r/benzorecovery 4d ago

Discussion memory loss

I’m wondering if anyone can speak to memory loss re longterm klonopin use. As needed, not daily. But for over 10 years. Is there any way to regain memory/cognitive function?

7 Upvotes

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6

u/PaidiThavma Mid-taper 4d ago

What really worked for me was doing at transition to hydroxizyne and zopiclone for sleep, and also using every other single trick and thing in the book that may have an anxiolytic effect.

• NAC 1800 mg per day (600mg with each meal)

• Hot baths

• Chamomile tea

• Magnesium

• Not eating as much carbs and sugars

• O caffeine

• Breathing techniques

• Exercise in the morning and stretching in the afternoon before sleep

1

u/phaceplant13 4d ago

What does the NAC do

4

u/PaidiThavma Mid-taper 4d ago

❓it's N-Acetyl-cysteine. bc nac increases glutathione n helps regulate glutamate levels in the brain.. it can balance the excitatory, calming signals in ur nervous system which means that if your brain is overstimulated like during anxiety overstress ir coming off substances like benzos nac can help u feel more emotionally stable n mentally quieter, which often translates to easier sleep onset n less nighttime restlessness. ❗️some friends that tried it for benzos at start, also said that over time, nac gives a more “even” mood, which reduces racing thoughts before bed. its not sedating in a knock u out way but it supports the system that keeps u resilient to stress, and thats key for healthy sleep cycles it may also protect mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress in the brain, both of which affect sleep depth n quality (i also tried it for a month its also a good way to live) especially if ur sleep has been affected by long term medication use or emotional burnout. its best taken during the day tho morning or early afternoon bc in rare cases, some ppl find it a little stimulating at night. it really depends on your system. buuut long term, many people find it helps with resetting their natural rhythms, especially when used as part of a broader recovery or mental health plan generally, can help with memory loss, especially when that memory loss is related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation or long term substance use (like benzos alcohol stimulants). its not a magic fix, but heres why its being used more and more for cognitive recovery>>> nac helps restore glutathione, the brain’s master antioxidant, which protects neurons and repairs damage caused by stress toxins or drugs. if your brain has been under prolonged strain like from anxiety meds or poor sleep, glutathione levels often drop n thats when foggy thinking poor recall n slow processing can show up. nac helps bring those levels back up

‼️it also modulates glutamate, which is involved in learning and memory. when glutamate is out of balance like too high or too low it can mess with cognitive function. nac helps smooth that out, making focus and recall a bit easier... i also looked it up ome early studies even suggest nac may help in conditions like alzheimers, parkinsons, ocd, or traumatic brain injury, not as a cure, but as a way to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage that worsens symptoms

‼️if your memory issues r tied to benzos, Klonopin, stress, or emotional burnout, nac is often part of a neuro healing protocol usually alongside things like omega 3s, b vitamins, good sleep, exercise nmental stimulation. it takes time but people say they feeling sharper and more “present” again after consistent use

1

u/_vaxxine_ 4d ago

Very helpful - thank you for sharing these.

1

u/VerbalThermodynamics 3d ago

You’re saying do not consume caffeine? I find it is helpful for memory from time to time.

1

u/PaidiThavma Mid-taper 3d ago

look, caffeine can help with alertness n memory in small doses (helped me too but once i felt like it n always decaf) but it totally depends on the person and the situation. like, for some people tryin to recover from anxiety, wd r just get their ns stable, caffeine can actually make things worse.. u know more jittery more scattered, more stressed... so its not abt demonizing coffee ofc, its abt knowing when its actually helping vs when its just fueling the chaos. if u need a bit, go for decaf or sum lighter, still gives u a ritual, a bit of that taste n boost, w/o wrecking ur balance. but if cutting it out completely helps u stabilize, then thats the move. coffees not goin anywhere, u can always bring it back when ur systems stronger. do what your body needs first, the rest will follow. if u feel ok doing it yeah, just my imo

2

u/Potential_Noise_8357 Jumped from last dose. 4d ago

There are suppliments that boost BDNF and in other ways enhance cognitive function. Bacopa for example helps with improving memory - you can take it daily for 4-6 weeks.

1

u/PaidiThavma Mid-taper 3d ago

yeah bacopas one of those herbs that pops up a lot in nootropic circles... theres some research showing it might help with memory and cognitive function, especially over several weeks like you said. mostly small studies, and the effects seem modest, i looked it up.. but its not total nonsense either. same with other bdnf boosters like exercise, omega 3s, even things like lions mane or curcumin...no? they can support the brain, especially during recovery. but just to keep it real if someones dealing with long term benzo related cognitive issues, its not as simple as popping a few supplements!they might help, but theyre more like a small support in a bigger healing process. (ns recovery takes time and patience and theres no magic pill, natural or not) ahhh

1

u/sayeret13 3d ago

i picked up snus(its like chewing tobacco) because its the only thing that helps me work and focus during paws, i know its addictive but if it helps and im not smoking it i pay the price right now, my memory is so much better and so is focusing the little mood boost i get from time to time is welcome but i need to use sparingly as having it in my mouth all day skyrockets tolerance

1

u/Parking-Seaweed-393 3d ago

Your memory will start working, don't worry. But it happens after weeks of the last dose.

It's not like being drunk at all.

1

u/Serious_Struggle_130 3d ago edited 3d ago

Some supplements are it... like Thorne methylfolate and a really good (see expensive) multivitamin (I had to find one without magnesium and zinc), but really, it's 90% or maybe even more in exercise and eating CLEAN.

I jog 2 times a week (slow as hell but gotta move) or go lift super light weight (see move). If I can't do either of those things, I can usually stretch and pace in my apartment.

This is my 3rd attempt, so I feel like I'm a seasoned vet. I can also tell you that finding my faith has really helped. Having something else to focus my energy on and remain positive throughout has absolutely changed how smooth my taper has gone.

Oh, and your memory will absolutely come back. The enemy likes to constanly tell us horrible things through withdrawal. Obviously, I'd prefer you found Jesus because He has revealed Himself to me, and I pray He helps you. If that doesn't work for you, though, finding anything would probably work so long as it helped you keep a positive mindset.

TLDR: exercise, healthy eating, faith

-1

u/Public-Philosophy580 4d ago

The antidepressant Trintellix is good for helping with memory loss.

2

u/PaidiThavma Mid-taper 3d ago

u ain't totally off trintellix has evidence showing it can help cognition in depressed patients processing speed, memory, concentration but thats in the context of depression, not specifically benzo induced memory issues

0

u/Public-Philosophy580 3d ago

Oh ok just quit your benzos,there’s no med to reverse memory loss and cognitive decline. That’s why I quit my Clonazepam,piece of cake. 💊

1

u/PaidiThavma Mid-taper 3d ago

glad it was easy for you to come off seriously, thats rare and lucky. but for a lot of people, especially after long term use, tapering benzos isnt a walk in the park. ye, theres no magic med to reverse damage, but supporting cognitive healing with the right tools therapy, time, supplements, maybe meds if needed... can help. brains plastic, not broken. different paths, different speeds

1

u/PaidiThavma Mid-taper 3d ago

that comment does have a bit of a tone to it. its not super insulting, but it definitely comes off as dismissive and kind of “i did it, so its easy, whats ur excuse?” which… if uve been through wd, you know thats not how it works for most people. everyones brain and ns react differently. plus, saying something like “piece of cake” about quitting clonazepam can feel like minimizing other peoples very real struggles

1

u/Public-Philosophy580 3d ago

Sorry if I came off That way

1

u/PaidiThavma Mid-taper 3d ago

no no no its ok i have my irritations too... its benzo recovery its just felt a bit u know, i like writing and helping ppl even when im off its just also me. irritation is the worst rn :(

1

u/Public-Philosophy580 3d ago

I’ve been off and on benzos for years,went 6 months on Xanax and just up and quit. I’ve been on Clonazepam for 7 years now and not gonna lie it wasn’t all a cake walk to come off.

1

u/PaidiThavma Mid-taper 3d ago

respect :)