Colin Snow
Doxylamine, also known by the brand name Unisom, is a medication that helps people fall asleep. It is an antihistamine that treats insomnia by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. The medication is available in tablet form and is usually taken 30 minutes before bedtime. It is intended for short-term use, and users are advised to consult a doctor if they need to take it for more than two weeks. Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and allergic reactions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Doxylamine |
| Brand Name | Unisom, ZzzQuil, HealthA2Z Sleep Aid |
| Use | Short-term treatment of insomnia |
| Dosage | 25mg |
| Administration | Tablet taken by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime |
| Storage | Room temperature (68–77°F/20–25°C) or refrigerated (36–46°F/2–8°C) |
| Side Effects | Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, allergic reactions |
| Precautions | Avoid driving or activities requiring alertness, do not use with alcohol, inform your healthcare provider of other medications |
| Age Considerations | Not recommended for children or older adults |
Explore related products
$7.99 $10.99
$14.95
$7.95 $9.95
What You'll Learn
Doxylamine is an antihistamine
As an antihistamine, doxylamine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. By inhibiting histamine, doxylamine helps reduce allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, and an itchy nose or throat. It is also used in combination with decongestants and other medications to relieve similar symptoms associated with the common cold.
The most common side effect of doxylamine is drowsiness. This is due to the inhibition of histamine, which can cause sleepiness. Therefore, it is important not to drive or engage in activities requiring alertness or coordination until you know how doxylamine affects you. Other side effects may include dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, dizziness, and excitability in children.
Doxylamine should generally be used for short-term treatment, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider if it needs to be taken for more than two weeks. It is also important to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, vitamins, supplements, or health conditions you have to ensure safe use.
Doxylamine is typically taken 30 minutes before bedtime and is intended for those who can remain asleep for 7 to 8 hours after taking it. It should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C), and kept in a cool, dry place.
Healing Sleep: Does Rest Hasten Wound Recovery?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It treats insomnia
Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine medication that helps treat insomnia. Insomnia is a condition that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get enough restful sleep. Doxylamine succinate is available under the brand name Unisom® and is also found in other sleep aids, such as ZzzQuil and HealthA2Z® Sleep Aid.
When used for treating insomnia, doxylamine succinate is typically taken as a tablet by mouth about 30 minutes before bedtime. It is important to note that doxylamine succinate should only be used for short-term treatment, and one should plan to remain asleep for 7 to 8 hours after taking the medication. If one gets up too soon after taking the medication, they may experience drowsiness, which can interfere with daily activities. Therefore, it is recommended to take doxylamine succinate only when you have time for a full night's sleep.
The mechanism by which doxylamine succinate treats insomnia is through its action as an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that can cause allergic symptoms. By blocking histamine, doxylamine succinate helps reduce difficulty in falling asleep and promotes a longer duration of sleep.
While doxylamine succinate can be effective in treating insomnia, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. The most common side effect is drowsiness, which can persist after waking up if the medication is not used properly. Other side effects may include dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, dizziness, and allergic reactions. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking doxylamine succinate and to discontinue use if any unusual or severe side effects occur.
Additionally, doxylamine succinate may interact with other medications, including antihistamines, prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety. It is important to disclose all medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products one is taking to their healthcare provider to ensure safe use.
Signs of Sleep Deprivation: How to Tell
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![GenCare Maximum Strength Nighttime Sleep Aid Supplement for Adults Deep Sleep Pills with Diphenhydramine HCl 50mg to Fall Asleep Faster- Strong Non-Habit Forming PM Sleeping Relief [96 Softgels]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WC6IGWvcL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
It causes drowsiness
Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine medication that helps people who have trouble falling asleep. It is commonly sold under the brand name Unisom. It is also available in other forms, such as softgels and liquid-filled capsules.
Doxylamine succinate works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. By blocking histamine, doxylamine causes drowsiness and helps people fall asleep more easily. It is important to note that doxylamine should only be used for short-term treatment of insomnia and should not be used to cause sleepiness in children.
The most common side effect of doxylamine is drowsiness. It is recommended that individuals taking doxylamine for sleep should not take it unless they have time for a full night's sleep, typically 7 to 8 hours. This helps to avoid daytime drowsiness or other side effects. Individuals taking doxylamine should also refrain from driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
In addition to drowsiness, doxylamine may cause other side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, dizziness, and allergic reactions. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking doxylamine to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific needs.
Sleep Button Not Working? Try These Fixes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It should not be used for more than two weeks
Doxylamine is a medication that helps people fall asleep. It is an antihistamine that treats insomnia by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. It is also used in combination with decongestants and other medications to relieve sneezing, a runny nose, and nasal congestion caused by the common cold.
Doxylamine is intended for short-term use only and should not be used for more than two weeks. If you feel that you need to take doxylamine for longer than two weeks, you should consult your doctor or healthcare provider. This is because doxylamine may cause side effects, and your doctor may need to see if a medical condition is causing your sleep problems.
Doxylamine may cause serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions. Stop taking doxylamine and seek medical help immediately if you experience any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Other side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, and confusion, which are more likely to occur in older adults.
In addition, doxylamine may interact with other medications or supplements, so it is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other substances you are taking. Doxylamine may also not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, glaucoma, ulcers, difficulty urinating, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland.
Furthermore, doxylamine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children, as it can cause excitability. It should also be noted that doxylamine may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it is generally recommended to consult a doctor before taking any medication during these periods.
A Day to Sleep: English Subtitles for Episode 1
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It may cause allergic reactions
Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine medication used to treat insomnia and induce sleep. While it is generally safe and effective, it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Allergic reactions to doxylamine succinate can be serious and require immediate medical attention. People who experience any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction should stop taking the medication and seek medical help right away.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction to doxylamine succinate can include skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms indicate a severe allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening.
Individuals with known allergies to any of the ingredients in doxylamine succinate products should not take the medication. It is important to read the ingredient list and understand the product's proper usage. Pharmacists can provide information on the specific ingredients in different doxylamine formulations.
Additionally, doxylamine succinate may cause unusual results in allergy skin tests. Therefore, it is essential to inform any treating physician that you are taking an antihistamine like doxylamine succinate.
Truckers' Sleep Schedules: Day or Night?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Doxylamine is a medication that helps people with insomnia fall asleep. It is an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Doxylamine succinate blocks the effect of histamine in the body, causing drowsiness and helping people fall asleep.
The most common side effect of doxylamine is drowsiness. Other side effects include dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, dizziness, allergic reactions, and excitability in children.
Doxylamine should be stored at room temperature between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for short periods during transportation. Some doxylamine products may need to be refrigerated.
Before taking doxylamine, inform your doctor about any prescription or non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Also, disclose any current or past health conditions, including breathing problems, glaucoma, ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, and thyroid issues.
