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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Guy on December 30, 2014, at 10:55:26
Anyone else going to continue with this med long-term despite the possible risk of alzheimer's? I figure I'd rather have some quality of life now at age 60 than go off the drug and be incapacitated for years to come. Still, the whole dementia thing is rather unsettling. I have been totally unsuccessful in finding an AD to treat my life-long anxiety. High dose Zyprexa helps, but leaves me feeling fat, lethargic and dead inside. Furthermore, AP's are apparently associated with brain shrinkage. Sigh!
Posted by SLS on December 30, 2014, at 14:01:23
In reply to Clonazepam + Alzheimer's, posted by Guy on December 30, 2014, at 10:55:26
> Anyone else going to continue with this med long-term despite the possible risk of alzheimer's? I figure I'd rather have some quality of life now at age 60 than go off the drug and be incapacitated for years to come. Still, the whole dementia thing is rather unsettling. I have been totally unsuccessful in finding an AD to treat my life-long anxiety. High dose Zyprexa helps, but leaves me feeling fat, lethargic and dead inside. Furthermore, AP's are apparently associated with brain shrinkage. Sigh!
My impression is that Nardil, Paxil, and Effexor are the best antidepressants to treat GAD with.
Latuda is a AP worth looking at. It is weight-neutral and thought to exert AD properties. It should not leave you feeling flat. However, I don't know how well it treats anxiety disorders.
There is some evidence that low dosages of lithium help to prevent the development of Alzheimers. This is one of the reasons why I continue to take 300 - 450 mg/day. 100 mg/day might be enough.
I think chronic BZD use is *associated* with a 1.5 times risk of contracting Alzheimers. That is not an overwhelmingly large number. Just having an affective disorder raises the risk to between 2.0 and 3.0 times. It may be that people who go on to develop Alzheimers are more likely to have anxiety earlier in life as a prodrome.
I would probably take the chance with a BZD if it meant having a life worth living. I have chosen to take an antipsychotic for this reason, despite the risk of tardive dyskinesia. So far, I haven't found anything to use as a substitute. It is a gamble without clearly-defined odds.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2014, at 16:16:06
In reply to Re: Clonazepam + Alzheimer's » Guy, posted by SLS on December 30, 2014, at 14:01:23
I was told by my endocrinologist to stick with the low doses of benzos I currently take. After 44 years the damage is done. And at age 68 I have no memory lapses. I think the articles also say that if someone with Alzheimers gets anxious they are treated with benzos. The articles caution the use of antipsychotics. So many on the net. Plus it's just a possibility. So sticking with 7.5mg of valium & .75mg of xanax. Sometimes take less and sometimes more depending of whether can sleep or not. I refuse to take them during the day as they tire me now. Phillipa
Posted by former poster on December 30, 2014, at 16:34:52
In reply to Clonazepam + Alzheimer's, posted by Guy on December 30, 2014, at 10:55:26
We're nearly the same age, same situation. I'm really worried too. I can't function without Clonazepam. I'll have to risk it too.
I agree with you about the AP's. I felt dead and they aggravated my condition turning shyness into full blown social anxiety.
Wonder if any of the anti-seizure meds can replace a benzo?
Posted by former poster on December 30, 2014, at 17:46:13
In reply to Re: Clonazepam + Alzheimer's » Guy, posted by SLS on December 30, 2014, at 14:01:23
>There is some evidence that low dosages of lithium help to prevent the development of Alzheimers. This is one of the reasons why I continue to take 300 - 450 mg/day. 100 mg/day might be enough.
Great advice Scott. Glad you found a regimen that works. Your on top of all the research and you give some of the best advice.
I'm mystified at my reaction to lithium. I had high hopes for it. A basic element! How could Mother Nature decieve me? I tried lithium carbonate, lithium orotate, lithia water on different occasions with the same result every time: -Aughhh!! Even a minuscule dose causes a flat feeling, then confusion, cognitive impairment, tremor. I'm talking about 1/4 to 1/8 of the recommended dose! I sort of remember a Dr. telling me back in the 80's people with brain damage hate lithium and it "drives them crazy." This was so long ago and haven't found anything to back this up. I'm really curious what you think? Why do I have this reaction to a naturally occurring metal found in water?
Posted by ed_uk2010 on January 5, 2015, at 2:41:55
In reply to Clonazepam + Alzheimer's, posted by Guy on December 30, 2014, at 10:55:26
>Anyone else going to continue with this med long-term despite the possible risk of Alzheimer's?
I would be guided by an assessment of your memory during current usage. If it is OK, I wouldn't worry. Personally, clonazepam causes me far too my memory and cognitive impairment in the short term. I would not be able to safely take it on a long term basis.
Posted by former poster on January 5, 2015, at 18:40:24
In reply to Re: Clonazepam + Alzheimer's » Guy, posted by ed_uk2010 on January 5, 2015, at 2:41:55
>I would be guided by an assessment of your memory during current usage.
Problem with that is my memory is better when I'm on Clonazepam vs. off.
Posted by SLS on January 5, 2015, at 19:23:25
In reply to Re: Clonazepam + Alzheimer's » ed_uk2010, posted by former poster on January 5, 2015, at 18:40:24
> >I would be guided by an assessment of your memory during current usage.
>
> Problem with that is my memory is better when I'm on Clonazepam vs. off.Chronic anxiety can really screw up memory.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on January 5, 2015, at 20:20:47
In reply to Re: Clonazepam + Alzheimer's, posted by SLS on January 5, 2015, at 19:23:25
Scott this I know and am pretty sure this is my problem always was. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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