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A member asked:
Can anxiety disorder and associated meds aggravate sleep apnea?
14 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Depends on med: Some anti anxiety medications especially the benzodiazepines are also muscle relaxants and depending on their dose, may depress the respiratory center hence may have effect on sleep apnea.
Answered 4/2/2019
5.3k views
Sure: The sedatives taken for the anxiety can worsen the sleep apnea. S. A. Itself can cause anxiety and depression.
Answered 4/2/2019
5.3k views
Yes: In general narcotics or any sedating medications (benzos for anxiety) will worsen sleep apnea as it suppresses breathing. Anxiety in general may cause insomnia, but should not necessarily influence sleep apnea itself. Talk with your physician and sleep specialist if you're having trouble.
Answered 4/2/2019
3.5k views
Sleep apnea: Yes, sedatives can aggravate sleep apnea. Some anxiety medications such as Buspar (buspirone) may be an alternative.
Answered 5/23/2015
2.8k views
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