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Can Ambien Cause Memory Loss Issues For Long Term? Risks And Measures Sleep Aid For Memory Loss

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Can Ambien Cause Memory Loss (1)

Many people are facing a lot of sleeping issues, which are disrupting their sleeps in all times. Doctors have a good solution for you if you are facing this problem. Ambien is a popular sleep medication that is prescribed by many doctors for better sleep. But many people have reported facing memory loss after taking the drug for a long time. This is something that makes a lot of people sceptical about using Ambien and switching to alternatives. So if you wonder, can Ambien cause memory loss, then this blog will help you understand the pros and cons of using the sleep aid.

Does Ambien Cause Memory Loss?

What is Ambien?

Ambien is a sleeping drug. It is found in many forms, like immediate-release tablets (IR), extended-release tablets (CR), and sublingual tablets. The other brand names in this drug are Ambien CR, Zolpimist, Intermezzo, Edluar, and also by its generic name Zolpidem. Doctors prescribe this drug for short-term insomnia relief. Ambien enhances the effects of a chemical in our brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). It induces sedation, and that makes it slightly addictive in nature. This is the reason it has been labelled as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Ambien carries a boxed warning that says it has serious risks if overdosed. One of the many consequences is memory loss.

What is Memory Loss?

Memory loss is a condition where a person tends to forget or is unable to remember past experiences and crucial information. It can be a normal condition where one finds it difficult to remember small things, and that is not a problem. But it can grow into a psychological disorder if the person starts forgetting almost every important piece of information they must know. It is caused by issues like aging, past trauma, brain injuries, disorders like Alzheimer’s or dementia, and anxiety or depression. Memory loss can also happen due to taking medications because it can be one of their side effects.

What Medications Cause Memory Loss?

Usually, memory loss occurs when the brain loses the ability to collect, store, encode, and retrieve certain information. This can happen naturally due to deficiencies of Vitamin B12 and major ailments like head injuries, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. But sometimes our medications make us forget things, either normally or cause severe memory loss. Anticholinergic medicines like Oxytrol and Detrol come first in this conversation. They have affected the mental health of many people who have consumed it. Opioids also cause a significant amount of memory loss on its overdose. Besides these two, antiseizure drugs, Benzodiazepines like Xanax, and non-Benzodiazepines like Ambien can affect one’s memory.

Can You Lose Memory After Taking Ambien?

Memory loss is a known side effect of Ambien, and it can happen to many who take the medication. It mostly shows up when you are on a high dose of the sleeping drug, but it can also happen for something else. Ambien is taken for having a sound sleep, but some people do not go to sleep after taking the pill. The sedative effects of the drug will make one unable to create new memories as long as the drug remains in their system. It becomes even more powerful when you take other sleeping medications with Ambien, and that is not at all good. 

Ambien and Long-Term Memory Loss?

Many patients doubt, does Ambien cause permanent memory loss. The answer lies in how the patient is using the medication. If you use the drug for a long period of time, it can create a high risk of long-term memory loss. A long and unadvised dosage of Ambien can lead to major memory loss disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and many others. When elderly patients take a high dose, they develop these disorders and lose their ability to create new memories. It is also known as anterograde amnesia. One interaction that can definitely cause a consistent memory loss is mixing Ambien with alcohol. 

Risks of Memory Loss Due to Ambien

A memory loss induced by Ambien can have some unwanted consequences. The short-term consequences can be managed if you report to the doctor about the side effects. Not treating them at the earliest will lead to long-term risks. 

Short-Term Effects

  • People tend to do various activities when they are still asleep, such as walking, cooking, and sometimes even driving.
  • Amnesia is a short-term memory loss that makes us forget things that happen while Ambien is active in the system.
  • Memory loss caused by the drug makes us too confused about recent events in our daily lives.
  • An Ambien hangover takes place that makes us feel very drowsy after waking up.

Long-Term Risks

  • Longer use of Ambien not only leads to memory loss but also impairs our overall cognitive functions, such as thinking or decision-making.
  • You start depending on the drug and believe you cannot sleep or make your memory loss better without using it.
  • Dealing with memory failure for a long time leads to disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

Measures That Can Prevent Memory Loss by Ambien

Doctors will not change your dose, mostly in cases of short-term Ambien side effects related to memory loss. They will just advise you to continue the medication and follow some measures strictly. 

  • Sleep immediately after taking the dose and sleep for at least 7-8 hours.
  • Do not wake up in the middle of the night and take another dose.
  • Take the same amount of dosage as mentioned in the FDA guidelines.
  • Try to use the lowest effective dose or as advised by your doctor.
  • Do not take other sedative medications with Ambien, like Benadryl.
  • Alcohol must be avoided at any cost when you are taking Ambien.
  • Tell your doctor if you are experiencing sleeping behaviours at night.
  • Do not drive after taking Ambien; stay at home and sleep.

Substitutes That Can Help After Ambien Memory Loss

Your doctor can change the medication if you have started suffering from the long-term effects of memory loss caused by Ambien. These can be prescribed drugs that are less likely to cause any memory failure, over-the-counter options that can be easily available, or natural alternatives that will help you wear off the side effects more lightly. Here are some of the notable alternatives to Ambien.

Prescribed Medications

OTC Medications

  • Melatonin
  • CBD
  • Glycine
  • Magnesium

Natural Substitutes

  • Valerian roots
  • Chamomile 
  • Passionflower
  • Lavender

Conclusion

Your body must have a sound sleep every night, and you have to avoid all habits that do not allow you to fall asleep early. Ambien is a great sleep aid, but you make it responsible for something that you cannot afford to have. Overdosing on it will lead to memory loss and disorders that cannot be cured by simple medications. So take your Ambien carefully and sleep well.

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