Posted by barbaracat on August 12, 2007, at 19:45:25
In reply to Re: Tolerance to Benzo Anxiety Effects - suggestions, posted by boveni3 on August 12, 2007, at 16:19:54
Yes, as I found out with the amino form. What I wonder is if this tolerance is with all variants of the GABA receptor/molecules or just the subtypes of that particular benzo. Why would the re-uptake pump not eventually revert back to it's genetically encoded behavior if the aggravating substance was absent? I also wonder about the longevity of the neuron itself. Since we now know that neurons can possibly replace themselves, what is the lifespan of a particular cell and do they or don't they revert back to their original coding?
I particularly wonder about this same situation existing in regards to SSRIs. I don't know of a single person, myself included, who has had a long-term (note 'long-term', as in years) relationship with an SSRI who has been able to stay off them permanently. One could say 'well, that shows you need them'. I'm not so sure. I suspect there is a long-term (I cringe to use 'permanent') modification of the actual cell mechanism that prevents/destroys the cell/brain system from physically readapting to it's pre-SSRI functioning.
What particularly strikes me are those people who were not endogenously but situationally depressed, i.e., grief, trauma - and just fine before taking the med. However, after a moderate stint on an SSRI as a temporary coping measure, they found that eventually they had to go back on. Something had changed and they were now chronically depressed. Who knows how long this would have lasted if they white-knuckled it longer, or if it was now a permanent maladaption?
This stuff concerns me greatly, but I have faith in the plasticity of our wondrous brains and hope they knows what they're supposed to do given the right conditions. That's why I preach Omega 3 & 6 oils to give them every chance of help possible.
Best wishes and keep in touch,
-BarbCat
poster:barbaracat
thread:626479
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070808/msgs/775834.html