Guest guest Posted January 22, 1999 Report Share Posted January 22, 1999 I believe that any memory loss or degradation of mental performance that we have is due to sleep loss rather than drugs we take. I have taken low doses of the benzodiazapines off and on over the years for anxiety but was concerned about long term use leading to loss of mental acuity. So I researched all the studies that I could find and in general was assured that this was not the case, other than small decreases in one of two measures of performance such as " critical flicker fusion threshhold " . Now I'm sure my search was far from comprehensive but I did look pretty hard. I'd be interested to know if anyone has information to refute this (I did my looking 5 or 6 years ago). I know there are lot's of comments from folks about Xanax " making them a zombie " but I also know people who take this class of drugs without such reactions. Since I'm presently taking Mirapex (.5mg before bed) I have a similar interest in its effects on mental performance, and a search of relevant studies once again gives me reassurance. I found one mention that mental acuity (at least one measure of it) and one measure of short term memory was actually enhanced by Mirapex (or maybe it was Permax). And for what it's worth, the " smart drug " community has used low doses of Bromocriptine for years to supposedly increase mental performance, as well as Sinemet. I just wish Mirapex didn't make me feel so lousy. As far as the opiates are concerned I don't have a clue but would be very interested in hearing what the evidence is in this regard. But I can't imagine that any long or short term negatives would be a bad as chronic sleep deprivation! Von Dohlen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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