Side Effects of Medications
Excessive yawning for some individuals could be a side effect of medications. This is because yawning is under the control of several neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. In addition, several medications have been linked to excessive yawning, including antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, painkillers, and induction agents.
Antipsychotics are used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and sleepiness. Antidepressants work similarly by affecting neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Excessive yawning in individuals taking antidepressants is thought to be caused by the increased levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can cause drowsiness and fatigue. And finally, painkillers like morphine and tramadol are also known to cause excessive yawning.
Yawning is rarely a serious reaction to taking the medications listed above. This is why it is not listed in most prescription drug summaries. However, for individuals who think their medication is causing them to yawn excessively, it is best to talk to a doctor about possible dosage adjustments or to switch to a different drug.
