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What Causes Excessive Sleepiness After Taking Phenergan?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Dec 2016
Question: While on a air ambulance flight this morning my husband who has Alzheimer was given Phenergan through an Iv port. I do not know the dosage. He has been sleeping fitfully since then. Has tried to get up 2 times. Does not know where he is or comprehends anything. Respirations are not affected. Is this common with dementia patients?
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Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Medications such as phenergan can affect patients with Alzheimers

Detailed Answer:
Good evening. Thank you for your question. You didn't explain why he was given phenergan on the air ambulance unless they simply do it as routine to prevent people from getting AIRSICK?

However, phenergan's pharmacological action will clearly sedate your husband and more so because of his Alzheimer's condition. The typical duration of action of the drug is likely going to be at least 1.5-2.5x longer because of his already less than optimal cognitive condition.

In the future since you've seen how he responds to the phenergan I would suggest that you make sure he doesn't get this medication unless he is actually suffering from severe nausea and vomiting or is complaining of some kind of motion, air, or sea sickness. This type of response is common in both elderly patients as well as those with conditions such as DEMENTIA of ANY TYPE.

I suggest you keep a very close eye on him and not let him get up on his own since he may just fall and hurt himself. The condition of being exacerbated in his state of mental functioning will get better once the medicine wears off and his brain is "released" from its effects which could take up to double the length of time of the drug's half life. Another I'll mention about Phenergan that I'm not happy about is the fact that it can cause sudden twitches in the face, limbs, and spasms in the face, neck, and torso. Others may call them TICS.....Phenergan can and does cause this type of side effect which will take up to 3-4 weeks to completely clear so do be patients with him.

If I've adequately answered your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and being sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating if you feel my suggestions have helped? Again, many thanks for posing your questions and please let me know how things turn out.

Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.

This query has utilized a total of 15 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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What Causes Excessive Sleepiness After Taking Phenergan?

Brief Answer: Medications such as phenergan can affect patients with Alzheimers Detailed Answer: Good evening. Thank you for your question. You didn't explain why he was given phenergan on the air ambulance unless they simply do it as routine to prevent people from getting AIRSICK? However, phenergan's pharmacological action will clearly sedate your husband and more so because of his Alzheimer's condition. The typical duration of action of the drug is likely going to be at least 1.5-2.5x longer because of his already less than optimal cognitive condition. In the future since you've seen how he responds to the phenergan I would suggest that you make sure he doesn't get this medication unless he is actually suffering from severe nausea and vomiting or is complaining of some kind of motion, air, or sea sickness. This type of response is common in both elderly patients as well as those with conditions such as DEMENTIA of ANY TYPE. I suggest you keep a very close eye on him and not let him get up on his own since he may just fall and hurt himself. The condition of being exacerbated in his state of mental functioning will get better once the medicine wears off and his brain is "released" from its effects which could take up to double the length of time of the drug's half life. Another I'll mention about Phenergan that I'm not happy about is the fact that it can cause sudden twitches in the face, limbs, and spasms in the face, neck, and torso. Others may call them TICS.....Phenergan can and does cause this type of side effect which will take up to 3-4 weeks to completely clear so do be patients with him. If I've adequately answered your questions could you do me a huge favor by CLOSING THE QUERY and being sure to include some fine words of feedback along with a 5 STAR rating if you feel my suggestions have helped? Again, many thanks for posing your questions and please let me know how things turn out. Do not forget to contact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others. This query has utilized a total of 15 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.