[desperado]

Just wondering....does anyone out there feel that meds can cause permanent side effects?

I have done a lot of research & found that some people do indeed feel this way. For example, after being on many different meds (even for a short period of time), some people's sexual side effects (i.e., lack of libido, inability to orgasm, etc.) are still ongoing long after they have gone off of the drug.

I have experienced this same problem, as well as permanent, frequent hot flashes (& no, I'm not pre-menopausal) & my appetite & sleep patterns are extremely messed up. (Even though I try to keep a schedule). I'm wondering what you have experienced if anything????

I'd really appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

[desperado]

Oh yeah, another important side effect I forgot to mention: major probs w/ short & long-term memory. Also, recalling "everyday" words. Really disturbing. I hear that benzo's can do that (kill brain cells) if you're on them too long.

I had no idea that benzo's are addictive...my old psychiatrist did not tell me ever. I found out by doing my own research. Meanwhile, almost ~ eight yrs of being on them, needless to say, I'm addicted & I'm sure I've suffered perm. brain damage. Major GRRRRRRR.

What can be hard to assess is how much your current symptoms are symptoms you would be experiencing now even if you had never taken the meds and how much your current symptoms are directly caused by taking the meds.

Since we can't turn back time with you I guess we will never know in your case...

That sucks about the benzo addiction. I have known people to gradually taper off them and kick them altogether but it really can be hard work. It might be that your cognitive function (etc) improves if you come of them... but then it might. would be good to kick them for other reasons, however. people tend to find that it is helpful to have strategies in place for dealing with anxiety etc before trying to taper them back...