Avoid Certain Medications
While several treatment options are available for sleep apnea, many people attempt to treat the condition with medications. However, this is not always the best course of action. Certain medications can make sleep apnea worse. For individuals considering treating their sleep apnea with medication, here are a few things to avoid.
Over-the-counter cold medications like pseudoephedrine and antihistamines can dry out the nasal passages and make breathing more difficult. This is the last thing an individual wants if they struggle to breathe at night due to sleep apnea. In addition, these medications can also cause side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. While drowsiness may seem like it would be helpful for someone with sleep apnea, it can make the condition worse.
Certain types of antidepressants can also make sleep apnea worse. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) affect the chemicals in the brain, which can alter breathing patterns and make breathing more difficult at night. These medications can also cause side effects like dry mouth and constipation, which can worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
