short term memory loss from long term Ambien use?

[kelley43]

My husband and I are in some trouble.  He is a physician, (53 years old)  and was just given 2 weeks "medical leave" because people were noticing he was forgetting things.  His short term memory is impaired.  We have already seen the neurologist, then we see the psychiatrist Tuesday.  He has been taking 10 mg of Ambien nightly for maybe 8 YEARS, has been down to taking 5 mg for about a year.  He has been taken off the Ambien, but what are the long term effects?  I find alot of info on short term effects, but could his memory issues be due to AMBIEN?
Please help.  

[Fravashio]

I have had problems with short-term memory from Ambien use as well. I use it only occasionally now, or while I'm traveling. It also makes me feel more depressed, so I avoid it. For memory improvement, I take gingko biloba, a common OTC herb. It works fantastically. I also supplement with iodine and fish oil. My brain functioning is better than ever. I'm in my mid 50s, and was worried about my loss of memory. With these supplements, it's no longer a problem. I feel mentally very sharp.

[MamaShawna75]

I am experiencing the same problem. I took it for two years straight. Even while pregnant as the Dr said it was safe. I suffered from insomnia so this was heaven to get me to sleep. However, I also did things while I was on ambien that I dont recall....sometimes cleaning my house and then waking up to find a beautifully clean home! Sometimes my ambien episodes were good ones! However, now that I have been off of it for a while....4 years I now have short term memory loss. I will literally forget where I put something 5 min before. It is quite scary. And the memory loss is affecting my daily tasks. I am scared that this is now permanent.

[justtryingtohelp33]

I'm 17 and have been taking ambien for going on 3 years. I really don't have short term memory loss unless I'm under the influence of the drug. In my opinion, this might be age related. I could be wrong. The worst of the side effects, for me at least, are the horrible migraines. The only withdrawl symptom I get is rebound insomnia, which is absolute hell.

[hollyzbnj]

I noticed all of these things...quit and started taking Nyquil..It works and it now has a just the sleep kind.

[foggyhead344]

Almost 20 years on this drug due to Fibromyalgia. I'm 64 and feel like I have a clogged up brain. Can't remember conversations ,names, and just pray I won't get up and raid the frig. Has anyone tried Matram?  I have taken 5 mg  zolpiden a night and sometimes a little more. Never more that 10 for fear of being stuck there forever.  It does work but now I fear I will never be back to normal. I would say get off or don't start if you are young. It has really left me in a fog.

[NYGIANTSFAN]

I saw your post regarding Ambien and memory loss from years ago. My husband only took Ambien for 2 days and decided not to continue on it, and he has been having trouble for the last week with memory lost and not being himself. How long did it take you to feel better and is your memory better today?

Thanks so much!
***@****