Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/18/2006

Question
HI, used oxycontin for 5 years. start at 20 mg day for back  finished at 140 mg per day for back pain..
I have been completely off all opiods since june 05,
I seem to have severe memory loss, not only short term, but long term as well..

Have you seen and studies, or research regarding this, Is it reversible? Other place for help?

Answer
Hi Brian
Well done for weaning yourself of the opioids. This is well outside my area of expertise. There are many questions you would have to answer someone who could help. These would surround the use of other drugs during this time - recreational drugs such as cannabis, other prescription drugs and your alcohol intake.

From what I can glean on the internet there is no doubt that prolonged abuse of opioids can lead to changes in the brain that can persist for a considerable period.

I hope this is of some help, sorry I can't help further. I wish you the best of luck.
Dr Jackson