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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tessellated on February 23, 2006, at 20:00:53
I believe that the withdrawl effects from most medications used properly for some brief period like under 2 years has nothing to do with brain damage.
Rather, these effects are due to a sensitivity (or down regulation) one's neuron's self generate. This occurs to practically any psychotropic chemical. Our neurons have genetically based self limiting "sensors" (pre and post receptor regulators) which adjust to and compensate for excessive and limited amounts of X active chemical agent.
Therefore most of withdrawl is TEMPORARY.
EVEN though it never feels like that.
Our brain tissue does in fact grow: neurogenisis-through both input (axonic) and output (dendritic) formations. AD's have been shown to assist in this process also called neuroplasticity.DO NOT underestimate the brains resiliance.
DO NOT overestimate it either: certain chems do cause neurotoxicity through hyper excitation: like shooting amphetamines/cocaine.The transition in and out of AD therapy is always difficult, though typically the pain will fade. The pupose ideally for AD therapy is not lifelong dependancy, but to enable one to get past the immediate difficulty, and to later become ultimately self dependant. Not an easy task for some; no question for others.
What I don't understand is the EXACT difference science asserts between AD withdrawl and other forms. Poop out=tolerance. Does not craving occur on AD? I suppose its either subtle, or simply part of the current marketing ploy to allow the vast distribution and profit taking these chems represent.
Personally, I do not believe it's a matter of science, rather economics.
Remember Freud saw coke as THE cure in his day.
I believe its part of the bargain one makes with AD therapy.
AD's are a temporary and potentially critical stop gap.
But DEPENDANCY arises and needs to be addressed at some point. Ideally when ones life is in a place when its tolerable.tesl8ed.
Posted by SLS on February 24, 2006, at 7:13:40
In reply to DISCONTINUATION SYNDROME, posted by tessellated on February 23, 2006, at 20:00:53
I would caution that one does not underestimate the long-term changes that brief exposures to kindling events can produce. If the withdrawal symptoms of a discontinuation syndrome are left to occur unmitigated, my personal belief is that subsequent discontinuations will display a lower threshold in the production of withdrawal symptoms, more intense symptoms, and a syndrome that lasts longer.
Is this brain damage?
- Scott
Posted by tessellated on February 24, 2006, at 10:12:20
In reply to Re: DISCONTINUATION SYNDROME, posted by SLS on February 24, 2006, at 7:13:40
Valid point!
Kindling as far as i've heard is a synaptic potentiation that requires a lower and lower electrical charge/threshold prior to causing neural excitation.
I've mostly heard about this in regard to epilepsy.
That the more seizures one experiences the more likely they are to occur.
Though I do think it has also applications to bipolar disorder.
Theories on the benefit of inhibiting the swings. Fewer cycles=fewer cycles.Mostly my point was in regard to this "brain damage" chat going on. Brain damage I'd understand as cell death. Yes there are many agents that cause this. However most of the best AD's have gone through relatively rigorous research on rats, cats, dogs, and primates, to determine the possibility of drug induced cell death. However many AD's contribute to neural growth.
So I think most of the AD withdrawl is based on a dysregulation of you neurons, not cell death (when taken appropriately).
I'm not so sure about this when it comes to the issues of the neuroleptics i.e. antipsychotics and the sideeffect of tardive dykinesia. Since this is so common and permanent, it makes me wonder...
Obviously, I suppose I could be totally wrong. I'm just relaying something to take the edge off the word "BRAIN DAMAGE". Cuz if I felt like hell, and heard that word; I'd probably start feelin even worse.
8ted
> I would caution that one does not underestimate the long-term changes that brief exposures to kindling events can produce. If the withdrawal symptoms of a discontinuation syndrome are left to occur unmitigated, my personal belief is that subsequent discontinuations will display a lower threshold in the production of withdrawal symptoms, more intense symptoms, and a syndrome that lasts longer.
>
> Is this brain damage?
>
>
> - Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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