A benedryl pattern -- AHI

Corky1121 · Post by **Corky1121** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 7:52 am

An interesting pattern I have noticed is when I take benedryl or Advil PM benedryl for sleep, my AHI is very low. I only take these meds when I am away because I can't sleep when I'm away. When I am home and not using anything my AHI is higher, especially on this new FFM; Not over five too often, but the FFM vs nasal with chin strap AHI usually higher, and yet with benedryl it is as low as nasal/chin strap on no meds.

Just an interesting observation.

icipher · Post by **icipher** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 9:25 am

Corky1121 wrote:An interesting pattern I have noticed is when I take benedryl or Advil PM benedryl for sleep, my AHI is very low. I only take these meds when I am away because I can't sleep when I'm away. When I am home and not using anything my AHI is higher, especially on this new FFM; Not over five too often, but the FFM vs nasal with chin strap AHI usually higher, and yet with benedryl it is as low as nasal/chin strap on no meds.

Just an interesting observation.

Do you suffer from only obstructive apnea, or also central?

Corky1121 · Post by **Corky1121** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 10:08 am

Obstructive. Not sure if there is central because I was only approved for a home study.

Jay Aitchsee · Post by **Jay Aitchsee** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 1:05 pm

Some think diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has an impact on sleep architecture, often mentioned is a reduction in REM sleep. Many people experience more apneas during REM than during other stages. So, yes, if you are one whose apneas occur mostly during REM and Benadryl reduces the amount of REM sleep you obtain, then you might see a reduction in AHI. However, I don't think that's necessarily a good thing.
Here's one reference, Google for more.
http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/495339
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=ht ... e%2F495339

FlyingMoose · Post by **FlyingMoose** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 1:08 pm

Before I knew I had apnea, I took benedryl for a few months one time to try to sleep better. I felt physically better, but my short-term memory was totally shot. I'd even constantly forget what i was thinking about.

Lukie · Post by **Lukie** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 4:42 pm

I hate to rain on anyone's medication parade but benadryl along with doxepin and elavil type drugs have recently been implicated in alzheimer's. All anti cholinergic meds are now off the list for long term use because of this. But once in a while I guess is okay. I still take my doxepin.

Lukie · Post by **Lukie** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 4:44 pm

Here's the link if it is allowed. http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/comm ... 1501287667

BlackSpinner · Post by **BlackSpinner** » Tue Aug 11, 2015 6:02 pm

I don't sleep well on Benadryl . It is like I dip in and out of sleep.

If I can't sleep and I have to be functional the next day then I use Gravol.

Sir NoddinOff · Post by **Sir NoddinOff** » Wed Aug 12, 2015 12:23 pm

Lukie wrote:I hate to rain on anyone's medication parade but benadryl along with doxepin and elavil type drugs have recently been implicated in alzheimer's. All anti cholinergic meds are now off the list for long term use because of this. But once in a while I guess is okay. I still take my doxepin.

You might be interested in this article.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288546.php

A benedryl pattern -- AHI

A benedryl pattern -- AHI

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Re: A benedryl pattern -- AHI

Re: A benedryl pattern -- AHI

Re: A benedryl pattern -- AHI

Re: A benedryl pattern -- AHI

Re: A benedryl pattern -- AHI

Re: A benedryl pattern -- AHI

Re: A benedryl pattern -- AHI