Short term memory destroyed indefinately?

[Mountainclimber60]

AMBIEN 12.5 MG, or ZOLPIDEM TARTRATE 12.5 MG SA Tab          September 2, 2013
Yesterday afternoon I asked my wife; who installed the new vanity, sink, and mirrors in our rental unit upstairs; which was accomplished, only three days ago; as I could not remember. She replied, "Do you remember, who installed the new ceiling lamp in the kitchen?" To which, I answered "no", I honestly, and as hard as I tried could not picture, or remember who had done these installations, a couple of days ago. And I had talked to the Chinese person while they did the work, actually helping him on a few occasions; yet have no recollection of him what-so-ever! "SCARY"!

My wife's first suggestion was that I discontinue taking Ambien immediately; as it was causing my short term memory loss, upon further research on the subject, I learned that I am not alone. And that there are dozens, if not hundreds of others, and articles; which are written on the subject, and the association, or side effect of short term memory loss, while using, and apparently even after discontinuing Ambien CR 12.5 tablets!

I've been taking Ambien 12.5 MG tablets, or its generic brother, " ZOLPIDEM TARTRATE 12.5 MG SA Tab" for a couple of years, for two problems; which are difficulty sleeping, primarily because of pain associated with my spinal cord injury, and likely anxiety. However; last night, for the first time in years, I did not take this medication at all, and "Yes", I too had great difficulty getting, and remaining asleep. But, last night was just he first; as I do not intend to take this medication in the future, and am ensure; if the damage it has done to my memory will be repaired?

[nursegirl6572]

Memory issues are pretty commonly reported as a result of taking Ambien, especially if a person has been taking it a while.  A lot of people do report improvement with time.  

The best thing you can do, besides give yourself time (which it seems you're already seeing improvements which is great) is give the brain a work-out.  There are all kinds of cognitive exercise programs online, and even cognitive therapy you could go to, prescribed by your doctor.  I think giving it a go on your own may be a good starting point.

Here's some examples (you will also see these things called "brain fitness" or "cognitive fitness"):

http://www.brainmetrix.com/

http://brainfitness.com/

http://www.happy-neuron.com/

http://www.cognifit.com/

http://www.positscience.com/

Also, physical exercise is also good for the noggin as well!  Anything that gets that blood flowing is a positive thing!

Let us know how you're doing, okay?

[Mountainclimber60]

ALOHA,  As of this morning; it has been 9 days sine I've taken either Ambien CR 12.5, or Zolpidem Tartrate! Significant improvement, I doubt that I'll ever take either RX again. Although; I've yet to sleep thru an entire night, and wake up a couple times each night, I am sleeping much better, and the quality is better; as well as my memory. E.g., when I awake at 2:35 AM, I took several photos from my living room , and still remember the F stops; which I set on my camera, and remembered that I took the photographs. This is but one example. In addition to regaining my short term memory, other improvements noted are better quality of sleep, and I fall to sleep within a few minutes each night w/o any difficulty. Thanks to everyone; who suggested that this RX was most likely the cause of my memory problems; as I am convinced that it was, further I feel that this drug makers should put more emphasis, on this symptom, or that this problem is probable; with use of either medication. Sincerely, Dale F. Leslie

[Paxiled]

Unfortunately, I don't think you'll know until it either gets better or doesn't, as people have different strengths and weaknesses and medication can worsen where we're weak or create weakness where there wasn't any.  Play with the brain, and we're in an area we really know very little about.  So be optimistic and do whatever you need to do and see whoever you need to see to get back to who you want to be.