Ambien and Memory Loss
What is Ambien®?
Ambien, classified as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, is an increasingly popular sleep aid prescribed to treat insomnia. Ambien should only be taken under close medical supervision, as it can have complex side effects. Ambien can also have unfavorable reactions with other medications, especially serotonin-based antidepressants.
Some side effects associated with Ambien include dizziness and diarrhea. Less common side effects include sleepwalking, eating, or even driving with no later memory of the activities, as well as short term memory loss.
The link between Ambien and memory loss
The most commonly discussed form of memory loss associated with Ambien involves sleepwalking, including interacting with other people, and not remembering any details of the event afterward. This side effect occurs most often in people who are taking antidepressants as well as Ambien, and also in people who take their Ambien dosage and don’t immediately go to bed, but can also occur under other circumstances.
Other, less dramatic memory loss can occur while using Ambien. This usually consists of a loss of focus, trouble concentrating, and general short term memory loss.
Solutions to memory loss from Ambien
If you are suffering from serious memory loss or bouts of amnesia while taking Ambien, be sure to discuss these symptoms with your doctor. Sleepwalking episodes coupled with amnesia can be dangerous, and your doctor might want to change your medication if you’re experiencing this side effect.
Less serious memory loss can be countered with other methods that increase brain power as well as focus and concentration. Any exercise of the brain can help strengthen it, from memory games to complex learning tasks. Brain-strengthening games have become readily available in various formats depending on your needs. Games and brain power programs can be found online, in a variety of video formats, and in printed form.
Some nutritional supplements also can strengthen the brain’s natural ability to concentrate, calculate, focus and remember. Constant Focus provides a variety of supplements that can improve brain power by increasing circulation to the brain, protecting important neurotransmitters from breakdown, and reducing stress. All of these effects can bring the brain to optimal function.
If you’re taking Ambien or any other prescription medication, be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements, including Constant Focus, to avoid interactions with your regular medication.
Ambien® is a registered trademark of Sanofi-Aventis.
