alternate ambien affect

[mainee]

I am currently taking antidepressants and and mood stabilizers plus hypnotics for sleep.  I was prescribed  ADD meds in the past and Adderall was effective but I experienced some of the major side affects from it.   I mention the ADD reference because I have found that Ambien 10 mg increases my focus and motivation.  I know it is not used for this purpose, but it works for me in this way and helps me to get tasks done.  This is definately the upside.  The downside is memory loss; i.e., with conversations I have or where I put things away while I am in this state of mind. %:) Can anyone relate to this?  Any suggestions for antidepressants or mood stabilizers that have similar molecular components to ambien without the tranquilizer effect?        

[gklee85]

That is a very interesting affect you are mentioning of ambien. Ambien binds to a receptor called BZ1 and generally causes slower firing of nerves which is why it is used for sleep. It's giving you memory loss because it's action is very similar to alcohol. I might be able to suggest a few things, but first I need to know what you have been diagnosed with. Do you have depression, bipolar disorder, or what? As for the adderall, can you tell me what side effects you previously experienced (anxiety, weight loss, insomnia, headache, etc)?

Gary, medical student

[Bubulous]

I never experinced that when I was taking it but some may be able to relate.  I cannot recommend any meds that you may be able to take because that should be worked out with your dr.
There are a lot of meds that you can take if you have not tried them yet but it is trial and error.
If the Ambien is giving you deeper more refreshing sleep than it will definitely make your concentration and focus but with the abscense of a good ADD med you will continue to have memory issues.  Like I said talk to your dr about it.  If your dr is a medical dr you may have to talk to a psychiatrist for the best results.