Is ambien safe to take 6 weeks after a concussion? (Still healing from it)
 

Just wondering, I've always had minor insomnia, even before the concussion.

Many have tried Ambien after a concussion. Some have had negative experiences.
Do you practice good pre-sleep and sleep hygiene ?

I do have good sleep hygiene, but sometimes I get insomnia despite that. I have taken ambien in the past on an as needed basis for those times I need to feel confident I can get a restful 8 hours.

I know I have a recurrent theme to my questions, but my concern is not so much with possible transient side effects of the ambien, but more if taking a 10 mg pill here and there would inhibit healing in any way..

My gut says no but I just wanted to run the question by on the forums.

Even if it did, a delay of a day is just that.

Ambien may cause your memory to not function at its best. Check out http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mic...b_4905460.html

True.

Transient is something I can deal with. My question always goes back to , would taking a 10mg ambien cause any *permanent* deficit in overall healing..

I guess the overall concensus is no? as well as that is what my gut tells me..

If Ambien was strong enough and toxic enough to cause a permanent deficit in healing, I would think it would be able to cause damage without a previous concussion.

Did you see the Huff Po article I posted ?

I did read the article and what it says on memory. I understand a lot of these medications have negative side effects.

My question, specific to post concussion is, do you think ambien intermittently here and there would have any permament effect on healing 6 weeks post injury..

I know ambien has side effects of its own, but just wondering if it would specifically impair (permanently) healing during a post concussive period.

I think I already gave you my opinion. Google Dr Peter Breggin and see if he has a comment. Google Peter Breggin and Ambien. You'll find some interesting articles.

Trying to keep simple here:


Just looking for either : yes I believe a small amount of intermittent use ambien can permanently effect healing

or : No I do not believe a small amount, if not being used chronically, will cause any effect on permanent healing

I don't think anyone can tell you for sure if Ambien causes any permanent damage.
I personally believe that a drug this powerful causes some damage, although it might be at a microscopic level.

Having said that, I've taken Ambien starting about a month out from my concussion (prescribed by a neuro).
I couldn't sleep at all so had to take it. Had some weird side effects from it after about a week of daily use so I stopped.

Now i do take it occasionally on as needed basis, I usually split the 10mg pills in half and that has the same effect as a full pill. I still don't get a full night sleep with these, but it helps me to fall asleep for a few hours.
I usually feel very groggy in the morning after taking it and have a headache and need several hours to start feeling better.
My ENT doc told me to avoid taking it since it affects the brain so much.

just my personal opinion of course, but I wouldn't take Ambien if it was the last drug on earth. :o
Too many horror stories for me.

Alarming Study
 

I, myself, take lorazepam daily for anxiety and am also prescribed Lunesta (a "z-drug") similar to ambien. These drugs have nearly identical mechanisms of action. I also worry about the effect of taking these drugs regularly, on healing of the brain after a concussion.

I was reading this article last night and am really alarmed by the results of the study. I think it is important for all who take benzodiazepines and sleeping pills to be aware of this newly discovered trend.

Here is the link to the article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/ar...-evidence.html

It's only one study, but I know this makes me want to get off of these medications as soon as possible.

Remember discontinuing from these medications can be dangerous and should be done with the assistance of a physician.

John, with all due respect to you and the other posters, since Ambien is a prescription medication isn't this question better posed to your doctor?

I don't see that a support group forum's place is to provide individual medical advice regarding use or non-use of a prescription medication.

Studies show that Ambien effects the ability to convert short term memories to long term memories. John wants to get good sleep as he prepares for finals. I my opinion, I would want my memory systems working at their best.