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Do Benzodiazepines Cause Mood Swings, Detachment And Short-term Memory Loss?

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Posted on Thu, 26 Jul 2018
Question: im having bad brain fog, im having mood swings, i cant think straight, i feel very detached, i cant even leave my house because i csnt function, my short term memory is gone. i never had this problem before till i was put on a benzodiazepines? ive been off for 5 months
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Improvement may take up to twelve months.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using Healthcaremagic.com.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Cognitive impairment as a possible adverse effect of drugs use is a well known feature ( benzodiazepines may cause cognitive impairment in about 20-30% of the patients).

I think in your case anxiety and depression besides benzodiazepines withdrawal are contributing to cognitive impairment since these issues are lasting.

Since benzodiazepines adverse effects are difficult to be treated, ( improvement with time is expected in six to twelve months ), anxiety and depression correct treatment is necessary to improve your condition.

In mean time, reversible causes such cobalamin deficiency should be investigated further with appropriate blood tests and a healthy lifestyle should be followed.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Do Benzodiazepines Cause Mood Swings, Detachment And Short-term Memory Loss?

Brief Answer: Improvement may take up to twelve months. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using Healthcaremagic.com. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Cognitive impairment as a possible adverse effect of drugs use is a well known feature ( benzodiazepines may cause cognitive impairment in about 20-30% of the patients). I think in your case anxiety and depression besides benzodiazepines withdrawal are contributing to cognitive impairment since these issues are lasting. Since benzodiazepines adverse effects are difficult to be treated, ( improvement with time is expected in six to twelve months ), anxiety and depression correct treatment is necessary to improve your condition. In mean time, reversible causes such cobalamin deficiency should be investigated further with appropriate blood tests and a healthy lifestyle should be followed. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.