Nima Majlesi, M.D., a toxicologist, told Eat This, Not That! about five different medications that should not be taken in the morning.
Top of the specialist’s list were muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, which cause drowsiness and often lead to falls, cause dry mouth and constipation.
These medications are best taken before bedtime, the doctor warned.
Dr. Majlesi also talked about the dietary supplement kava, which is often used because of its anxiolytic effects. Unfortunately, its use can cause problems with concentration. Avoid taking it in the morning. It is better to take it before going to bed, the specialist recommended.
Next on the toxicologist’s list were antihypertensive drugs, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, whose use should be avoided during the day. Taking these drugs before bedtime can provide some cardiovascular benefits. And one of the side effects is often fatigue. So taking these medications in the morning can perpetuate this effect, the doctor said.
Dr. Majlesi also said that cholesterol medications seem to be best taken in the evening, since most cholesterol is thought to be formed in the early morning hours.
As a rule, most of them cause drowsiness. Taking them before bedtime makes sense to avoid many unwanted side effects during the day, the specialist added.