Xanax Brain Damage - Urgent Help Required

Question

I believe Xanax has caused damage to my brain.  I was on Xanax for 7 years (prescribed by my doctor for panic attacks).  During that time I told him I was not right and needed to get off them.  However, he said “no” – the dosage was too small to cause any problems and to stay on them.
It has been 5 years now since I have been off Xanax but STILL suffer with the following:
•    Short term memory loss
•    Difficulty concentrating
•    Loss of energy (can’t be bothered)
•    Fatigue
•    I don’t “care” about anything
•    Severe depression and anxiety
•    Anti depressants do NOT work
•    Bad mood swings
•    Always impatient
•    Irritable and sometimes angry
•    Suicidal (I can not drink alcohol even in small amounts as I try to kill myself if I do.  (This is NOT intentional)
I have not worked in 3 years due to these reasons PLUS lack of concentration.  Where previously I was a workaholic earning over $100,000 per year and now have to live off the government due to my illness!!!
Could you please help me!!! I have been suffering for years and have always believed Xanax was the cause.  (I pray to have my life back before Xanax!).
I need your help and advise for the following:
•    How can I prove Xanax was the cause?  (It has destroyed me!)
•    How can I prove I have brain damage?
•    What can I do to get better?? (my main concern)
Can you please provide some advise as I can not cope with this much longer.

Answer 1

What you describe sounds like symptoms of depression. You should consult a psychiatrist. As far as anti-depressants not working -- there are many classes of antidepressants, sometimes one class works when the others won't.

While it is uncommon, it is conceivable that long-term use of bezodiazepines might cause, or, more likely, worsen, a depression. However, it is probably difficult to prove causation.

Some tests that may be helpful in showing brain damage are MRI (particularly functional MRI), SPECT scan, PET scan, and some advanced forms of EEG. However, without having scan data before your xanax treatment, even if a scan show damage today, it will be difficult to use it as proof of causation.

Answer 2

What was the dosage you were on and for how long?
Also what is your age and any other medical conditions.
Are you still on the medication?
Have you experienced any blackouts?

I agree that you probably have depression and you should definitely  seek professional counseling.

Chronic high dose abuse of Xanax can, in theory, cause some mild neurotoxic symptoms, but this would occur after decades of abuse.

This could result in some mild memory problems, difficulties with concentration, and some reduced cognitive abilities.