+- Apnea Board Forum - CPAP | Sleep Apnea (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums)
+-- Forum: Public Area (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Public-Area)
+--- Forum: Main Apnea Board Forum (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Main-Apnea-Board-Forum)
+--- Thread: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? (/Thread-Are-over-the-counter-sleep-aids-safe-when-on-xPAP)
Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - Mike91326 - 02-02-2015
I normally don't have a problem falling and staying asleep but over the last couple of weeks I’ve had a hard time falling asleep and it is starting to affect my work during the day.
In the past I’ve had issues with anxiety and panic attacks that were treated with Paxil. After many years on Paxil, and with doctor guidance, I slowly lowered my 40mg dose to zero early last year. Unfortunately, last summer my mother-in-law was found to have cancer and she passed away this last December. The anxiety is now back and my doctor has put me back on Paxil at 10mg. I was told that we need to build up the dose over a number of weeks.
So until the Paxil is at a level to stop my anxiety and let me sleep I need some help. Are over-the-counter sleep aids, like Advil PM, safe to use when you are on xPAP?
Last week I tried a glass of wine before bed and while I slept my AHI went from a normal 1-2 to 7-8.
RE: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - eseedhouse - 02-02-2015
(02-02-2015, 03:52 PM)Mike91326 Wrote: I normally don't have a problem falling and staying asleep but over the last couple of weeks I’ve had a hard time falling asleep and it is starting to affect my work during the day.
Well, my respirologist says "no" to any sleep medication. I must admit that I haven't been entirely compliant with this instruction. You might give one a try and see what happens with your AHI. Mine stayed below 1 last night when I took a "back" pill, so I conclude that it might be OK for me. When I get a chance I'll discuss it with my doctor. I am always quite highly strung by bed time.
I am not a Doctor and I don't play one on T.V.
RE: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - DariaVader - 02-02-2015
might try a low dose of benedryl, it makes you sleepy and i have never seen anyone say its bad for PAPers
--IANAD
RE: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - trish6hundred - 02-02-2015
Hi Mike91326,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.
I don't know for sure but I wouldn't think an OTC sleep aid would hurt you but hang in there for other suggestions.
RE: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - archangle - 02-02-2015
The safety of a lot of sleep aids is questionable even without CPAP. In particular read the labels carefully about interactions with other drugs, medical conditions and alcohol.
RE: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - me50 - 02-02-2015
you might try somnapure it's sad to be all natural and I suggest that all natural still needs to be watched for the ingredients because they can interact with other medication but many people light this over the counter sleep aid and say it works great you can get it at Walmart for sure I have been told
RE: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - saltydawg2 - 02-02-2015
When I don't think I will sleep well, I will take only one Tylenol PM; sometimes a half, and a regular Tylenol. Helps me sleep, and be relatively pain free for the night. It does make me groggy in to morning, though; extra cup of coffee.
RE: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - Mr. Van Winkle - 02-02-2015
(02-02-2015, 08:32 PM)me50 Wrote: you might try somnapure it's sad to be all natural and I suggest that all natural still needs to be watched for the ingredients because they can interact with other medication but many people light this over the counter sleep aid and say it works great you can get it at Walmart for sure I have been told
+1 for Somnapure, It helped me get off my Lorazepam and Benadryl. After my 1st week on cpap I was able to get off everything, now I sleep like a baby
, I feel for you I had a sleep anxiety Issue for about 8 weeks before starting cpap. Wishing you well!
RE: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - eseedhouse - 02-02-2015
(02-02-2015, 09:34 PM)Mr. Van Winkle Wrote: +1 for Somnapure, It helped me get off my Lorazepam and Benadryl. After my 1st week on cpap I was able to get off everything, now I sleep like a baby
Wishing you well!
"Somnapure" has multiple ingredients and some of them are known central depressants (Valerian, Hops, Passion flower) and should be used only carefully if you have apnea.
I am not a doctor but I always view with suspicion remedies that contain a large number of ingredients like this one does, "natural" or not. Multiple drug interactions cannot be ruled out.
For instance Valerian and Hops do not occur "naturally" in the same plant. Putting them both in a single pill is hardly "natural".
Would you take a "natural" remedy containing Deadly Nightshade?
RE: Are over the counter sleep aids safe when on xPAP? - Mr. Van Winkle - 02-02-2015
(02-02-2015, 10:24 PM)eseedhouse Wrote:(02-02-2015, 09:34 PM)Mr. Van Winkle Wrote: +1 for Somnapure, It helped me get off my Lorazepam and Benadryl. After my 1st week on cpap I was able to get off everything, now I sleep like a baby
Wishing you well!
"Somnapure" has multiple ingredients and some of them are known central depressants (Valerian, Hops, Passion flower) and should be used only carefully if you have apnea.
I am not a doctor but I always view with suspicion remedies that contain a large number of ingredients like this one does, "natural" or not. Multiple drug interactions cannot be ruled out.
For instance Valerian and Hops do not occur "naturally" in the same plant. Putting them both in a single pill is hardly "natural".
Would you take a "natural" remedy containing Deadly Nightshade?
Wow! good thing I started cpap so I could get off of that non natural pill, I find I don't need anything now, Good to know but I will say that stuff made me sleepy good or bad.
