory neurotoxins like glutamate by potentiating GABA transmission. Any memory dysfunctions resulting from it's usage should cease upon withdrawal. If anything, the patient's brain cells will be in better condition after treatment than if they had never started it in the first place. This is, of course, assuming a *slow taper* off the medication.
Besides, if a patient is experiencing this side effect, their dosage is most likely too high. The patient needs to start tapering off until they can function normally. If the patient cannot find anxiety relief from benzodiazepines without experiencing memory dysfunction they should seek other types of medication (anti-psychotics maybe?), or cognitive behavorial therapy may also be helpful in the long-term.
scott
poster:scott-d-o
thread:295342
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040105/msgs/297876.html