PCS I desperately need to improve my executive function ASAP (Benzos / ECT)
 

Hi all,
Multiple concussions or tbi's over a few decades (with chronic pain), and am finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions. Have been getting worse. Testing shows in the superior range with some minor deviances, says functioning not worse. Being blamed on depression. I believe am depressed because I've lost everything. I need to move in a few months and large posibility of facing being homeless because of concentration, planning and decision making. Can't face that and would rather **. Have tried every AD, now am hoping to try ECT.

Have been on triazolam for a few years. Started a valium taper which gave me a couple of relatively great days but is now making me feel dumb. Sleep is suffering too and it's hard to get through the night

I know long term benzo use is bad, but any thoughts on a) ECT for this type of thing, and b) whether I can withdraw from benzo and be better than I am now within a short period of time or if it'll make me worse.

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

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Many of us find benefit from nutritional supplements and alternative ways of helping our brains work.

I take 5-HTP, L-Theanine, and GABA. I was on an SSRI for a decade. Natural has done more for me.

I have very poor executive function, all I can tell you is to write everything down the best you can in order. Make sure you keep space between them because you know your first thought usually needs to move on the list.

When did your most recent head injuries happen?
Did you have any major cognitive issues like this after any of the other head injuries?

Welcome loconono. :Wave-Hello:

The side effects of Triazolam include loss of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion. That drug is not going to help your mental function and may be contributing to your struggles.

I suggest tapering off Triazolam and finding alternative treatments. But getting off those drugs may be hard because of the withdrawal effects, so slowly reduce the dose over several months.

Mental health, depression, and brain fog are linked to imbalances in the gut microbiome, so incorporate gut health into your treatment plan.

Late reply, apologies. Latest concussion was only a few months ago and one at christmas. Both were "mild" but significant. Have stopped the triazolam suggested as everyone seems to be saying to do this but have had to do a valium taper as I was only getting 1-2 hours sleep and am now flipping between REM and awake most of the night.

Cognitive symptoms seem to be getting worse prior to those injuries, but am doing ok at the neuro tests. which confuses me no end. But I was always good at tests, puzzles, logic and stuff. Its the other things that get me.

DrewDigital - yes I totally agree about gut health and am usually ok (relatively, given my issues prepping meals). Thanks for the reminder though. Alcohol is my biggest vice in that regards. Definitely should not be drinking and I'm trying to stop but some days I need a beer or two to cope with the extreme boredom. Doc's just put me on aricept which is not helping in this regards.

Thank you all

Mirtazapine once helped me very much when I was completely stressed out. Doesn't have the addictive effects as benzos, as far as I know.. I was quite listless when starting, nevertheless it helped me get enough sleep and balance again, so I could recover.
As far as I know, lower doses are used for sleep inducing effects, higher doses will make it work as antidepressant and more stimulating, so when I was too turned down /lethargic by the lower dose, I increased it a bit to reverse the sleep inducing effect a little (paradoxically).

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This information is only my personal experience and does not substitute professional medical advice.