Klonopin withdrawal and memory loss

I was doing research and my doctor has told me that permanent memory loss would only e in case of constant overdose. I am given clonazepam for fibromyalgia for years now. Though it is not a common drug used for the disease, I have tried over drugs that are and this is the only one that has worked somewhat just to relax the muscles. While memory loss is a common side effect of clonazepam use, the symptoms are likely to cease when a person ends their short-term use.

However, prolonged and excessive use of the drug can cause brain damage that might be irreversible.

This may be especially true since recent research points to the fact that memory loss due to benzodiazepines may not be an effect just while taking them, but may last long term. In particular, people who take benzodiazepines and also drink alcohol, or suffer from alcohol abuse, may experience episodic memory loss. Have been taking it for months now. I have noticed that memory loss gets worse with increased anxiety.

Anyone out there with similar memory impairment symptoms? Klonopin (clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine that treats anxiety disorders, and it also is addictive. Care should be taken when coming off Klonopin , as withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous.

Stop taking Klonopin but only under medical care.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome—often abbreviated to benzo withdrawal —is the cluster of signs and symptoms that emerge when a person who has been taking benzodiazepines, either medically or recreationally, and has developed a physical dependence, undergoes dosage reduction or discontinuation. This means that it can take a while for the signs and symptoms of withdrawal to begin. Klonopin withdrawal symptoms can start anywhere from two to seven days after your last dose. Does Klonopin cause loss of memory? Is there a connection between sertraline and memory loss?

Can opiates cause memory loss? This was the fifth installment in our 14-part series on benzo withdrawal symptoms. It focused on cognitive effects of benzo withdrawal which included cognitive dysfunction, memory loss , and intrusive memories. CBS News reports the increased risk is as high as percent.

Less intense forms of memory loss are very common, as well. Does this seem like too big of a cut too fast? I am currently taking gabapentin to help with the withdrawal symptoms. While being on Klonopin I felt great for several years, but the past two years I have been plagued with depression and memory loss. No college aged student should have to go through this.

Klonopin is available as a generic drug, and is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and seizure disorders. Many people who use Klonopin over a long period of time will develop a tolerance and need higher doses of the drug to achieve the same effects that were once achieved at lower doses. Memory impairment and severe depression are also serious concerns with long-term Klonopin abuse.

Because Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine, the medication can continue to have an effect on the body well after the last dose. Psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation or anxiety, may begin before physical withdrawal symptoms take hold. Klonopin ’s long half-life means that metabolites of this drug will remain in the body. Clonazepam withdrawal symptoms can be reduced by tapering.

How they can cause memory loss : These medications (prescription and over-the-counter) inhibit the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that mediates a wide range of functions in the body. In the brain, they inhibit activity in the memory and learning centers, which can lead to memory loss.