Combining these night remedies can trigger dangerous side effects.<\/p>\n
When seasonal colds<\/a>, nagging coughs<\/a> or sleepless nights<\/a> strike, reaching into the medicine cabinet often feels like second nature. Millions of people routinely turn to over-the-counter formulas to secure a restful night\u2019s sleep and alleviate frustrating symptoms without thinking twice. <\/p>\n Because these popular treatments don\u2019t require a doctor\u2019s prescription, it\u2019s easy to assume that doubling up on bedtime remedies is completely harmless. However, medical experts warn that combining certain household cold and sleep medications can pose serious, unintended health risks to your body.<\/p>\n Related: A Cardiologist Says People \u2018Overdo It\u2019 on This High-Protein Snack (Hint: It\u2019s Not Protein Bars)<\/a><\/p>\n Mixing over-the-counter products without checking their active ingredients can quickly lead to accidental double-dosing or even severe drug interactions. While many people carefully monitor their prescription drugs, over-the-counter options are frequently overlooked. <\/p>\n Health professionals stress that just because a treatment is available on store shelves doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s risk-free. Mixing nighttime remedies can overload your nervous system, causing terrifying physical reactions that turn a simple attempt at catching some sleep into a medical emergency.<\/p>\n \ud83e\ude7a<\/a>SIGN UP for Parade\u2019s health newsletter with expert-approved tips, healthy eats, exercises, news & more to help you stay healthy & feel your best self<\/a>\ud83d\udc8a<\/a><\/p>\n Don\u2019t Combine These Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids<\/p>\n When you\u2019re struggling to rest while feeling unwell, combining products might seem like a quick fix to get double the relief. But combining certain formulas creates a heavy stack of sedating ingredients that your body simply wasn\u2019t designed to handle at once.<\/p>\n Dr. Parth Bhavsar, MD<\/a>,<\/a> a family medicine doctor and the founder of TeleDirectMD, previously told <\/a>Parade<\/a>that pairing NyQuil with a widely used antihistamine like Benadryl can lead to severe physiological consequences. He explains that taking them together can cause \u201cintense drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision and slowed breathing.\u201d He added that combining them can also \u201cincrease the risk of falling or experiencing morning-after grogginess.\u201d<\/p>\n Related: \u2018I\u2019m an Anesthesiologist\u2014This Is What I Wish People Would Stop Doing Before Surgery\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n Both remedies contain powerful sedating antihistamines that impact the central nervous system. When taken simultaneously, their compounding effect drastically depresses bodily functions, transforming a standard bedtime routine into a dangerous situation.<\/p>\n How To Safely Treat Nighttime Cold and Sleep Symptoms<\/p>\n To avoid dangerous drug interactions, physicians strongly recommend taking a more cautious approach to over-the-counter care. Reading labels thoroughly before swallowing any pill or liquid is essential, even if it\u2019s a product you\u2019ve used for years.<\/p>\n If you are suffering from multiple cold or flu symptoms, Dr. Bhavsar advised choosing a single multi-symptom formula rather than mixing multiple individual bottles. For instance, if you need relief from both a cough and nasal congestion, search for a single product designed to handle both issues at once.<\/p>\n Related: This Fall Drink Could Be Spiking Your Blood Sugar More Than You Think, Endocrinologists Warn<\/a><\/p>\n When in doubt, never hesitate to ask a professional at your local pharmacy. A quick conversation can ensure your bedtime routine remains safe and effective.<\/p>\n Adapted from Parade\u2019s 2 Over-The-Counter Medications You Should Never, Ever Combine, According to Doctors<\/a>by Emily Laurence Sardinha.<\/p>\n Up Next: <\/p>\n Sources<\/p>\n This story was originally published by Parade<\/a> on Oct 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health & Wellness<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Combining these night remedies can trigger dangerous side effects. 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