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Q.

My husband is taking Neurotin and Percocet. His father gave him three OTC sleep aids last night. Is it OK to mix them?

Related Topics: AIDS, Over The Counter
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Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Heather Free, PharmDHeather Free, PharmDSUCCESS!
Heather Free, PharmD
Pharmacology
American Pharmacists Association
239 Answers
2,205 Helpful Votes
8 Followers
A.
Without knowing the exact medication his father gave him, it is really hard to say whether or not the combination is safe for your husband to take. Keep in mind, while over-the-counter medications are readily available, safety is still important. There are still drug-drug interactions that can occur, toxicities with taking too much, and it is important to take medications, whether prescription or over-the- counter, for the right reasons.

Most over-the-counter sleep aids contain diphenhydramine as the active ingredient. If he was given 3 pills, he could have taken too much. Another thing to keep in mind is that many sleep aids contain a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If he is taking Percocet, which contains oxycodone and acetaminophen, he could be taking too much acetaminophen, which can be very toxic.

Mixing over-the-counter medications with prescription medications is not as simple as one would think. It is really important to check with a medical professional to make sure there is no duplication or drug-drug interactions.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

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Read the Original Article: Fitness Aches and Pains: Ask the Pharmacist
 
 
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