Question 1

is memory loss from ambien (zolpidem) permanent?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Memory loss is not an uncommonly seen "side effect" of the sedative hypnotics.  I'd discuss with your prescribing physician, as you may benefit from a lower dose, or perhaps a completely different medication.  Good luck.

Question 2

permanent short memory loss & no longer able to retain anything thanks to ambien i have been off of ambien for about 7 months now, but when the nurse practitioner prescribed it to me the dose was one a day before bed, well i did this daily for about 2 1/2

Accepted Answer

Ambien (zolpidem) : Ambien (zolpidem) functions by depressing the CNS and has been an effective treatment for those who are experiencing insomnia, albeit it is meant to be a short term solution as Ambien (zolpidem) has been found to be addictive. Research shows that long term use of Ambien (zolpidem) is linked to memory loss, and many people have described their experience with acute memory loss such as sleep-driving, inability to recall conversations/sex/cooking after taking a dose.

See a neurologist because while Ambien (zolpidem) may have an effect on memory loss, there can be other neurological causes contributing to your husband's condition. Short term memory loss and long term memory loss are also early signs of dementia. See a neurologist.

Question 3

can ambien (zolpidem) cause a loss of appetite and breathing problems?

Accepted Answer

Anything is possible: Hypnotics can suppress the nervous system, however you need to share these symptoms with your prescribing doctor. With sleep problems, loss of appetite, depression, hypothyroidism, etc. Deep bs for what? If not contraindicated an antidepressant may return your natural sleep.

Question 4

can topamax (topiramate) cause permanent memory loss?

Accepted Answer

Not at all: The cognitive side effects of topamax (topiramate) occur due to interference with function of ampa glutamate, which reverses typically a few days after cessation.

Question 5

can extreme stress or depression cause permanent memory loss?

Accepted Answer

Memory is a very: Tricky thing.  The simple answer is no.  But something called pseudo dementia can happen in older patients who become very depressed.  We now feel this is a sign of dementia to come.  And, in other psychiatric disorders, patients frequently do not remember acute symptoms, or disordered behaviors.  So, memory is a tricky thing.

Question 6

is memory loss caused by stroke permanent?

Accepted Answer

Highly variable: Depends on location, extent, and associated co-morbidities.  However, certain meds used in alzheimer's may assist, and in rehab, Ritalin (methylphenidate) has been used for speech recovery.  Further, the brain tends to cope and heal by using supplemental connections, which typically proceed over 1 1/2 to 2 yrs post cva.

Question 7

i had 3 citaloprams over three days, could that cause permanent numbness of emotions and memory loss?

Accepted Answer

No: This has never happened. It could improve memory impairment  which often occurs with depression.

Question 8

can short term memory loss be caused by traumatic experiences , stress grief .. is losing your memory permament or as depression lifts it will return ?

Accepted Answer

Yes trauma does this: Trauma releases chemicals that are deleterious to your memory cells. Some of those memory cells unfortunately die off. Part of the action of antidepressants is to stimulate brain derived  neurotrophic  factor, which helps those brain cells regrow so that your memory becomes sharper again. Best wishes.:).

Question 9

can an antidepressant like zoloft (sertraline) cause some memory loss ?
i've been taking it over a mo. (25mg) and notice im forgetful.
can it become permanent?

Accepted Answer

Rare: It is very rare that such low dose of Sertraline could cause memory loss, on the other hand because of dose being low and almost negligent, Ok to get off and check if your cognitive sx's improve. If not, explore other reasons towards forgetfulness,  perimenaupausal?, check hormone levels and other sx of depression.

Question 10

dizzy, tense muscles, no sleep some brain fog given 2mgs of lorazapam by mistake and the ambien (zolpidem) - seem to have memory issues and weight gain, possibe ?

Accepted Answer

Dizziness : These could be medication side effect but they are transient  and should be resolved within 10-12 hours.

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Doctor answers about:

Does ambien cause permanent memory loss

A member asked:

Is memory loss from ambien (zolpidem) permanent?

A member asked:

Permanent short memory loss & no longer able to retain anything thanks to ambien i have been off of ambien for about 7 months now, but when the nurse practitioner prescribed it to me the dose was one a day before bed, well i did this daily for about 2 1/2

A member asked:

Can ambien (zolpidem) cause a loss of appetite and breathing problems?

A member asked:

Can topamax (topiramate) cause permanent memory loss?

A member asked:

Can extreme stress or depression cause permanent memory loss?

A member asked:

Is memory loss caused by stroke permanent?

A member asked:

I had 3 citaloprams over three days, could that cause permanent numbness of emotions and memory loss?

A member asked:

Can short term memory loss be caused by traumatic experiences , stress grief .. is losing your memory permament or as depression lifts it will return ?

A member asked:

Can an antidepressant like zoloft (sertraline) cause some memory loss ? i've been taking it over a mo. (25mg) and notice im forgetful. can it become permanent?

A member asked:

Dizzy, tense muscles, no sleep some brain fog given 2mgs of lorazapam by mistake and the ambien (zolpidem) - seem to have memory issues and weight gain, possibe ?

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