Can OTC sleep aid cause dementia?

You should never use any med that is OTC every night. Is this what you’e talking about??

I have a problem with taking melatonin because I am on an antidepressant. I was given clonzapam but I don’t think that is much better for me. Maybe taking these sleeping pilsl with other meds in it besides the melatonin like magnesium and B-6 would help me. I have trouble getting to sleep once asleep I am fine. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Clonzapam is addictive as I’m sure you know, so don’t use it a lot, but probably it will help you fall asleep if you use it now and then for nights you are feeling very anxious. It’s not a sleep drug, it’s an anxiety drug.

Melatonin has mixed studies. Some people says it helps them, but many studies say it’s not very effective, and too much of it is a bad thing.

As far as dementia, you’d have to see the studies and how they were done. Maybe people with sleep trouble are more prone to dementia already. Was the control group people who use no sleep aids? Who use prescription sleep aids? Who sponsored the study? Etc.

A lot of psych drugs cause memory loss. A lot of psych drugs cause sleep disruption.

I think it’s always better not to use drugs if you can solve a problem without them, but sometimes they are necessary.

Ambien is a go to sleep drug, I don’t know if you can take it with the antidepressant you are taking. Ambien is addictive too. In fact, I’ve seen information that all sleep aids are psychologically addictive.

Do you exercise? You might try that if you don’t. Something you enjoy. A way to burn off some energy and occupy your mind with music or form or fun.

Also to add to suggestions @JLeslie made, cut out caffeine in the afternoon and evenings.

A lack of productive sleep can diminish cognative functions mimicking dementia over time. OTC sleep aides can sometimes block deep sleep. Edited. Editied again.