Introduction
Welcome to Eat This Not That, where we provide you with the latest information on the best and worst foods to eat. Today, we’re discussing a very important topic: never take this medication at night, say doctors. We’ll explain why it’s important to avoid taking certain medications at night, and provide you with some tips on how to make sure you’re taking your medications safely and effectively. So, let’s get started!
Never Take This Medication at Night, Say Doctors — Eat This Not That
Doctors are warning patients to never take a certain medication at night, as it can have serious consequences. The medication in question is a type of anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which are commonly used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.
According to a recent study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, taking these medications at night can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that people who took the drugs at night had a 20 percent higher risk of heart attack and stroke than those who took them during the day.
The researchers believe that the risk is due to the fact that the drugs can interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles. When the body’s natural rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
The researchers recommend that patients take the medication in the morning or early afternoon, and avoid taking it at night. They also suggest that patients talk to their doctor about other options for managing pain and inflammation.
If you are taking an anti-inflammatory drug, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take the medication as prescribed. It is also important to talk to your doctor about any potential risks associated with taking the medication at night.
Is your medication interfering with your sleep? “Certain medications have the potential to affect a person’s sleep,” says Dr. Michael Breus. “Some drugs help people sleep better. However, many medications, from cold and flu remedies to cancer treatments, can cause insomnia, making it hard to fall or stay asleep.” Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to medication. Here are five medications that can interfere with sleep. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Some antidepressants can interfere with sleep, experts warn. “SSRIs — or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors — are a specific type of antidepressant that increases your brain’s serotonin levels. Serotonin helps improve your mood and sense of well-being,” says Megan N. Freeland, PharmD, RPh. “SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. But even though they’re quite effective against depression, they can also make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. If your healthcare provider agrees, consider taking your SSRI antidepressant in the morning or switching to an antidepressant that makes sleep a bit easier. Trazodone (Desyrel) or mirtazapine (Remeron) might be better options for you.”
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure and arrhythmias. “Beta-blockers have long been associated with sleep disturbances, including awakenings at night and nightmares,” says Armon B. Neel, Jr., PharmD. “They are thought to do this by inhibiting the nighttime secretion of melatonin, a hormone involved in regulating both sleep and the body’s circadian clock. Low levels of melatonin have sometimes been observed in chronic insomnia. For older people, benzothiazepine calcium channel blockers, another form of blood pressure medication, are often safer and more effective than beta-blockers. A nightly dose of melatonin may also help.”
Be careful of when you use nicotine patches—too close to bedtime and you could be facing a restless night. “Nicotine replacement therapies are designed to help you quit smoking by providing you with a low amount of nicotine — just enough to avoid withdrawal symptoms,” says Dr. Freeland. “As it turns out, the nicotine patch can cause insomnia if you leave it on overnight. You may try taking your patch off overnight to avoid this side effect.
“Over-the-counter cold medications often contain a decongestant drug called pseudoephedrine, which can reduce nasal congestion,” says Dr. Breus. “Pseudoephedrine is known to cause insomnia, even when it is used in the form of a nasal spray. Some allergy medications called antihistamines promote sleep, so pseudoephedrine may be added to them to prevent drowsiness. As a result, antihistamines that are marketed as ‘non-drowsy’ or containing a decongestant may interfere with sleep.”
Cholinesterase inhibitors are commonly prescribed to treat memory loss and other symptoms associated with dementia. “These drugs are thought to work by inhibiting the enzyme in the body that breaks down acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter that’s important for alertness, memory, thought and judgment) and thus boosting the amount available to brain cells,” says Dr. Neel. “This, in theory, slows the patient’s loss of memory and helps him or her perform daily activities with fewer problems. But blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine — which is everywhere in the body, not just in the brain — can interfere with all kinds of involuntary body processes and movements, including those related to sleep.”
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