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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by orochi on November 23, 2014, at 16:39:07
Hi,
I read that there are studies which link benzos to dementia. Obviously they don't know if benzos are also bad if they're only taken occassionally. This is pretty bad news. I mean now I don't even know if taking a benzos 1 or 2 times a week for a longer period of time is actually safe or not. I always thought as long as you don't become addicted to them it's fine but the dementia stuff is scary.
Posted by Phillipa on November 23, 2014, at 18:11:06
In reply to Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now?, posted by orochi on November 23, 2014, at 16:39:07
No kidding as I'm older and been on them for 44 years. Too old to get off them? My pdoc doesn't sound concerned. But I no longer trust any doctor.
Posted by Phillipa on November 23, 2014, at 19:02:27
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » orochi, posted by Phillipa on November 23, 2014, at 18:11:06
Check this NYT article but especially read the loo's of comments Phillipa
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/24/study-links-anxiety-drugs-to-alzheimers-disease/?_r=0
Posted by Hugh on November 24, 2014, at 11:34:22
In reply to Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now?, posted by orochi on November 23, 2014, at 16:39:07
Benzos also cause bone density loss, by elevating prolactin levels, and they greatly increase frequency of falling in the elderly. I got off lorazepam -- with great difficulty -- two years ago because it started to cause terrible GI problems.
Posted by Phillipa on November 24, 2014, at 20:19:34
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now?, posted by Hugh on November 24, 2014, at 11:34:22
Really how high a dose? Phillipa
Posted by Hugh on November 25, 2014, at 10:35:59
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » Hugh, posted by Phillipa on November 24, 2014, at 20:19:34
I was taking 1.5 mg, a fairly low dose. It took me four months to do my taper. I did a crossover to Valium halfway through the taper.
Posted by Phillipa on November 25, 2014, at 20:33:26
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » Phillipa, posted by Hugh on November 25, 2014, at 10:35:59
Hugh the articles I've googled all say that long acting is worse. It would seem that the lawsuits would be rampant if this is true. Something tells me it's a drug scare so people will give up the less expensive benzos and pay more for something else. The world will be a maze of confused people if this is true. Phillipa
Posted by gadchik on November 26, 2014, at 7:24:31
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » Hugh, posted by Phillipa on November 25, 2014, at 20:33:26
Yes, they all say long acting benzos r worse. The whole thing has me greatly concerned. I'm tapering from Valium now. I c/o from .5mg klonopin(was on that once a day for 5 1/2 yrs).
Posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2014, at 9:30:40
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now?, posted by gadchik on November 26, 2014, at 7:24:31
Seriously are we all doomed then it doesn't make sense. I babbler friends with on facebook her pdoc just upped her ativan as going through a rough time. The millions and billions of people that are and were on these meds what happens to us. Again something like a gut feeling tells me that this isn't true for those that took as prescribed. That it's almost the same as the pain meds be it even tylenol & motrin causing heart attacks. I feel that it's all deterrants to get the drugs off the streets. So that brings me to legalized marijuana that was supposed to be ruining brains as being the best for anxiety, pain and the like. Doesn't it sound a bit political. Or is my brain fried? P
Posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2014, at 10:05:03
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » gadchik, posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2014, at 9:30:40
Posted by orochi on December 7, 2014, at 11:19:08
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now?, posted by Phillipa on November 26, 2014, at 10:05:03
I read an article which said they don't even know if it also applies to people who randomly take benzos! I think there was even a number around 200. People who had taken 200 or more doses of benzos were at bigger risk of dementia. 200 doses isn't much when you take it for a few years. If this is true then benzos would be totally dangerous and even taking them prn wouldn't be good. :/
Posted by Phillipa on December 7, 2014, at 20:49:25
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now?, posted by orochi on December 7, 2014, at 11:19:08
I so agree. Phillipa
Posted by former poster on December 11, 2014, at 1:50:34
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now?, posted by orochi on December 7, 2014, at 11:19:08
I too have been on and off them for 40 years. Mostly on. Many times people have told me I have an amazing above average memory and IQ. Instead of benzo use being the cause of dementia could it be the benzo discontinuation and withdrawal syndrome since it is terribly stressful life event, possibly traumatic event, since anxiety, stress, depression are also linked to dementia?
Posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2014, at 19:06:27
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » orochi, posted by former poster on December 11, 2014, at 1:50:34
I agree another ploy to get docs to order more expensive meds. You too that long . Which ones and what dose Thanks P
Posted by former poster on December 13, 2014, at 5:49:52
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » former poster, posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2014, at 19:06:27
Started valium in the 70's 2mg b.i.d
80's was xanax at half the maximum reccomended dose.
90's started clonazepam 2-4mg bid, have been on it since with only brief periods off.
I guess I'm on it for life, which may not be that long after reading this post.
Posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2014, at 18:06:04
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » Phillipa, posted by former poster on December 13, 2014, at 5:49:52
You must be almost my twin. But I did also take ativan & didn't take the klonopin felt suicidal at the time on it so was back on xanax and fine. Take .75mg of xanax at night & 7.5mg of valium. I guess we will be walking into stranger's homes soon. Phillipa
Posted by former poster on December 14, 2014, at 6:26:25
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » former poster, posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2014, at 18:06:04
>I guess we will be walking into stranger's homes soon.<
LOL.. Accidentally walked into the ladies rest room a few months back!
Posted by Phillipa on December 14, 2014, at 9:25:32
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » Phillipa, posted by former poster on December 14, 2014, at 6:26:25
Seriously do you feel the benzos still make you feel normal during the day so you can do what you have always done? I have so many fears. Assuming you are a male as I head for the ladies room. Phillipa
Posted by orochi on December 15, 2014, at 17:51:52
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » former poster, posted by Phillipa on December 14, 2014, at 9:25:32
I wonder if you take benzos daily then are you basically addicted to them? Do you have to also increase the doses to get the same effect?
Posted by Phillipa on December 15, 2014, at 19:59:39
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now?, posted by orochi on December 15, 2014, at 17:51:52
Just put me to sleep as only take at night. I used to just stop and stop them at will never any withdrawal. I just didn't need them. I guess some have addictive personalities and I don't seem to. Phillipa
Posted by former poster on December 30, 2014, at 18:17:02
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » former poster, posted by Phillipa on December 14, 2014, at 9:25:32
>Seriously do you feel the benzos still make you feel normal during the day so you can do what you have always done?
So sorry for the late response Phillipa...
Answer to that is yes. The clonazepam I'm taking actually seems to improve cognition and make me feel like my relaxed normal self. I have more energy and motivation and a improvement in mood soon after taking it. I have noticed slight taxing on my heart. I also take 2 heart medications. Also if I'm in need of sleep, the clonz makes me want to wind down and take a nap.
I have many fears too. The negative news about benzo's is one. What is your fear Phillipa? Are you getting the same effect from your meds?
Posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2014, at 19:47:08
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » Phillipa, posted by former poster on December 30, 2014, at 18:17:02
No problem with late reply. No longer feel relaxed on med just put me to sleep. Seems like I could just stop taking them? Phillipa
Posted by former poster on December 30, 2014, at 22:55:58
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » former poster, posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2014, at 19:47:08
Forgot to mention, I logged hundreds of hours of airtime as a pilot while on 3-4 mg of Clonazepam. I don't think it impairs performance. I'm sure I could stop if it weren't for the sleep paralysis I get without it. I just need 1mg. at bedtime.
Posted by herpills on January 3, 2015, at 17:58:30
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » former poster, posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2014, at 19:47:08
> No problem with late reply. No longer feel relaxed on med just put me to sleep. Seems like I could just stop taking them? Phillipa
If they don't help your anxiety, and you're also worried about side effects, seems like it would be a good idea to discontinue?
Posted by Phillipa on January 3, 2015, at 21:08:26
In reply to Re: Benzos supposedly cause dementia, what now? » Phillipa, posted by herpills on January 3, 2015, at 17:58:30
Being sick with bronchitis have been cutting down as soooo tired
This is the end of the thread.
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