Study Shows Antipsychotic Medication Can Help Sleep Apnea But Hinders Driving
A recent study found that quetiapine, a common antipsychotic medication, can help reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, it also raises concerns about impaired driving the next day.
Conducted by researchers at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, the study involved 15 adults struggling with OSA and sleep maintenance issues. Each participant took part in two overnight sleep studies and received either a 50 mg dose of quetiapine or a placebo on alternating nights.
Quetiapine is often prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, and is sometimes used off-label for sleep-related issues. During the study, participants were monitored for sleep quality, including their breathing patterns and brain activity.
Results showed that those taking quetiapine enjoyed over 40 extra minutes of sleep and experienced a reduction in apnea-related events—from an average of 27 to 20 events per hour. Despite this improvement, participants exhibited slower reaction times in driving tests compared to when they took the placebo.
Many reported feeling sleepier in the morning after taking the medication. Alarmingly, about 25% of the participants didn’t realize their driving ability was affected, which could lead to dangerous situations, especially when operating vehicles or machinery.
Along with the benefits, some participants encountered side effects like nausea, restless legs, and sudden drops in blood pressure, impacting roughly one-third of those taking quetiapine.
The study, limited by its small size and one-night evaluations, emphasizes the need for more extensive research before prescribing quetiapine broadly for sleep apnea. Researchers suggest waiting at least 9.5 hours after taking the medication before driving or engaging in other safety-critical tasks.
Experts are calling for further studies, especially since women metabolize these drugs differently than men, which could affect efficacy and side effects. The impact of quetiapine on cognitive function the next day also needs more examination, particularly for older adults already at risk for cognitive issues.
While medications can be helpful, experts like Chelsie Rohrscheib from Wesper stress that behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, should also be considered for long-term management.
In summary, quetiapine shows promise for treating sleep apnea symptoms but raises significant concerns about daytime drowsiness and safety. Patients are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
