Xanax Memory Loss

[RGR390]

I recently started taking Xanax (0.5mg/day) to relax in the evening to combat insomnia.  I have taken it for about 2 weeks.  I have noticed some cognitive changes, including memory impairment.  Can Xanax have this effect that rapidly?  What are some better altermatives (loazapram?)?

[lonewolf07]

I have been taking Xanax for years now and have not found it to cause memory loss.  Everyone experiences meds in a different way.  Valium (diazepam), alprazolam (Zanax Ativan and clonazepam are all members of the same "family" with some "minor" chemical changes.  I have found that OTC sleep aids often cause me to forget things.  It's really frustrating not be able to remember what I said two minutes ago.

IMHO, meds work best with therapy.  Otherwise, we could just take a pill and be jumping for joy.  We need to talk about what is causing the depression and/or anxiety.  Sometimes some really strange things come out in therapy - it's like a revelation - knowledge we didn't know we had.

[RGR390]

Thanks for the feedback.  I took a total of 6mg Xanax over a two week period  and have since stopped.  It may seem like a small amount but I was noticing some cognitive impairment almost immediately.  I still have anxiety issues that I believe are causing insomnia but will investigate other meds or try cognitive therapy.  Diazipam sounds like a possibility and I will discuss this with my PC, who prescribed the Xanax (I have not seen a psychiatrist yet).  

[Jikan]

Namaste,

Memory loss is a side effect of Xanax and I, like Mr. Green, am a anti-Zanax person, primarily because it is habit-forming and an individual can become dependent on it in such a short period of time and then the withdrawal symptoms are awful.

I take 10 mg. of Valiun(diazepam) 4 times a day and have never had a problem with memory loss.

I'm also sure that there  are other medications that will not cause memory loss.

Talk with your psychiatrist about some alternatives.

Jikan

[MrGreen]

As an anti-Xanax person I would say anything is better than xanax. Not sure about the memory loss. I was on them for years and never had such a side effect at all. At least I don't think I did ( LOL ). There are other similar, longer lasting tablets out there. Xanax are only for short term use. Then you get hooked on them. That's when they get nasty. When they do nothing for you but you can't stop them. You need them. Klonipin or whatever name it might be called in your country. The names varies from country to country. I know it as Rivotrol. It's all the one. They can be taken for longer and won't lose there effect either. Plus they are easier to come off of if you ever need to.