Ambien (zolpidem) taken long term worried about dementia

Posted by coffeechoc918 @coffeechoc918, Jul 18 9:36am

I have been taking 10 mg Zolpidem for 10 years. It works very well for me but wandering if I should stop taking it. I’m worried about dementia.

Thank you

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Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jul 18 5:51pm

@coffeechoc918 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m glad that you felt comfortable enough to ask a question. I’m sure that lots of members will be along to answer your question.
What does your doctor say about long-term use of ambien?

coffeechoc918 | @coffeechoc918 | Jul 19 4:07am

Hi there

My doctor didn't mention any problems taken long term but plan on weaning off it.

zelda5557 | @zelda5557 | Jul 22 2:39pm

I took ambien (generic) for 5 years and suddenly 1 day it stopped working. For 18 months I tried every sleep aid on the market, both over the counter and prescription. 1 prescription cost $75/ month and it did not work. Finally my doctor recommended that I try ambien again. I did and it worked, same dose, but doesn't work as well as before, but that's ok. I can't tell you how much I started sleeping again after 18 months of restlessness. Caught up on my sleep now and fingers crossed it continues to work.

gregd1956 | @gregd1956 | Jul 23 12:28pm

If you are concerned, consider genetic testing to see if you have a propensity for dementia.

mariogusa | @mariogusa | Jul 27 8:02pm

In reply to @coffeechoc918 "Hi there My doctor didn't mention any problems taken long term but plan on weaning off..." + (show)

Hi, I have had chronic insomnia for about 1 1/2 years, unable to catch any sleep unless I take a sleeping aid. My PD told me to stay away from Ambien because long term may cause dementia or increase your chances of a stroke. I am using a low dosage of Quentapine, which also may cause dementia if used long term according to a couple of studies. Unfortunatelly, I have no choice, either that or a long sleepless night and I feel awful the following night.

daveshaw | @daveshaw | Jul 28 9:13am

In reply to @mariogusa "Hi, I have had chronic insomnia for about 1 1/2 years, unable to catch any sleep..." + (show)

Everything can possibly cause dementia but lack of sleep can make you miserable. I say listen to your body and get a good nights sleep.
You might try to start or increase your daily exercise program. I can guarantee that doesn’t cause dementia and makes you feel better. It will probably help with your insomnia as well.
Good luck to you.

daveshaw | @daveshaw | Jul 28 9:22am

In reply to @zelda5557 "I took ambien (generic) for 5 years and suddenly 1 day it stopped working. For 18..." + (show)

You might want to try exercising or up your daily exercise program. That and eating better can do remarkable things for your body.
I am 74 and can’t wait to have my smoothie every morning. It starts with oat milk, a frozen banana, frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries, frozen cherries, yogurt and chia seeds. Then go for a long walk. It works for me. I hope it works for you.

PS If you live near a Costco you can get frozen fruit at half the cost of your local grocery store and they sell vanilla ice cream whey powder which makes your smoothie taste like a milk shake.