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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SometimesBlue on August 20, 2007, at 12:36:47
Is there anything that can help with the short-term memory loss that resulted from smoking too much weed?
Does it ever come back?
Anything I can take to "help it out"?
Any advice, suggestions are soooo welcomed.
-SB
Posted by tecknohed on August 21, 2007, at 22:08:02
In reply to MARIJUANA + MEMORY LOSS...any hope?, posted by SometimesBlue on August 20, 2007, at 12:36:47
Yes there's plenty of hope.
Firstly well done for getting off the stuff!
Whoever said weed isn't addictive (physically or otherwise) should try it for themselvs for a month or 2. Why else is it called THE CHRONIC!?
All I know is the longer you stay away from the stuff the better your memory improves. From lots of experience. I smoked it for 15+ years virtually every day from age 12. What about you?
The only memory problems I have now seem to be med related.
Some 'brain food' supplements may help. Try any one, or combination of the following: Phosphatidylserine, Ginkgo Biloba, Omega 3, Alpha Lipoic Acid + L-Carnitine, DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), Choline (or Phosphatidylcholine from Lecithin), etc. There are lots more so just try searching the web. Pay particular attention to specific combinations which will have a synergistic effect.
There are plenty of 'smart' drugs too, many of which are derivatives or slight chemically altered versions of the natural ones.
It will get better, but of course if you're particularly concerned then see your doctor.
Any other associated problems? How long you been off weed?
Posted by SometimesBlue on August 22, 2007, at 8:44:02
In reply to Re: MARIJUANA + MEMORY LOSS...any hope? » SometimesBlue, posted by tecknohed on August 21, 2007, at 22:08:02
> Why else is it called THE CHRONIC!?
LMAO!!!!
>Pay particular attention to specific combinations which will have a synergistic effect.What is "synergistic" effect?
> There are plenty of 'smart' drugs too, many of which are derivatives or slight chemically altered versions of the natural ones.Can "smart drugs" be found at health food stores or pharmacies?
>Any other associated problems? How long you been off weed?
Well, other than anxiety, i think the memory loss is my biggest problem right now. The anxiety i think may have always been there, but when i stopped smoking it cam back three-fold!
I stopped smoking habitually about 3 years ago (i used to smoke EVERYDAY...not in large amounts, but it helped with anxiety and depression. After that I smoked once in a while, now I don't at all. I hate the come down, that lethargic, "I just wanna eat and sleep" feeling...you know what I mean!
How long since you stopped smoking?
Posted by tecknohed on August 25, 2007, at 18:15:49
In reply to Re: MARIJUANA + MEMORY LOSS...any hope? » tecknohed, posted by SometimesBlue on August 22, 2007, at 8:44:02
A 'synergistic' effect is when multiple drugs/nutrients that are taken together create a total effect that is greater than the sum of the two (or more) effects simply added together. One of the main aims for augmentation of antidepressants is to hopefully create a synergistic effect, especially for drugs which seem to have 'pooped out'.
Alpha Lipoic Acid + L-Carnitine is a good nutrient combo to try for memory & plenty of companies combine them into 1 pill. This combo also has plenty of backup research.
Another good combo of nutrients to try is Arginine Pyroglutamate, Phosphatidyl Choline (found in lecithin granules) & DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol - a precursor for Choline which crosses the blood-brain barrier easily) and are also often found together in pill form. Choline is, in turn a precursor for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which plays a BIG role in memory. Here's one particular supplement which contains all three of these + Phosphatidylserine & vitamin co-factors:
http://www.highernature.co.uk/ShowProductFamily.aspx?ProductFamilyID=170
I think they ship world-wide.Phosphatidylserine will synergize with most memory enhancing nutrients & drugs and may even enhance antidepressants as it has been shown to increase the number of receptor sites for neurotransmitters (the receptor sites are, after all, made of the stuff!). DHA from omega 3 fish oil will no doubt give added benefit to neurotransmitter enhancing nutrients/drugs, especially as receptor sites are made made of DHA too.
'Smart drugs' are only available with a doctors script, unless you want to risk sourcing your own supply from various pharmacy web sites.
Do bear in mind that even some nutrients are contraindicated with some conditions in high doses (higher than found naturally occuring in your diet), ie dont take DMAE if you suffer from bipolar/manic-depression as it can deepen a depressive phase. It should also NOT be taken by people with epilepsy, & is not reccommended for high histamine producers with mood disorders (sometimes refered to as 'Histadelics').
Just make sure you do your research first!I have found that in the long run cannabis creates an anxiety all of its own. Maybe some of your anxiety you have now is related to your previous pot smoking? I know much of mine sure is (GAD mainly).
Oh, and I stopped around mid 2001, though I must confess that I have been 'dabbling' with it again recently. Not heavily but enough to cause me plenty of worry! Time to find a Relapse Prevention Programme me thinks!
Posted by SometimesBlue on August 27, 2007, at 10:06:28
In reply to Re: MARIJUANA + MEMORY LOSS...any hope? » SometimesBlue, posted by tecknohed on August 25, 2007, at 18:15:49
Jeeeez, you know a LOT about this...I see you've done your research :0) If you don't mind me asking, are you in the medical field?
The last time I smoked, i realized how much I don't miss it. I hate the come down, sucks, and it always makes my depression a bit worse the next day. I'm starting to think that all drugs, or at least the come down, make my depression worse (i know, slow learner - don't laugh :0(
i think i'm going to try that link you sent me, btw, thanks for that. And I'll definately make sure it doesn't interact with Lexapro. By the info you provided, it should enhance it i think.
BTW, i had a relapse myself (i hate using that word, "relapse"...it implies you have a problem), with coke, had a fabulous night, the next night was hell though...I don't know I'd ever go to one of those NA programs, but at least I have babble. It helps a lot.
-SB
Posted by tecknohed on August 27, 2007, at 11:33:31
In reply to Re: MARIJUANA + MEMORY LOSS...any hope?, posted by SometimesBlue on August 27, 2007, at 10:06:28
> Jeeeez, you know a LOT about this...I see you've done your research :0) If you don't mind me asking, are you in the medical field?
I'm certainly no medic in no shape or form. Just get a craving for info from time-to-time. Find out as much as I can about something before I ingest it (most of the time). Not to mention bouts of 'obsessive' research!
> The last time I smoked, i realized how much I don't miss it. I hate the come down, sucks, and it always makes my depression a bit worse the next day. I'm starting to think that all drugs, or at least the come down, make my depression worse (i know, slow learner - don't laugh :0(For me the 'comedown' is the best part as it means the effects are wearing off. I prefere to call it a 'come-back'! Apart from the initial 'melting' feeling into relaxation it gives me, which is very nice, when cannabis reaches its peak is when I find it causes most problems, ie paranoia, guilt, social anxiety, depression, etc. So its a relief when this fades away! Are you sure its not this same 'peak' in effect that causes your problems with it, rather than a comedown which I'm not convinced it has anyway (I'm not arguing, just attempting to be thought provoking)?
Oh, and I'm a slow learner myself. My attention span is NIL unless something 'really' grabs my interest.> i think i'm going to try that link you sent me, btw, thanks for that. And I'll definately make sure it doesn't interact with Lexapro. By the info you provided, it should enhance it i think.
It should indeed enhance it, especially the phosphatidylserine. It shouldn't interact with your Lex but start low & increase slow just to be sure. I'd seriously consider adding a fish oil omega 3 supplement too. Aim for a total of at least 3-400mg/day of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid). I'm not sure of the relevance of the EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) content in terms of brain function.
> BTW, i had a relapse myself (i hate using that word, "relapse"...it implies you have a problem), with coke, had a fabulous night, the next night was hell though...I don't know I'd ever go to one of those NA programs, but at least I have babble. It helps a lot.
I never go to NA or AA. I have tried them both but personally found relief when I stopped going!
A Relapse Prevention Programme is a kind of group which you attend weekly sessions for (usually) a limmited length of time. Group sizes range but may be about a dozen people who have had addiction problems in the past & need guidance in prenting a relapse. You learn skills & methods from both the facilitator & the other group members about how to cope without your vice. There is normally a rule that group members do not make contact with each other outside the group (during the programme). And its not based around religion or spirituality or any other 'higher power' at all, unlike NA/AA.
To sum it up, its simply not NA/AA at all.
My favourite method for relapse prevention has been to find a hobby - in my case fishing, which has now become my new addiction, lol. I'm also lucky enough to have a loving partner who I can rely on and turn to when things get tough.
As for the 'relapse' word, I agree it is a bit strong. Sounds like you had what I would call a 'minor lapse'. I see a 'lapse' as a slip-up which you can quickly learn from before the damage has been done. A 'relapse' on the other hand is when you give up sobriety & binge, binge, binge! Your back where you started and you'll need another wake-up call, ie get arrested, lose your family & friends, home & job and/or come close to death, etc. Quite a difference I'd say!I wish you all the best.
Posted by SometimesBlue on August 27, 2007, at 14:53:45
In reply to Re: MARIJUANA + MEMORY LOSS...any hope? » SometimesBlue, posted by tecknohed on August 27, 2007, at 11:33:31
> I'm certainly no medic in no shape or form. Just get a craving for info from time-to-time. Find out as much as I can about something before I ingest it (most of the time). Not to mention bouts of 'obsessive' research!
SAME HERE!!! :)
> cannabis reaches its peak is when I find it causes most problems, ie paranoia, guilt, social anxiety, depression, etc. Are you sure its not this same 'peak' in effect that causes your problems with it, rather than a comedown which I'm not convinced it has anyway (I'm not arguing, just attempting to be thought provoking)?Actually, yes that is true...it does aggrivate my symptoms...but that sluggish feeling upon "coming-back" is annoying too.
> Oh, and I'm a slow learner myself. My attention span is NIL unless something 'really' grabs my interest.
Same here : ) A little ADD with obsssive moments I'd say.
> As for the 'relapse' word, I agree it is a bit strong. Sounds like you had what I would call a 'minor lapse'.
much better ; )
Thanks for all your help.
Posted by Deus_Abscondis on September 1, 2007, at 13:02:39
In reply to MARIJUANA + MEMORY LOSS...any hope?, posted by SometimesBlue on August 20, 2007, at 12:36:47
Lots of exercise, at least an hour of aerobic a day.
You have to repopulate and improve the wiring in your hippocampus. Hippocampus is involved in memory.
Cannibanoids are fat soluble. There's lots of fat in the brain - it takes quite a while to get them out (fat isn't turned over as quickly). When you exercise hard you burn fat - some of the cannibanoids will come out and go back into your brain some will get excreted. Turnover fat and include the dietary supplements above and drink lots of water.
Antidepressants repopulate and rewire the hippocampus. Exercise is as effective. Both are more effective than either.
Protect your hippocampus use antioxidents (selegaline, vit C. E). Keep your stress levels down - cortisol degrades hippocampal wiring.
D
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