The Effects Of Propranolol On The Brain

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As a student in the field of biology I am constantly inundated with research studies that have led scientists to the understanding of the mechanisms and processes that occur within humans and other organisms. Something that scientists and lay people can all agree on is that the brain is one of the most complex organs, with much of its internal processes and capabilities still unknown. Although the brain is the control hub of the entire body, it is not without its flaws. The very same neurons that are activated to form, retain and reactivate positive memories can just as easily do the same with negative memories, the events and feelings that we all wish we could forget. Some individuals are not even privileged to have the recognition of any …show more content…
The main research in the literature and the instigation of neuroethics of memory dampening has been centered around the use of β-adregnergic agonists such as the drug Propranolol. While Propranolol was originally designed as a medication to treat _____ it has been adapted to order to treat memories.
“Psychotropic and other drugs can alter brain mechanisms regulating the formation, storage, and retrieval of different types of memory.” …show more content…
From a philosophical perspective there are apprehensions with using beta blockers due to the lack of clarity of the degree of loss and attenuation of memory beyond emotion (Henry). As previously stated, emotions are considered part of moral identity, including positive and negative emotions. The use of pharmaceuticals to ameliorate emotions provoked my memories can be considered as suppressing or altering one’s identity. (Kabasenche). The issue with this drug it that it is given soon after an individual experiences trauma, without the knowledge that the individual will experience PTSD. In the same way, scholars fear that after administering the drug there is no certain way to detect whether the individual will experience a change in identity, and in what way that change will manifest. (Kabasenche). Although a main target audience for these pharmaceuticals are soldiers sent off to war to prevent the formation of PTSD after their experience, there is the fear that the drugs may be more harmful than helpful. Due to the lack of knowledge on exactly how the memories or alterations of associated emotions will be altered after taking the drug, it is possible that the soldiers may be put in greater danger if the drug lessens or
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