Posted by Abby Cunningham on December 31, 2008, at 12:52:21
In reply to Permanent damage from Benzodiazepines?, posted by crittercuddler on December 30, 2008, at 17:35:01
Hi Michelle,
I have been on benzos almost the same length of time as Phillipa and I do not believe that they have affected my cognition to any degree. I consulted with the top benzo guy from Boston in the country (head of the benzo study some years back), a psychiatrist who is famous and he told me they were safe to take in such small doses for years especially since I never increased and in fact have decreased the equivalent of 25mg. of valium and take a very small dose.Also, you are early off the benzo---in fact most of the forum administrators say give yourself 18 months at least.
You may belong to the Yahoo benzo group; I do. There is plenty of evidence that people do recover and live normal lives post-benzo. In the following article, six studies were conducted and 3 found no evidence whatsoever of any decline (the date on this is 2005 whereas the date on the article you copied is 2000) I agree that we need more studies on this; but I would not worry about it! Anxiety itself can cause cognitive decline if you think about it.You can't go back, so go forward in this new year! Best wishes. Abby
> Is anyone keeping up to date on research about whether "chronic" benzodiazepine usage can cause permanent damage to the brain? Specifically, by permanently altering the GABA receptor and GABAs actions in the brain?
>
> I have discussed this issue on another forum here, under the same posting name.
> http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=11415.0
>
> If you are interested, please read my posts there to understand my line of reasoning for being concerned.
>
> I am 6 months benzo free from a usage of 1.5 years. I am not any better than I was when I first weaned off in many ways. In some ways, I am actually worse. :-(
>
> I am terrified.
>
> Thanks.
> -michelle
>
>
poster:Abby Cunningham
thread:871465
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081223/msgs/871635.html