Ambien and depression

Ambien 4 yrs Ambien CR 1yr memory loss, I don't sleep very long. Sometimes I will close my eyes and I can't move or speak, headache. I don't know how long it last. I can hear whats is going on around me, but I can't call out for help. depression.

I have had terrible headaches,dry mouth loss of memory, depression, & after taking it only sleeping for 4 hrs and waking up.
Gee doesnt sound too good huh? Only been taking for month or so.

I took ambrien for two weeks, then went to ambrien cr. I started having very depressing dreams which kept up for 4 nights. I stopped the medicine and the depression has nearly disappeared.

I had been able to sleep without any problems my whole life. I could sleep anywhere. Then about year ago, that changed. I wasn't able to sleep. I wasn't tired and could stay up all night. After about four months of this, I tried ambien. Started off with 10 mg for about four months. Then switched to 5mg. The 5 mg works just as great as the 10mg. I don't have all the side effects that everyone else has, but I do have some. I wake up with a "hangover" feeling. There is also the dizziness and headaches. And the depression is starting to really get to me. And I am really starting to have problems focusing. These side effects seem to increase the longer I take it. I know I am addicted to ambien...........I start to get panicky if I start to think of not taking it. I am going to try and break the ambien into smaller amounts..........I truly believe there is a toxic level with ambien.

I agree with a lot of comments that Ambien has a lot of side effects. I have experienced the following: extreme incoherence the following day (a feeling of being completely druged all day); severe headaches, nightmares and depression.

I have used ambien appropriately 10 mg and abused (up to 90 mg) for 5 years staight. Most all side effects said here are true and worsen over the years and with dose increase. It does give you a "high" but totally destroys your brain and mind. It worsens depression for sure and has produced some psychosis with me. I have gone in and out of treatment for this drug and have made horrid decisions while taking it that have ruined my life. I beleive it is worse and more insidious than alcohol or any other drug. I believe i have permanent brain damage from it don't recognize myself or others anymore, chronic derealization, etc. Please stop taking or dont start. Once you get hooked you are hooked.
ps. anyone know some good places to detox off ambien in orange county, ca area. It is still pretty unheard of in treatment centers

It was a beautiful thing to sleep...after a lifetime of insomnia. But then my boyfriend confronted me about my silly behavior at night -making elaborate desserts and leaving a big mess. I would have no memory of this. He told me I looked like I was wasted. I gained ten pounds. One night, I went out in my car to get ice cream! I had no memory of this trip, but I dented my car and knocked a tire out of balance. I have read other postings of people who have tried to drive and been arrested for DUI! Scary.

Still, this didn't worry me nearly as much as my declining health: tremors, fatique, depression, lethargy and worst of all severe all-over muscle pain, sinitus... I was becoming completely debilitated and suicidal because I couldn't work, travel, play...etc. Just suffering all the time. I've been off Ambien for one week and my symptoms have suddenly lifted! (I also increased Zoloft)

I still don't know if it's a coincidence or just a temporary respite. I miss sleeping, but I can't believe I feel so much better! Has anyone else had severe body pain with Ambien?

Ambien®

Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Uses
Ambien medication is used to treat insomnia (sleeping disorders).

How to Use
Take Ambien medication by mouth immediately before bedtime on an empty stomach or as directed. This medication is usually taken for short periods of 7 to 10 days. Take this exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or take this for longer than prescribed.

Side Effects
Daytime drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, and dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious side effects while taking this medication: chest pain, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, skin rash, fever, behavior changes, mental confusion, abnormal thinking, depression. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also avoid intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Ambien medication causes drowsiness, use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, drug dependency, depression, breathing problems, any allergies. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: any medication for depression or seizures, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives. Avoid the use of alcohol while taking this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, clumsiness, slowed heart rate, and deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened.

Notes
Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. You may experience sleeping difficulties on the first night after stopping this medication. Be aware of this effect. If the problem continues, contact your doctor.

Missed Dose
Take your Ambien dose at or near bedtime. If you miss a dose, do not take it if it is near the time for your next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage
Store Ambien at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

Hi. It seems rather obvious that ambien causes dizziness, personality changse- anxiety, anxiousness, memory issues..a sort of brain fog and in many occasions depression. Let's be proactive- this med causes brain dysfunction that may be able to be corrected- the question is how? To start, the seratonin levels, cortisol and adrenalin levels need to return to normal..wean yourself off and never go on again. Who knows about herb. homeopathics that have shown promise on mood amd memory?