Article: "A Pill to Forget? Can A Medication Suppress Traumatic Memories?"

[Lilium]

I have recently read an article about a medication currently on the market for high blood pressure, that is reported to effect the way our minds remember traumatic events. I work in an IRB (http://www.wirb.com) so one of the supervisors showed some of us this article since we have to do with human research, and this stuff is just interesting.


This brings up a lot of questions - is it safe? What will it do to long term memory? What does this do to spiritual beliefs regarding memory?


Link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/22/60minutes/main2205629.shtml

Discuss!! I will post my own opinions when I have time.

[yukie]

This really frightens me. Like, really.
Personally, I wouldn't want anything messing around with my brain.

[TagDaze]

Don't need it. I did it naturally.

[ig.]

One would be surprised at stuff that's in the little packets detailing popular medcations found in your Sunday paper's supplement. Shocking how many meds we take for granted actually work. Or, in the case of Abilify, may be supposed to work!

It's just as well, though. Can't live life to its fullest if you're fuckulated.

[Taryn]

What happened to good old liquor?

[Tom]

Or, in the case of Abilify, may be supposed to work!
Argh! I almost killed myself on Abilify! It gave me HORRIBLE AKATHISIA. A fun time, I did not have. @_@

[Lilium]

The problem that I have with it is, what's to stop that from effecting other parts of the memory? How can it possibly be so... selective?

What GOOD memories are people losing without realizing it while they take medication for high blood pressure?

[ig.]

It isn't selective, though. No beta blocker is. It's that it suppresses physiological aftereffects caused by the specific chemical changes your brain undergoes as a result of the reactions that traumatic memories create. A fascinating medicine upon further study.

[Lilium]

It isn't selective, though. No beta blocker is. It's that it suppresses physiological aftereffects caused by the specific chemical changes your brain undergoes as a result of the reactions that traumatic memories create. A fascinating medicine upon further study.

Oh, I know it isn't selective, but the probelm is they seem to make it out to be in that article. Plus, that doctor's all like "Oh yeah, if it helps, go for it" so there is a high risk of people with high blood pressure requesting that medication. And trying to self-medicate. Like I do with tylenol PM to fix my insomnia, sometimes >.> <.<

[Tom]

I say as long as it's a good doctor prescribing the medication, for whatever purpose it's going to serve, and they provide clear information about the risks and side effects of the drug, people should go for it, if they think it may help them.

[ig.]

Let this be a lesson, future pill-poppers: do your research!