Dave

Jun 18, 07 - 1:04 PM

The wonders of pharmacology...

There's a drug out there...currently on the market...used for another purpose...but they have discovered that it has the effect of lessening traumatic memories by blocking the adrenaline the body produces after a traumatic event. The adrenaline they now feel, through their reasearch, strengthens the memory. Makes it more intense. By blocking the adrenaline, even in the recall of the memory...it seems to reduce the intensity of the memory allowing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder victims to lead more normal lives.

What do ya think? Is it a good thing?

Those opposed to it suggest that the drug companies will market it...attempting to, of course, hit the largest market they can...suggesting that it can be used if you've just very simply had a rough day.

I wonder? As much as I struggle with the shame around all of these issues...feeling for a very long time that I invited the abuse...seems like there is also a need for a reasonable amount of guilt or healthy shame in our lives. If we can take a pill and remove the memory or block the intensity of it...do we become the people that abused us?

Food, er...a pill for thought...

Dave

Ken

Jun 18th, 2007 - 11:10 PM

Re: The wonders of pharmacology...

Hmmm difficult one which I've been considering since you posted it this morning.

As with any drug I'd want to know the side effects but I've never taken any other kind of anti-depressant. Ultimately I'm at four months into my healing process, still early days, if there's anything in my head to work its way out, I don't want to repress it any more.

Ken

Jun 21st, 2007 - 10:59 AM

Re: The wonders of pharmacology...

More strange timing in action. Last Sunday I had the worst flashbacks since the anniversary. Then when I saw friends I drank a lot and though I had all the same nightmares etc that night, I didn't feel any of the same pain at all.

So Dave...if the drug is legal, maybe I'd try it now

Not saying alcohol is the way to cope by any means!

Dave

Jun 21st, 2007 - 12:05 PM

Re: The wonders of pharmacology...

Yup, Ken....

I definately went through trying drinking as a way of medicating...I drank more from the time I was twelve through twenty-two than I have since.

It didn't work out well...I found myself asleep with my foot on the brake pedal at a stop light at four in the morning one morning. Not good.

Sorry to hear about the flashbacks...truly...flashbacks suck...but helped me as far as the self doubt went. You know...hey, yea, all the stuff I'd stuffed for so many years...really did happen...guess I got to do something about it now.

As far as the drug goes...I still wonder though? If the drug works to make the memories less intense by blocking the adrenaline...I got to ask myself if that is why therapy is so effective for this? You know? It would be just as likely to work on a positive memory (the adrenaline) as one that might not be so much. The positive memory of a supportive and compassionate therapist would be enhanced by the adrenaline too...thereby eliminating the need for the drug all together. Hmmm? You think?

Dave

Author	Comment
Dave Jun 18, 07 - 1:04 PM	The wonders of pharmacology... There's a drug out there...currently on the market...used for another purpose...but they have discovered that it has the effect of lessening traumatic memories by blocking the adrenaline the body produces after a traumatic event. The adrenaline they now feel, through their reasearch, strengthens the memory. Makes it more intense. By blocking the adrenaline, even in the recall of the memory...it seems to reduce the intensity of the memory allowing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder victims to lead more normal lives. What do ya think? Is it a good thing? Those opposed to it suggest that the drug companies will market it...attempting to, of course, hit the largest market they can...suggesting that it can be used if you've just very simply had a rough day. I wonder? As much as I struggle with the shame around all of these issues...feeling for a very long time that I invited the abuse...seems like there is also a need for a reasonable amount of guilt or healthy shame in our lives. If we can take a pill and remove the memory or block the intensity of it...do we become the people that abused us? Food, er...a pill for thought... Dave
Ken Jun 18th, 2007 - 11:10 PM	Re: The wonders of pharmacology... Hmmm difficult one which I've been considering since you posted it this morning. As with any drug I'd want to know the side effects but I've never taken any other kind of anti-depressant. Ultimately I'm at four months into my healing process, still early days, if there's anything in my head to work its way out, I don't want to repress it any more.
Ken Jun 21st, 2007 - 10:59 AM	Re: The wonders of pharmacology... More strange timing in action. Last Sunday I had the worst flashbacks since the anniversary. Then when I saw friends I drank a lot and though I had all the same nightmares etc that night, I didn't feel any of the same pain at all. So Dave...if the drug is legal, maybe I'd try it now Not saying alcohol is the way to cope by any means!
Dave Jun 21st, 2007 - 12:05 PM	Re: The wonders of pharmacology... Yup, Ken.... I definately went through trying drinking as a way of medicating...I drank more from the time I was twelve through twenty-two than I have since. It didn't work out well...I found myself asleep with my foot on the brake pedal at a stop light at four in the morning one morning. Not good. Sorry to hear about the flashbacks...truly...flashbacks suck...but helped me as far as the self doubt went. You know...hey, yea, all the stuff I'd stuffed for so many years...really did happen...guess I got to do something about it now. As far as the drug goes...I still wonder though? If the drug works to make the memories less intense by blocking the adrenaline...I got to ask myself if that is why therapy is so effective for this? You know? It would be just as likely to work on a positive memory (the adrenaline) as one that might not be so much. The positive memory of a supportive and compassionate therapist would be enhanced by the adrenaline too...thereby eliminating the need for the drug all together. Hmmm? You think? Dave