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What Causes Short Term Memory Loss And Balance Issues While On Diazepam?
Posted on
Sun, 24 Jan 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 24 Jan 2016
Answered on
Sat, 26 Mar 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I just turned 80 years old, always been full of energy, acted more like 60. About 2 years ago I got a real bad case of Vertigo that lasted 15 months. I am on diazepam 5 mg. each night at bedtime and have been on it for about a year. The last several months I have become VERY forgetful, get up and ready for doctor appts that aren't even on that day, lose my balance, etc. It scares me because I have never had these problems, and dementia or alzeimers (spelling) do not run on either side of my family. I have been told that diazepam has been termed and the "brain eraser". Is this true?
Could I substitute something natural?
Meletonin?
Could I substitute something natural?
Meletonin?
Brief Answer:
BPPV, Diazepam tolerance, dependance.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It seems that you have BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). It is the commonest cause for peripheral vertigo. By the age of 80 years, 1 in 2 people experience it. BPPV requires exercises and no medication, except in the acute stage.
2. Diazepam is one of more than 50 benzodiazepine compounds. It does cause amnesia, confusion, dizziness, unsteady gait and withdrawal symptoms due to development of tolerance and dependance, especially in the elderly.
3. Hence diazepam is not a 'brain eraser', but causes anterograde amnesia after starting the medication. Earlier memories are not affected.
4. A gradual withdrawal, with the help of a newer compound (such as short term zolpidem) should be done. Melatonin may tried out.
5. A Neurotologist should review the dizziness to check for BPPV or other causes for vertigo.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
BPPV, Diazepam tolerance, dependance.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. It seems that you have BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). It is the commonest cause for peripheral vertigo. By the age of 80 years, 1 in 2 people experience it. BPPV requires exercises and no medication, except in the acute stage.
2. Diazepam is one of more than 50 benzodiazepine compounds. It does cause amnesia, confusion, dizziness, unsteady gait and withdrawal symptoms due to development of tolerance and dependance, especially in the elderly.
3. Hence diazepam is not a 'brain eraser', but causes anterograde amnesia after starting the medication. Earlier memories are not affected.
4. A gradual withdrawal, with the help of a newer compound (such as short term zolpidem) should be done. Melatonin may tried out.
5. A Neurotologist should review the dizziness to check for BPPV or other causes for vertigo.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX Bhatti:
Thank you for your quick response, I only get on the computer once a day for a short period, the scrolling bothers my vertigo, as well. In fact I forgot to mention I have an inner ear problem that cannot be treated by surgery, as it will not cure the problem. At least, my ENT didn't just go ahead and do it to XXXXXXX the insurance, but he was honest with me. I am relieved to know that the "brain eraser" is not true. I have been cutting the 5 mg. in half at night, I only get a month's worth of pills at a time and they are almost gone! Thank you again for your advice.
Thank you for your quick response, I only get on the computer once a day for a short period, the scrolling bothers my vertigo, as well. In fact I forgot to mention I have an inner ear problem that cannot be treated by surgery, as it will not cure the problem. At least, my ENT didn't just go ahead and do it to XXXXXXX the insurance, but he was honest with me. I am relieved to know that the "brain eraser" is not true. I have been cutting the 5 mg. in half at night, I only get a month's worth of pills at a time and they are almost gone! Thank you again for your advice.
Brief Answer:
The exact diagnosis for the vertigo must be sought.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. BPPV is an inner ear disease. One of the other possibilities is Meniere's Disease, however you do not seem to be on any medication for this.
2. These problems cannot be treated surgically but these can be controlled. Hence it is important to get a precise diagnosis.
3. Upload any previous reports. A PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) will be helpful. A VNG (VideoNystagmoGraphy) should be done.
4. 2.5 mg of Diazepam at night is a very small dose and most likely by now your body tolerating the dose. Try a gradual withdrawal.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
The exact diagnosis for the vertigo must be sought.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. BPPV is an inner ear disease. One of the other possibilities is Meniere's Disease, however you do not seem to be on any medication for this.
2. These problems cannot be treated surgically but these can be controlled. Hence it is important to get a precise diagnosis.
3. Upload any previous reports. A PTA (Pure Tone Audiogram) will be helpful. A VNG (VideoNystagmoGraphy) should be done.
4. 2.5 mg of Diazepam at night is a very small dose and most likely by now your body tolerating the dose. Try a gradual withdrawal.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, Dr. Bhatti, I am moving to XXXXXXX in three weeks and will print out these suggestions you have given me to take to a Specialist there. There is no sense in starting new things here in XXXXXXX only to move in 3 weeks. That way I can get the tests and treatment for the correct type of Vertigo that you have mentioned. Once again, I thank you very much!
Brief Answer:
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, that would be the correct way forward.
2. Once the type of vertigo is established, treatment will be effective.
3. Please do inform the progress here or directly at bit.ly/Dr-Sumit-Bhatti
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Regards.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, that would be the correct way forward.
2. Once the type of vertigo is established, treatment will be effective.
3. Please do inform the progress here or directly at bit.ly/Dr-Sumit-Bhatti
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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