Gina Johnson
There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills available, which can be purchased without a prescription from drug stores, supermarkets, and online shops. These include antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and doxylamine, which cause drowsiness by blocking histamines that cause alertness. Natural supplements, such as melatonin and valerian, are also available. Melatonin is a hormone that the body naturally produces to promote sleep, and valerian is an herb that aids relaxation. While easily accessible, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking OTC sleeping pills, as they can interfere with other medications or health conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antihistamines, Melatonin, Valerian, L-tryptophan, Cannabidiol (CBD), Doxepin (Silenor), Zolpidem, Eszopiclone |
| Drug Action | Antihistamines block histamines, causing drowsiness. Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Valerian acts on receptors in the brain to slow down the nervous system. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a derivative of the cannabis plant and does not cause a "high". Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant that causes drowsiness as a side effect. Zolpidem and eszopiclone are sedative-hypnotics that slow brain activity. |
| Dosage | Melatonin: 1-10 mg at bedtime. |
| Side Effects | Antihistamines: dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, blurry vision, trouble urinating. Melatonin: headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness. Valerian: drowsiness, dizziness. Zolpidem and eszopiclone: risk of next-day impairment and complex sleep behaviors. Daridorexant: headaches. |
| Precautions | Melatonin overdose is possible, consult a doctor for safe dosages. Do not take before driving or operating machinery. Discuss with a healthcare provider before starting any sleep aid, especially if you have liver problems. |
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Antihistamines
While antihistamines can be effective in aiding sleep, they also come with potential side effects. These may include dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, blurry vision, and trouble urinating. It is important to note that antihistamines may also cause drowsiness during the day, impacting an individual's ability to drive, work, or perform other daily tasks.
Compared to prescription sleeping pills, OTC sleeping pills containing antihistamines are generally milder. Prescription sleeping pills are stronger and often recommended for short-term relief. However, they come with a risk of dependence and addiction, and providers typically do not advise using them long-term.
Before taking OTC sleeping pills with antihistamines, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider, especially if taken for more than two weeks. While these pills can provide temporary relief, insomnia may be indicative of an underlying medical condition that requires alternative treatment. Additionally, OTC sleeping pills can interfere with other medications or exacerbate existing health conditions.
It is worth noting that other alternatives to antihistamine-based OTC sleeping pills are available. Natural supplements, such as melatonin and valerian, are also commonly used to promote sleep. Melatonin, in particular, is a hormone naturally produced by the body that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. However, similar to antihistamines, melatonin supplements can also cause side effects, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness.
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Melatonin
While melatonin is a natural hormone, it is important to note that it can have side effects and potential risks. Experts recommend using it on a short-term basis and suggest discontinuing its use after one to two months to assess sleep without the supplement. Additionally, melatonin should not be taken during pregnancy without medical advice. Before taking melatonin supplements, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider, as they can interfere with other medications or aggravate certain health conditions.
To enhance the effectiveness of melatonin supplements, it is recommended to create optimal conditions that promote its sleep-inducing effects. This includes reducing exposure to blue and green light from electronic devices before bedtime, as this light can interfere with melatonin production and its sleep-promoting impact. Getting exposure to daylight during the morning and afternoon can also help regulate the body's melatonin production and sleep-wake cycle.
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Valerian
It is important to note that valerian should not be taken with sedative medications, as it may cause breathing problems and excessive sleepiness. Valerian can also interact with other medications, altering their effects and side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking valerian root supplements, especially if you have any health concerns or are taking other medications.
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Prescription vs. over-the-counter
Sleeping pills are available over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. Anyone over the age of 18 can buy OTC sleep medications without a prescription from a drugstore or other retail locations.
OTC sleep aids often contain antihistamines, which can make people drowsy. Common ingredients in antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Melatonin supplements are also widely available over the counter. Melatonin is a hormone that the brain produces naturally to promote sleep. It is available in dosages of 1-10 mg and should be taken at bedtime. Valerian is another natural supplement that can be purchased over the counter. It is an herb that supposedly aids relaxation and sleep.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than over-the-counter ones and are recommended for short-term relief. They include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antidepressants, and Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). Benzodiazepines work by stimulating a chemical in the brain called GABA, which leads to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. However, they can be addictive and are not recommended for long-term use. Z-drugs work by slowing down brain activity.
Both over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills can cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Approximately 8 out of 10 people experience drowsiness, dizziness, and muddled thinking the day after taking sleep medication. It is important to exercise caution when taking sleep medication, as it can negatively impact your ability to perform daily tasks such as driving or operating machinery.
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Side effects
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills often contain antihistamines, which treat allergies but can also cause drowsiness. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine. While antihistamines can help with sleep, they are not intended to be used as sleeping pills and can cause serious harm to young children.
OTC sleeping pills may also contain natural supplements such as melatonin or valerian. Melatonin is a synthetic version of a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Valerian is an herb that is believed to aid relaxation and sleep. While melatonin and valerian are natural remedies, they can still cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
Prescription sleeping pills are stronger than OTC ones and are recommended only for short-term use. They include benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, barbiturates, and antidepressants. Benzodiazepines work by stimulating GABA, a chemical in the brain that leads to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. Z-drugs, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta), work by slowing brain activity.
Sleeping pills, whether OTC or prescription, can cause a range of side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Many people experience a hangover effect the day after taking sleep medicine, feeling drowsy, dizzy, and muddled in their thinking. These daytime effects can impact daily activities such as driving and working. Long-term use of sleeping pills can lead to more severe side effects, including dependency, drug tolerance, poor memory, brain degeneration, and an increased risk of accidental falls.
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Frequently asked questions
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping pills include antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (ZzzQuil) and doxylamine (Unisom), melatonin, L-tryptophan, and valerian.
Antihistamines treat allergies but can also make you drowsy. Common ingredients in antihistamines include diphenhydramine and doxylamine.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements are available without a prescription in dosages of 1–10 mg.
Valerian is an herbal supplement that acts on receptors in the brain to slow down the nervous system and make you drowsy. It has few reported side effects other than drowsiness and dizziness.
Yes, even over-the-counter sleeping pills can cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, and trouble urinating. These pills may also negatively impact your ability to drive or perform daily tasks the next day.
