Hello, I Have Been Taking Aspirin Before Bed For A

Brief Answer:
Aspirin and propranolol interact very mildly together so they can safely be taken at the same time

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

Aspirin is a drug that is given in patients with high blood pressure to prevent blood clots and heart attacks. It does not directly work on the blood pressure but it does help minimize certain complications from high blood pressure.

Propanolol is a drug that can help with both anxiety and blood pressure. There are different kinds of propranolol pills from immediate release which need to be taken twice a day to the extended-release which is taken only once a day. Depending on the form you are taking you will need to use it once or twice a day.

As for combining these two drugs together (aspirin and propranolol), this is generally safe. There is only a minor interaction between the two drugs as aspirin may reduce the effect of propranolol but this can be compensated by monitoring your blood pressure and taking the dose of propranolol that will give you good control of your blood pressure.

You will need to take aspirin after food to protect your stomach and you may decide if you will use it in the morning or in the evening, it does not really matter, as long as you remember to take it regularly (every day at the same time).

Propranolol may be taken in the morning or in the evening, it does not really matter. Sometimes, it is more feasible to just take all the pills at one time to not forget them, so you may take propranolol and aspirin at the same time.
If you have the immediate-release form of propranolol you will need to use it morning and evening.

To conclude:
- there are very small interactions between aspirin and propranolol as aspirin may reduce the effect of propranolol but this is a very minor interaction and these drugs can be safely taken together
- aspirin is a "blood thinner" which prevents clots and heart attacks and propranolol is the one that will actually reduce your blood pressure and help with anxiety
- your doctor will have to check your blood pressure regularly and adjust the dose of propranolol according to your needs so you can have good control of your blood pressure.
- please take aspirin after food to protect your stomach. You may take it any time of the day but take it regularly. You may also choose to take propranolol with aspirin, both at the same time to make it more feasible and easier to remember.


I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

---

Brief Answer:
There are only minor interactions between propranolol and diphenhydramine.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

Thank you for your reply. It is my pleasure to assist you.

Diphenhydramine may increase the effect of propranolol, but this is a minor interaction and is generally managed by monitoring your blood pressure. If you notice a fall in your blood pressure you may talk with your doctor to decide on reducing the dose of propranolol.

On the other hand, sleep problems can be related to propranolol. A small number of patients may experience sleep problems when using propranolol, especially if used at night. If this continues, you will need to talk to your doctor and have a check to rule out other causes of sleep problems and if no other causes are found, probably the doctor will have to try and use another treatment for your blood pressure.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

---