Is There Such A Thing As A Memory Represant Medication?

[Misa]

I have been having very nasty flashbacks recently and sometimes they play over and over it can last all day. I was wondering if any medicine exists to repress these memories? So far the only way to get rid of them is by self harming, which sounds bad but it is the only thing that can distract me. Any suggestions would be great :)

 

[resided]

I don't know if that kind of medication specifically exists but people with ptsd are prescribed antidepressants to help reduce their symptoms, including flashbacks. I take celexa and it has drastically kept those intrusive thoughts out of my mind, also helping many other bad symptoms.

 

[Zef]

There are a bunch of meds that can help with the symptoms, even though they are not memory repressants, per se. The best thing is to try to see a psychiatrist who can prescribe and describe the options to you.

Getting an appointment with a psychiatrist can be difficult because there are not enough of them, so the next best thing would be to talk with your general doctor who can do the same, but has less experience and training. Your family doc may also be able to pull some strings or have advice to get you moving towards reducing your symptoms.

Either way, the first thing you are prescribed may not be right for you, so you may have to try a few 'flavors' before you find the correct fit.

 

[Elizabeth1968]

There are doctors and study's that support a cardiac drug that suppresses your memory. It is used as a last resort for people that can't function due to P.T.S.D. because it suppresses all your memory and basically you end up with symptoms that are basically the same as early Alzheimers. So you stand a good chance of forgetting simple everyday things such as forgetting where you parked your car, where you are and why your there, if you did your errands or not, where your keys are, where you live....etc.

So although it does work well for repressing memories you have to be very careful and weigh the benefits verses the side effects. Right now it is the only approved drug that is used to repress memory although I think they are conducting clinical studies and having some success with other drugs.

I actually considered taking this route but being in the same state as early Alzheimer would not work for me. I have kids, a husband, and obligations that require me to be as alert as possible. Hopefully they will come up with something that will repress the bad memories but not affect the rest or your memory.

I wish you the best of luck as I can totally relate to your issues.