There are a number of medications that make it difficult to fall asleep and often worsen sleep. For example, among them are cold medicines. However, before stopping the drug, consult your doctor.
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antidepressants. This means a type of antidepressant – serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These drugs increase the amount of serotonin, but when taken in the evening, they can also interfere with falling asleep and long sleep.
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beta blockers. These drugs are prescribed for arrhythmias and high blood pressure. Armon B. Neal, Jr., says that scientists have long associated such drugs with sleep problems, including nighttime awakenings and nightmares. This is thought to be because beta-blockers interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
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nicotine patches. Dr. Megan N. Freeland warns that these patches can cause insomnia if left on overnight.
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cold medicine. Over-the-counter cold medicines often contain pseudoephedrine. This substance helps relieve nasal congestion, but can also lead to insomnia. Pseudoephedrine is also added to some allergy medications.
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cholinesterase inhibitors. They are most commonly prescribed to treat symptoms associated with senile dementia. They can slow memory loss and also affect the body’s involuntary processes and movements, including those associated with sleep.
News cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
