Question 1

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 2

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 3

i've never taken ambien cr. i took ambien for five years long term. no longer works like it once did. explained to sleep doc and he still wants me to try it?  w the trazodone 150 mg i stopped after being on it for a year and it stopped working.

Accepted Answer

May work better: Ambient CR is a slightly higher dose than the regular ambien (zolpidem) and it is a controlled release (CR) so that the medicine is enters your bloodstream over an extended period of time, so it may help keep you asleep longer.  I hope it helps!

Question 4

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 5

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.

Question 6

psychiatrist prescribed me 10mg of ambien (zolpidem) n i was wandering if it would be ok if i took 20mg to help me stay asleep longer?

Accepted Answer

NO: I suggest you check with your prescriber, no one can decide on what dosage you need better than the physician who evaluated you and knows the details of your illness... Ambien (zolpidem) can be associated with sleep walk behavior and a higher dosage may increase that risk. 
Check with  your physician... Never change a medication without consulting with him/her. Good luck and feel better.

Question 7

when ambien (zolpidem) doesn't work any longer?

Accepted Answer

Temazepam ; Desyrel (trazodone): Temazepam and trazodone (desyrel) remain excellent options if you need long=term medicinal insomnia treatment. You can also try cbti, psychotherapy to teach you how to fall asleep without medication. There are also plenty of sleep apps noted on this site and can be helpful and look up one of dr. Heidi fowler's excellent sleep hygiene responses on this site. Best wishes.

Question 8

are there any studies regarding long term use of small doses of ambien (zolpidem) to treat insomnia ?

Accepted Answer

Only one year: Ambien (zolpidem) seems safe for most people, but it clearly can have dependence and occational tolerance with loss of benefit and withdrawal insomnia.  I have had several patients get more depressed and even suicidal on daily use.  Other problems include sleep walking, eating and even accidents driving.  You should go straight to bed after taking.  Most people don't get tired but just fall asleep.

Question 9

what percent of folks have ambien (zolpidem) withdrawal symptoms after long term usage of 10 mg per night?

Accepted Answer

Not known: The percentage is not known. I see a lot of individuals claiming Ambien (zolpidem) withdrawal on the internet, but I have prescribed Ambien (zolpidem) since it came on the market and have had people on it for years and have yet to see anything beyond mild rebound insomnia but never withdrawal. I have to think the numbers are low. My greater concern is the amount of nighttime amnesia it causes, including sleep- driving.

Question 10

i am currently taking half of a 10 mg ambien (zolpidem) but after a while it no longer helps with sleep. my question is can i also take 10 mg of melatonin?

Accepted Answer

Sleep hygiene : Ambien (zolpidem)  is not recommended for long term use, you develop tolerance After a period of time. The best advise I can give is to develop what is called a sleep hygiene , I mean by that is going to bed every night @ the same time and waking up every morning @ the same time, avoid any stimulus including TV, computers, smart phones. I also recommend avoiding sleeping aids, like in your case Ambien (zolpidem).

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Long term ambien use memory loss

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:

Is memory loss from ambien (zolpidem) permanent?

A member asked:

I've never taken ambien cr. i took ambien for five years long term. no longer works like it once did. explained to sleep doc and he still wants me to try it? w the trazodone 150 mg i stopped after being on it for a year and it stopped working.

A member asked:

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

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 ?

A member asked:

Psychiatrist prescribed me 10mg of ambien (zolpidem) n i was wandering if it would be ok if i took 20mg to help me stay asleep longer?

A member asked:

When ambien (zolpidem) doesn't work any longer?

A member asked:

Are there any studies regarding long term use of small doses of ambien (zolpidem) to treat insomnia ?

A member asked:

What percent of folks have ambien (zolpidem) withdrawal symptoms after long term usage of 10 mg per night?

A member asked:

I am currently taking half of a 10 mg ambien (zolpidem) but after a while it no longer helps with sleep. my question is can i also take 10 mg of melatonin?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?