Can Seretide affect sleep?
If you are able to breathe everyday for most of the day without putting in too much effort, you should be grateful because that might not be the case for some people. In fact, it was reported that more than millions of people around the world do experience breathlessness or shortness of breath due to many factors such as respiratory diseases, heart diseases or psychological factors. Since breathlessness can be caused by many factors, treatment plans may vary to treat one disease to another. In this article, we will be learning more about a medication commonly used to help treat breathlessness known as SERETIDE 50.
SERETIDE 50 contains salmeterol and fluticasone propionate as its active ingredients. It is an inhaler. This medicine is used to help improve symptoms of breathlessness in those with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Fluticasone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids which works by reducing inflammation processes affecting the airways such as irritation and swelling of the airways. Salmeterol on the other hand belongs to a class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists which works as muscle relaxant of the airways to widen the airways. Salmeterol is also known as a bronchodilator. Combination of these ingredients helps to prevent symptoms from occurring in the near future.
SERETIDE can be used for children as young as 4 years old and all other age groups. Dose may vary according to the age of people and the diseases. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice and always inquire if you are unsure of ways of using it. If you are using it for the first time or have not been using it for more than 1 week, you need to prime it first. To prime, spray it away from face and into the air until you can see fine mist evenly spread. Since the most recommended dose is two inhalation or two puffs, wait around 30 seconds between each puff. To avoid dry mouth after using this, you may try rinsing your mouth with water by gargling and spit out.
It is important to use this medication regularly. This is because the SERETIDE inhaler may take up to 7 days before you are able to feel any improvements. It is reported that symptoms are well controlled after 2 weeks of using SERETIDE compared to using an inhaler containing corticosteroid alone. It is worth noting that SERETIDE is often prescribed to those with serious breathing problems or when breathing symptoms are not well controlled with only one asthma-control medication. This medicine should not be used as a rescue inhaler or quick-relief when you experience breathlessness. You should not use other inhalers unless directed by doctors or after discussion with your healthcare provider.
Patients might wonder if there are side effects. Just as with many other medications, there will always be possible side effects. Common side effects include hoarseness, sore throat, headache, muscle cramps and joint pain. If these side effects become worse, you should notify your healthcare provider. This medication may raise high blood pressure. Do let your doctor know if you experience high blood pressure especially if you have not been diagnosed with hypertension before. Certain other medications may cause drug interaction with SERETIDE. If you are taking other medication, do let your healthcare know about this especially if you are taking antihypertensive drugs, antibiotics or antivirus. These drugs may react with SERETIDE and lead to high risk for side effects.
One of the concerns with patients taking SERETIDE is the possibility of the drug affecting sleep. There are studies that show that SERETIDE causes insomnia in certain patients. In some cases, it may also cause patients to have more vivid dreams that disturb a good quality sleep. It is best for patients to get advice from doctors if they experience symptoms that affect sleep as this may actually worsen their overall health.
It can be concluded that SERETIDE is medication that helps to relieve breathlessness symptoms. SERETIDE is often used in those with COPD or asthma. Patient need to learn how to differentiate quick-relief drugs ad controller drugs so that it can be used at the right time for the right purpose. Any enquiries or doubt should be addressed to doctor. This medication needs to be used regularly and best to be used at the same time of the day. If a patient experiences side effects that get worse or begin to affect their life, such as their sleep, they need to discuss with their doctor. This is important as doctors can help provide alternative or suggestions on what can be done or medications that can help relief symptoms. Beside taking medications, patient are encouraged to have an active and healthy lifestyle as medications alone may not be enough to treat symptoms. Furthermore, doing these can improve general wellbeing.
