What Causes Irregular Heart Beats After Having Advil?

Posted on Wed, 10 Sep 2014

Question: Hi, I took 2 advil pm pills. I've taken it recently with no problem, but tonight my heart rate is slow and irregular and my breathing becomes very slow to the point that I wake up. Then my heart rate rises to above resting rate. I'm feeling very sleepy and keep falling back asleep, only to wake again I assume from slow breathing.

I did not sleep the last two nights and desperately need sleep. Should I be worried?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dont take Advil now .

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that Advil PM contains diphenhydramine and ibuprofen and the side effects you are reporting are common for it.

Cardiovascular side effects can range from hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia and palpitations. Drowsiness , sedation , Restlesness are also very common with this . Since you took two tablets together they have become more pronounced .

I would advise you not to take any further tablets as this is not a sleeping pill . Well the symptoms should resolve on its own but if you think your condition is worsening please seek medical help.

Take care.

DR. Shruti

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar