Posted by zeugma on January 16, 2005, at 10:54:21
In reply to Re: Benzos and memory/cognitive issues... » linkadge, posted by ed_uk on January 14, 2005, at 17:53:29
Ed,
Have you actually experienced cognitive/memory impairment on a benzo? I won't deny that some experience impairment on these drugs, but reactions are very individual and it is also a marketing issue, as makers of AD's can use this supposed point to sell doctors on their own products.
I would avid the so-called 'nootropics', except for Provigil, if you have mostly unipolar depression. Cholinergic agonists can exacerbate depression for many. (I'm referring now to Aricept and galantamine- I don't know about the others.) What is interesting is that Provigil is sometimes classed as a 'nootropic', but produces a phenomenon known as the 'Provigil stupids' on this forum, and people on narcolepsy forums have also complained about a 'slowing' effect on the mental process. I did notice this effect, although I would not describe it as being related to 'stupidity.' It did slow down my reaction time (which was painfully slow anyway, so you'd think I would have found Provigil a 'dumb drug'- but quite the opposite!). Ritalin has had the opposite effect. I would say there are benefits and drawbacks to each effect, and that in either case for the drug to be of benefit one must adapt to it.
poster:zeugma
thread:442229
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050113/msgs/442739.html