Does use of Tylenol 3 (with codeine) negatively affect apnea

I sometimes take Tylenol 3 (includes a bit of codeine) at bedtime for pain relief. If I do not use it occasionally, the pain keeps me awake. Someone mentioned "downers" negatively affect sleep apnea. Is Tylenol 3 in this catagory? If yes, what do you guys take for severe pain relief at bedtime? I am 70 years old with bad arthritis. I take 200 mg of Celebrex daily, supplemented with regular Tylenol. But, sometimes, I need something stronger so I can sleep through the pain. My Internist prescribed Tylenol 3 for occassional use. I am brand new to apnea therapy and I use a BiPap with a Snapp mask. Thanks for your help. FL andy.

From my limited understanding, anything that is considered a CNS depressant can make apnea worse. However, being that you are on treatment, this shouldn't be a major concern. Best bet tho is to ask your doctor.

Since you are on a bipap and not an auto the codine would cause an increase in your overall apneas in theory. In reality your pressure is probably much too high most of the time since you arent on a auto. So I wouldnt worry about.

Chris

Hi Andy:
If you need this medication to curb pain, thus reduce your waking up while on bipap, then you must follow your pain thread and do what you can for comfort. I am a poor sleeper, it can take me hrs to fall asleep and to stay asleep. I do not in the least bit feel guilty for taking something. I look at it this way, if you can get to sleep with the medication, or stay awake without out, what's worse?
Just be careful of the codeine, driving, etc.
Of course this is my opinion only, I am not a dr.

FL andy wrote:I sometimes take Tylenol 3 (includes a bit of codeine) at bedtime for pain relief. If I do not use it occasionally, the pain keeps me awake. Someone mentioned "downers" negatively affect sleep apnea. Is Tylenol 3 in this catagory? If yes, what do you guys take for severe pain relief at bedtime? I am 70 years old with bad arthritis. I take 200 mg of Celebrex daily, supplemented with regular Tylenol. But, sometimes, I need something stronger so I can sleep through the pain. My Internist prescribed Tylenol 3 for occassional use. I am brand new to apnea therapy and I use a BiPap with a Snapp mask. Thanks for your help. FL andy.

Codeine can potentially relax the airway, therefore increasing the number of events a person may have or the pressure required to alleviate these events. Therefore if your higher pressure setting is usually 14, when you use the med you may require 15 at times to resolve your apneas. Just an example. It wouldn't hurt to consult your physician on this one.

MelMel