An Interesting Question, I Thought....

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
An Interesting Question, I Thought....
10
Thu, 01-19-2006 - 12:26am

Hey All,


 Several days ago I read online about this study that is being conducted on a medication called propanolol. I read the information on AOL news.... unfortunately didn't think to write down the source so if anyone remembers reading about it and wishes to add more, please feel free to do so!


 Apparently there are indications this medication MAY help to alleviate the bad memories resulting from certain traumatic experiences. Especially if given within a short time of the event's occurence. They asked "Would you take it?" I, in turn, would like to pose that question to you: IF such a medication were proven to take away any bad memories of a traumatic event you'd experienced, would you take it?


 I worried when I read this study that there might be people out there who might start taking this pill or trying to get it prescribed in hopes of easing their own bad memories. (I know YOU ladies know that this could be VERY dangerous and is not at all advisable!) Then I considered the "would I or wouldn't I" question myself.


 For me, the answer would be no. (And yes, I'm kinda surprised at that actually--lol!) Despite having had some pretty horrible memories to contend with regarding abuse as a child/teen, MY personal feeling is, if I take it away I take away a part of ME and my belief is that if I'm troubled by a particular memory that is a sign that something needs to be dealt with. Taking the memory away almost feels like denial to me. And on a larger scale, I wonder if that is yet another thing that humans shouldn't mess with? Any thoughts on this one??? Hugs, Lori

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2005
Thu, 01-19-2006 - 11:01am

NO, I wouldn't take it. I agree that it's unnatural and creepy.

But most of all, it wouldn't work. You see, it's not just the memories that hurt us. It's the bad habits that we've developed to cope with the memories- and the self destructive personality traits. It's the emotions and feelings and aftermath of the memories.

So all this drug would do is take away the reason- we'd still feel like cr*&, but not know why! At least now, I know why I'm so timid with low self esteem. I know why I do certain things and feel certain ways, at least sometimes. Mess with my memory..and all I know is I'm still a mess, but for no apparent reason. How could that help anyone?

And worst of all, without memories you are doomed to repeat the horrors of the past. Say for instance a woman was severly abused by her husband. Well, she gets therapy and divorces him. And the next time she meets a man who acts and talks like her ex...she knows to run like the wind! But if she forgot the abuse, how would she recognize the signs if it's starting to happen again? No, she'd naively fall into the trap all over again. I would never take that drug.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
Thu, 01-19-2006 - 1:56pm

Hey Blue,


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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-21-2003
Thu, 01-19-2006 - 2:28pm

no way would I take something like that and here are my reasons

lets say it does work then how are we to cope with things it is a unnatural way to cope with things that hurt us lets say I did take it then all of a sudden I am not able to take it any longer how would I beable to cope with the pain.

the only way to get rid of our pain is to deal with the bad stuff that hurt us and learn to deal with it in a different way then the ones we have come to accept as normal.

Mary

Mary
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2004
Fri, 01-20-2006 - 9:27am
Hello Lori,,,was reading what you wrote about this 'study.' It does mention they think this med would possibly work if given within a 'short' period of the occurence,,,thus that would automatically exclude a lot of people who may consider trying it. For someone it might be beneficial,,,say helping them deal with the trauma of a recent accident or witnessing an upsetting event. I don't know if it says it would erase all bad memories,,,maybe it would 'buffer' some of them. Depending on the individual and of the reasons why they may want to take it,,,well possibly it might help them just enough so they are able to deal with their issues sooner and more successfully instead of pushing them back in their minds. Just my thoughts,,,Abby
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
Fri, 01-20-2006 - 2:24pm

Hey Abby,


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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2005
Fri, 01-20-2006 - 3:43pm

First let me say, excuse my absence this week. I'm trying to get the school and internet schedule worked out, as well as my new home. I will try to be more on the ball next week.


As for the question. As distressing as they are I might not be the same person without having gone through what I have. Still, risking that. I wish I could forget and would probably take it.


Amanda

Avatar for markshay
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2003
Fri, 01-20-2006 - 9:34pm
IMO, I think maybe this medicine might be helpful for someone who had say, recently came back from war and are suffering from severe post-traumatic syndrome who may be at risk for causing harm to someone else, or themselves, but after having a recent event being blocked from my memory, I think that not being able to remember something would drive me crazy as not being able to remember has driven me a bit nuts even tho it's something that I really don't want to remember. It's just the idea of not being able to remember but knowing that it's there, that is bothersome. Not sure if I made any sense or not. I guess I am trying to say that if it were to help someone who is so severely traumatized that they are a danger to themselves or someone else or who are not functioning because of the trauma, then it might be of great use to them.
Sandra.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
Fri, 01-20-2006 - 10:12pm

Hi Sandra,


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Avatar for catfriendlady02
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 01-23-2006 - 6:53pm
Hi, As for me , I don't need take any more meds. I wouldn't take it ethier. There is othe is other ways to deal with bad memories. Just don't mess with this med. Its not nature. We all do need to feel whats inside of us. If someone comes back from war it might help. I hope I make sence what I am writing. Michelle
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-12-2004
Mon, 01-23-2006 - 8:06pm

Hey Michelle,


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