A Pill To Forget?

Can A Medication Suppress Traumatic Memories?

(CBS)  This segment was originally broadcast on Nov. 26, 2006. It was updated on June 14, 2007.

If there were something you could take after experiencing a painful or traumatic event that would permanently weaken your memory of what had just happened, would you take it? As correspondent Lesley Stahl first reported last fall, it’s an idea that may not be so far off, and that has some critics alarmed, and some trauma victims filled with hope.

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"I couldn't get my body to stop shaking. I was trembling, constantly trembling. Memories of it would just come back, reoccurring over and over and over," subway conductor Beatriz Arguedas recalls.

A year ago September, Beatriz was driving her normal route on the Red Line in Boston when one of her worst fears came to pass: "Upon entering one of the busiest stations, a man jumped in front of my train, to commit suicide," she explains.

Beatriz saw the man jump. "We sort of made eye contact and then I felt the thud from him hitting the train and then the crackling sound underneath the train and, then, of course, my heart starts thumping," she recalls.

"She came into our emergency room afterwards, very upset. No physical injury. Entirely a psychological trauma," says Dr. Roger Pitman, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School who has studied and treated patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, for 25 years.

"They're caught up so much with this past event that it's constantly in their mind," Pitman explains. "They're living it over and over and over as if it's happening again. And they just can't get involved in real life."

When Beatriz arrived in the emergency room, Pitman enrolled her in an experimental study of a drug called propranolol, a medication commonly used for high blood pressure ... and unofficially for stage fright. Pitman thought it might do something almost magical – trick Beatriz’s brain into making a weaker memory of the event she had just experienced.

In the study, which is still under way, half the subjects get propranolol; half get a placebo.

Asked whether he knows if Beatriz got the drug or the placebo, Dr. Pitman says he has no idea and neither does she, and that the research team won't know for another two years.

If Pitman is right, the results could fundamentally change the way accident victims, rape victims, even soldiers are treated after they experience trauma.

The story begins with some surprising discoveries about memory. It turns out our memories are sort of like Jello – they take time to solidify in our brains. And while they're setting, it's possible to make them stronger or weaker. It all depends on the stress hormone adrenaline.

The man who discovered this is James McGaugh, a professor of neurobiology at the University of California, Irvine.

[how2hunt]

Having been misprescribed Prozac and the doctor denying responsibility, I wasn't allowed treatment and was on my own. I discovered Gingko Biloba seemed to help, but needed to quit when I discovered I was expecting. After watching your segment, I discovered adrenaline being said to enhance memory made the obvious true: exercise will help me think more clearly.

I tend to agree with Dr. Magnus that it will be abused. Although Dr. Pit states it will help more than hurt, I disagree. I believe that with the expedited manner in which people think, this will be the "cure-all" to fix our minds instead of dealing with and excusing issues from the past. This drug will be used by men to rape, present the drug and lessen the anxiety to prevent it from being reported... one of many. Doctors abuse drugs, just as people, and this will be another "quick fix," as liposuction is to weight loss. Money for someone else to make is all... meanwhile having a negative effect on the created off-spring of the aftermath. Where will our world be in 50 years?

[how2hunt]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that the misprescribed drug PROZAC caused amnesia, long term. At 40, I'm now attending school on my fourth attempt, but think I'll make it through this time. I suppose this incident can be chalked up to Susan Edwards, the doctor that I feel is responsible for an incident that occurred 16 years ago. I was in her office for a routine check-up, not for depression. After the "question/answer" game, she had convinced me that I could be much happier. I have never regained my memories and even as bad as they were... I didn't get to choose if I wanted to remember or not.

[ms85239]

I think this medication would be a blessing for children who have been abused. I'm a 54 year old woman who still suffers from the violence and abuse of an alcoholic parent. That moron on your program tonight that spoke of how our experiences make us stronger...well some do, but some just cripple and/or cause pain for a life time. I will be contacting my physician tomorrow to see if I can get a prescription. My memories have negatively affected me my entire life.

[jackson7202]

As a victim of years of sexual abuse by my brother and several rapes in my teenage years, propranolol seems like a miracle drug. The opportunity to wake up one day and not feel that I am worthless, ugly and tainted forever would be the most wonderful thing I could ever imagine. Even having just one day of relief from terrible feelings about myself would change everything for me. The prospect of dulling the awful feelings connected with these events brings me to tears.
While this drug has the potential to be mis-used (as do all drugs) the benefits far outweigh any misgivings there are. Relief from 28 years of suffering is far from a quick fix. I can only hope to find a doctor doing a trial where I live. Thank you 60 minutes for this wonderful, potentially life changing information.

[saltbob]

The day after Thanksgiving 2000 their was an accident, my boat was swamped in a cut leading to the Gulf of Mexico. My son-in-law jumped out and my grandson jump too him they were caught in a fast current and swept out about 2 miles in the Gulf I was stranded about 2 hours in the boat (cel phone and vhf radio was wet also boat would not start and full of water) I FELT SO HELPESS!! A person on shore called the Coast Guard for help, a helicopter was sent from Houston that took a long time getting there. I was picked up and taken to shore the the medic personnel told me that they had been found and taken to a small hospital and I could not go to that one for treatment so I said I needed to go there to check on them, medics would not tell me how they were doing. I thought they would be sitting on a bench with a blanket around them instead they were in the emergency room fighting for their lives, the water was 65 degs they were suffering from exposure and hypothermia I think I was in shock because I was in the room about 6 hours watching about 12 people working on my grandson then sent him to Houston where he died about 7 PM He was only 7 years old So if there is a pill to forget this I would welcome it because I think about this all of the time! Thanks, for the report on 60 MINUTES.

[jademountain]

My concern is what happens when the drug is used for a more sinister purpose.

Scenario: A soldier who has perpetrated horrific crimes against innocent civilians is having trouble detaching from the emotions associated with his actions. He takes the pill and no longer has to suffer with his conscience. Another tour of duty would be in order as opposed to a life of alcohol and drug abuse, etc. related to the PTSD he would most likely suffer as a result of crimes committed in the line of duty.

This drug has the potential of creating a military full of sociopaths. Just think, violent and ruthless supersoldiers are a dictator's dream.

[masterbarry]

I have suffered with PTSD for 40 years and I have tried numerous medications without success. Tonight's 60 minutes report has given me some hope. I cannot wait to try this medication. Thanks 60 minutes.

[jademountain]

Now would be a good time to revisit the film, "Eternal Sunshine Of the Spotless Mind."

[cdk44cdk]

I have suffered w/ depression for over 40yrs due to physical & emotional abuse by my Mother.I still hear the horrible "tapes" running in my head about how horrible and lazy and ugly & stupid I am. If a pill could erase all of those terrible "tapes" of abuse it would be wonderful!! It would be a miracle to be a fully functioning adult again and have no memories of past abuse. Thank you for your report hopefully this pill can help others w/ stress disorders from the war or from their past.

[kpen4512yaho]

How can I get a hold of this new memory drug? I live in fear of forgetting. I can't remember names of students or names of songs in fear of forgetting in front of my peers, I forget what I know on the spot when asked a question. I have quit my job for fear of people and intimidation. I have a college degree and feel like I know absolutely nothing. Away from my peers, or teaching in front of students, I am fine. I know everything I need to know. I have always lived in fear growing up, and have been gradually hurt by many people and as a result, have become more fearful of failure and totally an emotional mess. I cry everyday, and feel extremely sad. I take prozac. I'm not sure it's doing anything for my depression. I've gone to lots of counceling but have given up for feeling more depressed on dwelling on my flaws.
I am or was a band director, something I really loved, and felt totally intimidated by my co-workers. I never got to direct much with my co-directors, so I felt lower and lower as a person. I know I have been totally damaged as a person and can't seem to get the real me back. Maybe this drug would help me remember better, and help me get rid of fear.

Please let me know if anything can done.
Thanks,
from a Band Director fron Texas

[thomasprewit]

First of all Masterbarry, there are no shortage of sociopaths already. You don't need pills for that.

Jackson7202, I agree with you on that. It doesn't make you stronger, it destroys you emotionally, and leaves your life in ruin.

I'll be glad to have my own anxiety end after more than a decade of having racing thoughts throughout the day, every single day of my life.

There is no reason at all not to give these pills out to everyone.

Since one in three women get raped at sometime in their lives, and it always does extremely psychological drama to them, a significant portion of the population will certainly have need for it. Maybe it'll help them find the courage necessary to testiphy against their attacker, and bring their path of terror to an end.

[batmanswife-2009]

I think this drug would be beneficial if it doesn't "erase" one's conscience. Just allows horrible memories to be forgotten. My brother is a Gulf war veteran who can barely leave his home,due to PTSD. He left the Navy a few months before the U.S.S. Iowa exploded;that was his assigned ship. He knew almost all involved and feels some responsibility for their deaths. My husband suffers with PTSD/intermittent explosive disorder which was brought to light 3 years ago, when we lost two dear friends to murder/suicide. My husband is in therapy to understand that his family is where it all started,given the abuse and manipulation that he had to endure as a child and adult. Add to that, we are Katrina victims who, like many others, lost all possessions along with jobs and health insurance. My father-in-law is a Viet Nam veteran, still having enough nightmares and flashbacks to make him "crazy". If this drug would allow these three men in my life to live in a "normal" fashion, I say bring it on. yes, like any drug, it will be abused. But, if the docs can show it doesn't do away with having a conscience, just terrible memories, then it will help thousands of people live a more meaningful life.

[wcm3232]

Can someone answer this question? Can this drug be useful if you have blocked something in your past that has manifested in a physical handicap. I know that something happedned that was very traumatic but do not know what exactly. I am physically handicapped, in a wheelchair and unable to walk.
If you are aware through counseling of traumatic events in your life that have been blocked to the point that you are physically handicapped. Would this drug be effective?

[lmhf]

Unfortunately, I did not see the entire story presented by L.S. on this RX study. However, to presume that it would be BAD, and, that this drug could actually "help" criminals sounds nothing short of rediculous. (I would rather doubt that anyone who has total lack of ability to make moral and ethical judgements regarding life will feel compelled to seek assistance to erase memories of their crimes committed!) Regarding victims of crimes, trauma, and PTSD, there are more "traditional" therapy modalities like EMDR (for example), that have been used for yrs to help re-wire the brain. But, EMDR does not work for MANY. For those who have tried the numerous "tradional" therapies without success, this RX should be an option made available if chosen. Living with life altering and paralizing trauma is not uncomplicated, nor an easy fix. If this drug cks out, it could give (back) the joy of living to victims finally relieving them of the horrific loop and paralizing effects that trauma,etc. have created in their lives, minds, and bodies.

[thomasprewit]

It resets the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that stores the fear memories at. It does not affect the part of the brain controlling regular memories. The amygdala controls how you respond to various things, telling you when to be afraid.

Without any fear at all, abusers will loose their power over others. So the bullies and wife beaters, won't be able to keep you oppressed any longer.

[rbichamp05]

I would like to if these "Memory loss pills" taken by the doctors or scientist who invent them. Then we will know if they work. Telling someone to take this pill that will let them forget the evil past will help them. Remember the FAKE sugar pills?

[eittimlc]

I would like to ba a part of this study. Please submit addresses and telephone numbers.

Thanks.

tfw

[vev79]

I also would like to be a part of this study. I have very severe PTSD caused by an accumulated thirty years or so of varied abuses. I am currently going through pharmaceutical and psychological thereapies, but still have major flashbacks, and 'meltdowns'. This effects every aspect of my life.

[justpepsi69-2009]

I think this discovery is awesome. I am wondering if Dr. Roger Pitman, James McGaugh has or would be interested in trying out this drug on some one like me who is Bi-Polar/Manic Depressant. I have the hardest time remembering most anything and have a very short term memory. I am more then interest in being an experimental study to find out. Keep up the good work Doctors. Feel free to contact me....

[jaxx0374]

i think the comment regarding how psychiatric patients are treated differently from medical patients is right on...and completely unfair. Take the example of someone who is clinically depressed, and may be lacking the hormone serotonin. In providing that patient a SSRI, we treat the depression by allowing the brain to use more of the hormone serotonin. Would we deny a diabetic their insulin. This is a hormone too.

[Radar.1]

Here are two concerns. If a rape victim takes the pill, will the defense attorney be able to argue that the victim's memory is faulty because of taking the propranolol? Second, the story only showed females who have taken the medication. Does this not work on males, or were there no males willing to go on "60 Minutes"?

[mslo2]

I am interested in more information on this medication. My son has suffered from severe PTSD since his brothers death. His brother was stabbed to death in front of him and died in his arms. This was at a flyer party 16 years ago. The symptoms from PTSD has worsened over the years and conventional therapy has not helped.

Please forward information concerning the study and any local places that he can contact.

[b8907]

I missed this story tonight, although I had anticipated this story all week, but I feel asleep in front of the tv. I awoke at 7:30 & called my Mom. I had missed it.
I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in '91 when I was 22. I was overdosed on chemo, which put me into a coma. During the coma, my breathing was, somehow,restrained for an "unknown" amount of time. The hospital claimed that it was a Stroke.
In one of my college health classes, yes college after a Traumatic Brain Injury, I learned that my brain must have been deprived of oxygen for at least 3 or 4 minutes. This happened 15 years ago, but could this help with my short-term memory? My ST Memory and my equillibrium were the only things that I have not been able to rehabilitate, I live by myself independantly, I graduated from college with my BS in Health Rehab. Counseling, but I have not earned my Master's for financial reasons, therefore I have not earned my NYState Certification, which is needed to establish a career in my field of study.
I am a VERY determined woman. I am physically active, despite having to use a wheelchair to get around faster. I exercise, I weight-lift and I do Nautilus 4 days per week at the YMCA. I re-earned my drivers licence. I have 90% of a "regular" life, except for working because of my memory and the tuition cost for my Master's. What do you recommend?? Sheryl [e-mail]

[kaisema]

To the commenters who expressed concern of potential abuse of memory loss drugs, I guess I would ask how is this type of drug any different than any other type of drug meant to treat patients to relieve pain, be it physical or emotional? All drugs are subject to misuse and abuse, but that is why we have systems in place to control drug distribution in this country. Any drug can and will be misused at some point, but I would hope these types of drugs would not be any different than other medically precribed, controlled substances. We have to evaluate the cost-benefit of a wide distribution of this type of substance, and it seems like more patients deserving of these drugs would outweight those who would use it for sinister purposes.

[justmeflipper]

I too would like to be part of a study with this "memory" medicine. I was sexually abused for years as a child and know in my heart it destroyed me. Please tell me how to get in touch with these people! In my opinion it can't be any worse than what I deal with on a daily basis already. I want a better outlook the last half of my life.

[peltaire]

The White House basically responded, "memories make up who we are and taking them away would change our true identity...threaten our sense of right and wrong."

This implies that our true identity consists of memories that we are living into over and over again. The government seems to think, with many others, that who we are is based on the past. This is completely false. Who we are has absolutely nothing to do with our past or our memories. We are living into blank space and we can be however we want to be. Those memories happened, yes but they do not mean anything about who we are as people. They are just stories.

It is not the shot of adrenaline that makes up the horrific memories that people have, instead it is the silly story they make up about what happened. A pill will not stop the story from rebuilding.

[rehauch]

Propranolol. Hoax ?? Not new. Drugs like this have been around for over 25 years, under a different purpose !!! Example: Early 80's. "BUSPAR". Used for stage fright and anxiety ! Works the same way. Prevents your adrenaline from rageing and keeps you cool and relaxed !!! Same, same, under a different claim. "Memory". Has nothing to do with memory. Has to due with "NOT letting your memories run you into a frenzy by limiting adrenaline" !!!! Buspar is only one of at least six drugs from twenty five years ago. All boils down to, having enough money to make enough noise, to get the attention and hopefully a LOT of money claiming a different scenario !!!! Like EVERYONE needs drugs to sleep at night. We have society of prescription drug addicts !!!!!!!!!!!!

[justmeflipper]

I too would like to be part of a study with this "memory" medicine. I was sexually abused for years as a child and know in my heart it destroyed me. Please tell me how to get in touch with these people! In my opinion it can't be any worse than what I deal with on a daily basis already. I want a better outlook the last half of my life.

[sammerdog110]

I have an extreme case of PTSD I've lost my life to it you could say. I spend most of my time at home because I can't stand being around people. I am on medication, no it is not a cure it helps me cope. I would be willing to try "Propranolol" if it meant being able to forget, being to stop having the nightmares, being able to stop going into cold sweats because someone triggered some obscure memory.

[rafnarp]

I have been traumatized since four years of age with events that would be similar to another human being receiving an amputation without medication and awake. The only difference is that the pain is mental.

I believe if there is a medication that would alleviate pain and suffering then it simply provides hope for people who have been severely abused through no fault of their own.

January 2001: Social Security Disability determined Date of Onset. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

I do not use my disability as any type of excuse. I simply chose to purservere even with the memory of multiple traumas that I live with every single day of my life. The fear of sleeping due to recurring events is just part of the disability.

2006:
%u2022 Two years of study earning an ATA Degree in Business Information Technology with a Software Specialist Endorsement
%u2022 3.7 GPA earning a place on The National Dean%u2019s List Scholastic Honor
2006
Reserved for only = of 1% of our nation%u2019s college students

[sammerdog110]

Maybe if my Father had gotten help after WWII may just maybe ours lives would of been easier. But instead he was very voilent and I went from a voilent father to a voilent husband. Washing my mom not give up on her marrage of more then 60 years of cheating and abuse added in me not giving up on mine for more then 11 years. But I wonder I wonder what if thiese men and women were helped with the terrible things that they went through. How different would it have been for so many of us.

[fyrekrystaal]

FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS DRUG HELPS LESSEN THE IMPACT OF TRAUMATIC MEMORIES IT DOES NOT ERASE MEMORIES JUST MAKES THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT LESS WHAT IS A GREATER ABUSE LETTING PEOPLE SUFFER FOR EVENTS THAT THEY HAVE NO CONTROL OVER OR GIVING THEM SOME RELIEVE FROM THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT I DON'T SEE THE HARM IN THAT JUST LIKE ANY OTHER DRUG IT CAN BE ABUSED JUST DON'T CLOSE THE DOOR FOR THE PEOPLE WHO COULD BENFIT FROM THIS DRUG

[faitown]

I was the victim of an acquaintaince rape when I was 20 years old, 10 years ago. I currently am being treated by a pain psychologist and have been prescribed an anti-anxiety medication for the past year and a half as I suffer from PTSD. Seeing this story gives me hope. If I could have any kind of practical help disacociating my memory from the pain and suffering I endure now I would gladly accept it. This traumatic experience has changed the person I am, I have had to grow and learn and make a daily effort to live my life on my terms, seeking happiness, becoming a whole person despite my experience. I have done as much work as a person can do seeking the proper forums and professionals to assist me, yet seeking help two years ago I still cannot get a handle on my PSTD like I would like to. Taking anti-anxiety medication is not a means to an end. I have grown as much as a person from this experience as I wish to, and if I could be helped by this, guided by my doctor, I would gladly partake. I feel cheated, I feel others around me who love me are cheated by my constant desire to protect myself, by my inability to put the experience behind me, by my nightmares, by my regrets. I would like to leave all of that behind now. We learn from our painful experiences but when someone has inflicted pain upon you at no fault of your own, how long do YOU have to live with that?

[anniebl]

My son has been taking Propranolol for Hyperthyroidism. He was diagnosed with this his Freshman year in college and has been taking it daily for approx. 9 months. How would this drug effect his ability to perform as a student? What dosage was given to the people in this study?

[mgministry]

I have been taking Propanol for several years.

I went through a tramatic divorce that one pschiatrist said was just like a person that had been in war.

That was the only visit to him as I had to move out of state because of financial reasons.

I had seizures for 2-3 hours every day and all the doctors could tell me was that it was anxiety and depression and give me regular medicine.

I had an attack in my pshychiatrists office where I live now and she said she wasn't sure if it would work but started me on Propranol....It definately helped me.

I did wean myself from it because I was able to get a job in which there was NO WAY I could have worked before with the condition I was in.....I couldn't drive or go anywhere by myself.

I did have a job where I did a lot of lifting and on my feet all day which is one reason I weaned myself from the medicine because I did read where it slowed down the heart and that was making it hard on my body physically.....Working plus the fact my phychiatrist moved and the one that replaced her WOULD NOT give me my medicine so I never went back.

I have now found another doctor which prescribes it for me and I only went to him because my seizures started coming back.

I am getting ready to start my own business and am getting back on my feet again and I have one person to thank....One person that cared enough to help someone when others just turned their back and went with the flow.

[mgministry]

I published a report that I am taking Propanol.

I have been on and off of it for 3 1/2 years.
It definately helped me.

If there is any way that I can be of help please contact me at [e-mail]

[deepsky_usa]

We wouldn't deny immunizations to our children. It is said to help prevent disease. Think of the money the US Government could save over the life span of one person with PTSD receiving SSDI. Think of families that could survive intact.

[njlw-2009]

I don't know if there is much point in posting here, but that just goes to show that I'm a little low on hope.

I was molested by my dad when I was thirteen. A little over twenty years ago now. I can't tell you how many ways I've tried to deal with this, but I just don't think I'm equipped to know how to begin to do that, much less heal.

I can tell you that in the last few years I've learned that it does not get easier with time (harder, in fact). I have two beautful kids, a good husband, the bills are paid (on time most months), talent, faith, and am expecting our third child, but I still wake up in the morning thinking I have nothing to look forward to.

On a good day, I feel like one big stinkin' problem wrapped up in layers of issues. On a bad day, I feel like I'm being buried alive.

So yeah, I would take this pill in a heartbeat. It's pregnancy category is C, so there is a slight chance of adverse reactions. But, how can the way I feel every day now be any better on the baby?

But, I live in a very small town, and I don't have insurance. So, I don't see a doctor regularly (when I'm not pregnant that is), and I can't afford psychiatric help. My chances of being prescribed this aren't very high.

Anyway ... I feel for everyone here. I often wonder what it would be like to live without 'this'. To be normal.

Maybe, with this pill, someday I'll find out. And, I hope you all will too. :)

[njlw-2009]

I don't know if there is much point in posting here, but that just goes to show that I'm a little low on hope.

I was molested by my dad when I was thirteen. A little over twenty years ago now. I can't tell you how many ways I've tried to deal with this, but I just don't think I'm equipped to know how to begin to do that, much less heal.

I can tell you that in the last few years I've learned that it does not get easier with time (harder, in fact). I have two beautful kids, a good husband, the bills are paid (on time most months), talent, faith, and am expecting our third child, but I still wake up in the morning thinking I have nothing to look forward to.

On a good day, I feel like one big stinkin' problem wrapped up in layers of issues. On a bad day, I feel like I'm being buried alive.

So yeah, I would take this pill in a heartbeat. It's pregnancy category is C, so there is a slight chance of adverse reactions. But, how can the way I feel every day now be any better on the baby?

But, I live in a very small town, and I don't have insurance. So, I don't see a doctor regularly (when I'm not pregnant that is), and I can't afford psychiatric help. My chances of being prescribed this aren't very high.

Anyway ... I feel for everyone here. I often wonder what it would be like to live without 'this'. To be normal.

Maybe, with this pill, someday I'll find out. And, I hope you all will too. :)

[artistine]

Please - Make it available to us vets SOON who have no recourse & need help NOW!I am a 27 yr old female vet, 100% disabled, who once proudly ran the weatherdecks and mainspaces of my ship, a little Destroyer. I was proud of what I did; I worked on Gas Turbine Engines. I enjoyed it.

Then I was raped pretty badly, by men who had been in the Navy for over 20 years, men who were basically Gods in this World - Chiefs. I was an E-1 - a young adventurous girl who just wanted college & a good life. They were E-7's, E-8's, who did& said things that are so shameful & absolutely unutterable to anyone who cannot fathom 4 years of a nonstop trainwreck.

I was put thru horrifying psychological trauma after a chaplain ratted me out for the next year till they kicked me out. They punished me in front of my peers, and humiliated me, and cast me off - no better than Abu Graib!

So,you people like Jaydmtn, who have never been to war, have never seen the weatherdeck of a ship(except from the safety of your lazyboy while watching the military channel)or had to make the choice between them or you.People-it is Not your place to say Anything against Any of the brave souls who ensure you can continue sitting safely on your stupid LazyBoy.

God-I hope help comes quick for me. I need something to help me deal with all the anger building up inside me. All I want to do is forget it all & live the happy life my husband and I really do want to live. Please give me this drug, I beg you.

[barbararusse]

Dr. Pitman couldn't have said it better..my brain keeps going over and over the event that defines what I am, who I now stand for, how I feel every waking and nonwaking moment of my breathing existence now and two plus years from the ptsd event that has left me a permanently insane. My daughter, the center of my world, the only child I had took her life after a battle with depression and a long struggle with an eating disorder. Her father abused her as a young girl and she struggled her whole life with the affects of self loathing. I can't get through an hour, a day, without the pain of remembering what she went through! She didn't deserve this and neither do I! I've even asked for electic shock therapy if it would help me. I've been turned down.I have no job, my husband decided he couldn't stay after she,(his stepdaughter) died, and I am waddling through now with my CBT therapist, alone. I believe by softening my memory with Propranolol, it would be answer that I have asked for. Please help me by responding to my wish for relief! You are a blessing for your insight to our pain...I'm not sure if it's appropriate to add my email address so if you need to get in touch with me you can [e-mail]
thank you so much....barbararusse
sincerely, barbara

[artistine]

I really feel for you - you are in my prayers.

My email as well for anyone who has a like situatuion & could use a shoulder, or simply for someone who can give me some help - is [e-mail]

[nancy1024]

Landmark Forum,

Please stop commenting. You are using CBS website for your own benefit. You are trying to take advantage of us. You want to make money for your site from are suffering and pain. Propranolol is a prescription covered on most health insurance and you are not. We are desperate for a cure and hope, so please don%u2019t ruin it for us!

Nancy

[debriwere]

Great idea. So long as young soldiers are not the only guinea pigs as they were for the LSD studies. To not be ravaged the balance of your life by intrusive thoughts is a noble pursuit--- yet, I cannot see how a pill will ever address the moral violation and degradation of the soul. There are no pharmcalogical remedies for spiritual violations. And God forbid, I would not want to live in world that had one. George Orwell would speak again. Mike Brewer/100%Disabled Veteran/U.S.Marine Corps

[tgergely2]

I am counseling a cousin of mine who, unknown to me until she was 21, was emotionally abused by her mother and neglected by her father. She is 26 now and lives in Montreal, Canada. I visit her as often as I can, unfortunately, we live 3000 miles apart and am in touch with her almost every day. She lives away from her mother now unable to work, and she has the symptoms of PDSD as her psychiatrist gave the diagnoses of Childhood Trauma. She is fearful, anxious and depressed. I would really like her to try this memory drug, propranolol, if there is a study out there in the Montreal area or a doctor that would be willing to take this case and try this medication please get in touch with me. My phone number is 425 776-6101. Please leave a message after the beep. Any help would be appreciated.

[artistine]

Oh - And one Last couple Words for that wonderful "Peltaire" guy....

1. DO NOT, and I mean DO NOT EVER tell me I am some drama queen reliving *** in my life BECAUSE I want to!

2. DO NOT ever tell anyone else that either - Do you really want blood on your hands when someone who could have benefited from some form of medication just loses all substance and offs themself?

3. Just What the hell do you know about about PTSD & memories that haunt the complex shadows of the mind? Do have any sort of degree to be able to say so? Or are you just the stupid spokesperson?

Hmmmmm, "Only the Shadow knows"..... That is what I think. Talk to a real MD, not some idiot on a blog........

[ficheenchufe]

They should just be honest and call this the cowards pill. One of the volunteers for this study is someone who got struck by a bicycle in the street? How cowardly can you get? If something truly traumatic happens then you work your way though it.

This pill will be marketed to spineless men and drama queens who can't deal with real live. These people might be permanently messing up their head because the tv show 'friends' went off of the air.

If people want to risk ruining their bodies for no good reason then that is fine by me. Just don't expect society to pick up the tab when you can no longer work because of an adverse reaction that caused a mental or physical disability. You can rot on the side of the street for being stupid as far as I'm concerned.

And in reply to the poster "artistine" I am a Navy vet who served though operation Iraqi freedom. And your story sounds extremely suspect. Especially the part where you claim to have been punished and kicked out for being raped. People don't go to captains mast or get a dishonorable discharge for being the victim of a crime. And if something like that did happen and it was made public all hell would break loose. The capt. wouldn't be able to just kick you out and keep it under wraps. So you might want to rethink your story drama queen.

[meetziepie]

My husband suffers from PTSD from Vietnam and I think anything that could give him relief from reliving the horrors of that "War" would be a Godsend. The things soldiers have to do in the active days of War should not have to haunt them for the rest of their lives. It is enough that they have had to live it once.

[meetziepie]

My husband suffers from PTSD from Vietnam and I think anything that could give him relief from reliving the horrors of that "War" would be a Godsend. The things soldiers have to do in the active days of War should not have to haunt them for the rest of their lives. It is enough that they have had to live it once.

[mikeludin]

I can not believe the vitriolic rant by some ill informed ignoratns on here. Put your genetalia in a vice and tighten it until you draw blood; keep it there for an hour or so, tightening a little here and there and then write me and tell me you couldn't use a little doseof anything to help you lessen your pain of the memory. Not counting the pain meds you'd be on just for the trauma.

Now think of a a little boy or girl terrorized over and over again. Perhaps your own child. WOuldn't you do all you can to help your child forget, just like Bush and the White House did before when it said "I have not committed any felonies for the last 25 years".

Bring this drug to merket... fast!