From the Guidelines
Benzonatate can cause sleepiness in some individuals, although it is not its primary effect, and the likelihood of experiencing sleepiness varies from person to person. This prescription medication, typically prescribed at doses of 100-200 mg three times daily, is a non-narcotic cough suppressant that works by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs, reducing the cough reflex 1. Drowsiness is listed as a potential side effect, but it's not as common or pronounced as with other cough medications containing antihistamines or codeine. The study on chronic cough due to lung tumors mentions that benzonatate effectively controlled cough in 80% of 21 patients with malignant pulmonary involvement, but it does not specifically address the incidence of sleepiness as a side effect 1. However, given that benzonatate can have mild central nervous system depressant effects in some individuals, though it primarily works through local anesthetic action in the respiratory tract, it is reasonable to consider the potential for drowsiness. If you're concerned about drowsiness while taking benzonatate, it's advisable to avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Some key points to consider when taking benzonatate include:
- The medication is typically prescribed at doses of 100-200 mg three times daily
- Benzonatate works by numbing stretch receptors in the lungs, reducing the cough reflex
- Drowsiness is a potential side effect, but its incidence is not well-documented in the study on chronic cough due to lung tumors 1
- The likelihood of experiencing sleepiness varies from person to person
- It's essential to be cautious when driving or operating machinery while taking benzonatate, as it may cause drowsiness in some individuals.
From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS Potential Adverse Reactions to BENZONATATE may include: ... CNS: sedation; Benzonatate may cause sleepiness due to its potential to cause sedation.
- Key effects on the central nervous system (CNS) include sedation and dizziness. 2
From the Research
Benzonatate and Sleepiness
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that suggests benzonatate causes sleepiness 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The studies primarily focus on the antitussive effects of benzonatate, its mechanism of action, and its use in various settings, but do not mention sleepiness as a side effect or outcome.
- Benzonatate's mechanism of action involves inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, which may contribute to its antitussive effects, but there is no clear link to sleepiness 4.
- The studies do report on adverse events and side effects associated with benzonatate use, but sleepiness is not mentioned as a common or significant side effect 6, 7.