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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Zzzquil Be Taken While On Donepezil For Cognitive Impairment?

My mother was previously diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment in August. It has sense progressed to a point where the doctor has prescribed Donepezil. My mother has had trouble sleeping for the past four years. Recently she started taking ZzzQuil which has definitely helped her. My question is can she take ZzzQuil and Donepezil together? We ve read where Donepezil can cause insomnia which is what my mother has been battling until ZzzQuil.
Mon, 13 Feb 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response

Hi & Welcome.
I appreciate your concern for your beloved mother.
It is not advisable to take these medications together.

Donepezil is an anti-cholinesterase which is commonly prescribed in the treatment of impairment of memory, judgement, and abstract thinking assciated with dementia like Alzheimer's disease.

ZzzQuil (Diphenhydramine) is a sedating antihistamine which when taken along with Donepezil may reduce the effectiveness of Donepezil.
In addition, it is more likely to cause nervous system side effects of ZzzQuil such as drowsiness, confusion, and mental impairment.

I advise you to consult her doctor/neurologist for a safer medication to treat her insomnia or to adjust the dose of Donepezil.

Hope this will help her.
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Can Zzzquil Be Taken While On Donepezil For Cognitive Impairment?

Hi & Welcome. I appreciate your concern for your beloved mother. It is not advisable to take these medications together. Donepezil is an anti-cholinesterase which is commonly prescribed in the treatment of impairment of memory, judgement, and abstract thinking assciated with dementia like Alzheimer s disease. ZzzQuil (Diphenhydramine) is a sedating antihistamine which when taken along with Donepezil may reduce the effectiveness of Donepezil. In addition, it is more likely to cause nervous system side effects of ZzzQuil such as drowsiness, confusion, and mental impairment. I advise you to consult her doctor/neurologist for a safer medication to treat her insomnia or to adjust the dose of Donepezil. Hope this will help her.