Medication effects on sleep and breathing

• Published in: Clinics in chest medicine Vol. 35; no. 3; p. 557
• Main Authors: Seda, Gilbert, Tsai, Sheila, Lee-Chiong, Teofilo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2014
• Subjects: Acetazolamide - pharmacology; Altitude; Androgens - pharmacology; Anticonvulsants - pharmacology; Antidepressive Agents - pharmacology; Antipsychotic Agents - pharmacology; Benzodiazepines - pharmacology; Humans; Hypercapnia - physiopathology; Hypnotics and Sedatives - pharmacology; Hypoxia - physiopathology; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors - pharmacology; Respiration - drug effects; Sleep - drug effects; Sleep - physiology; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - physiopathology; Sleep, REM - physiology; Testosterone - pharmacology; Theophylline - pharmacology; Antipsychotics; Testosterone; Central sleep apnea; Estrogen; Hypnotics; Progesterone; Obstructive sleep apnea; Benzodiazepines
• ISSN: 1557-8216
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2014.06.011

Sleep respiration is regulated by circadian, endocrine, mechanical and chemical factors, and characterized by diminished ventilatory drive and changes in Pao2 and Paco2 thresholds. Hypoxemia and hypercapnia are more pronounced during rapid eye movement. Breathing is influenced by sleep stage and airway muscle tone. Patient factors include medical comorbidities and body habitus. Medications partially improve obstructive sleep apnea and stabilize periodic breathing at altitude. Potential adverse consequences of medications include precipitation or worsening of disorders. Risk factors for adverse medication effects include aging, medical disorders, and use of multiple medications that affect respiration.