Ashwin Lewis
Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medications are a short-term solution for people with insomnia or other sleep issues. Most OTC sleep aids contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness. However, antihistamines can also cause side effects such as daytime grogginess, blurred vision, confusion, and constipation. They may also interact with alcohol or other sleep medications. Other OTC sleep aids that do not contain antihistamines include melatonin, valerian, and CBD. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, while valerian is an herb that aids relaxation and sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| OTC sleep medications without antihistamines | Melatonin, Valerian Root, CBD |
| OTC sleep medications with antihistamines | Diphenhydramine (Sleep Eze, Sominex, Nytol, Tylenol PM, Unisom SleepGels), Doxylamine succinate (Sleep-Eze, Sominex, Nytol) |
| Side effects | Daytime grogginess, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, blurry vision, trouble peeing, muscle weakness |
| Risks | May interact with alcohol or other sleep medications, may lead to dependency, may worsen insomnia with long-term use |
| Recommendations | Always follow the instructions for use, do not exceed the recommended dose, do not take before driving or operating machinery, consult a doctor for advice on safety and dosage |
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What You'll Learn
Melatonin supplements
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by a gland in the brain. Melatonin helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements are synthetic versions of this hormone. They are available over the counter and are the fourth most popular natural product taken by adults.
To improve your natural melatonin production, you can get exposure to daylight during the morning and afternoon. Additionally, you can keep the lights low in the evening and avoid blue and green light from electronic devices, as this light can interfere with melatonin's sleep-promoting effects.
It is important to note that melatonin supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as strictly as other medications. As a result, these products may include things that are not safe because they are not well regulated. Melatonin supplements are also not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those who have an autoimmune disorder, a seizure disorder, or depression.
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Valerian root
While limited research has been conducted on valerian root, experts believe that it may stimulate natural chemicals in the brain that promote relaxation and help with sleep. Some studies have shown that valerian root helps people fall asleep faster and improves their quality of sleep. However, other studies have found that valerian root is no more effective than a placebo in improving sleep.
The effects of valerian root may take a few weeks to become apparent, and it is generally recommended to continue taking it for 2 to 6 weeks after sleep improves. The typical dosage for adults is 200-400mg, but it can vary depending on the form in which it is consumed. For example, when preparing valerian root tea, it is recommended to use 1 teaspoonful (2 to 3 grams) of dried root infused in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
It is important to note that while valerian root is generally regarded as safe, it can have side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. Therefore, it should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Additionally, valerian root may not be suitable for everyone, as some individuals have reported paradoxical reactions, such as restlessness and heart palpitations.
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Diphenhydramine
Additionally, while OTC sleep aids are intended for short-term use, they may not be the best solution for everyone. Experts recommend that individuals suffering from long-term insomnia consult a physician or sleep specialist to address the underlying problem, which could be due to medical issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, depression, or circadian rhythm disorders.
Overall, diphenhydramine can be an effective and safe short-term solution for occasional sleeplessness, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions with other substances.
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Doxylamine succinate
Doxylamine is generally safe for administration to healthy adults, and typical side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, grogginess, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, muscle incoordination, and urinary retention. It is important to note that doxylamine may cause severe allergic reactions, and people allergic to any of its ingredients should not take it. In addition, doxylamine has a relatively long elimination half-life of 10-12 hours, which can lead to next-day effects such as sedation, drowsiness, and grogginess. Therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage on the packaging to avoid potential side effects.
Doxylamine is typically 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 require refrigeration between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C), so it is important to check the product label or consult a pharmacist for specific storage instructions.
Doxylamine is widely used as a sleep aid and is known to be effective in helping individuals fall asleep and improving sleep quality. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and follow the recommended dosage and storage instructions to ensure safe use.
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Sedating antihistamines
It is important to note that while diphenhydramine can be effective, it can also cause side effects such as dry mouth and dry nose. Additionally, it may interact with other medications, so it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before use. Furthermore, diphenhydramine may not be suitable for those who are breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk, although the amounts are usually very small.
Another sedating antihistamine available over the counter is doxylamine succinate. This medication is known to be even stronger than diphenhydramine and can cause rapid and marked drowsiness. However, it is eliminated from the body more slowly than diphenhydramine, which may result in lingering grogginess the next day. Doxylamine is found in products like Unisom and Nyquil.
When considering sedating antihistamines for sleep, it is worth noting that they are generally intended for short-term use. Prolonged use may lead to reduced effectiveness as the body can develop a tolerance to them. Additionally, it is important to be cautious when taking these medications with other substances, as they can interact with alcohol or other sleep medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Melatonin, valerian root, and CBD are some natural sleep supplements that can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Valerian root is an herb that has a natural calming effect on the nervous system.
Side effects of OTC sleep medications include daytime grogginess, blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, confusion, and trouble urinating. Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing these side effects, in addition to memory issues and balance problems.
Yes, OTC sleep medications can interfere with other medications or make existing health conditions worse. They can also increase the effects of alcohol or other sleep medications. It is important to follow the recommended dosage on the packaging and consult a healthcare provider before taking any OTC sleep medications.
People who are pregnant, children under the age of 3, and older adults should exercise caution when considering OTC sleep medications. It is recommended that older adults try non-drug treatments first, as there may be safer alternatives to improve sleep.
