Is doxylamine succinate a good sleep aid? (2023)

Can I take doxylamine succinate every night?

People sometimes use antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate, to combat insomnia. These over-the-counter medications are OK for occasional use in most people. However, they may increase the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease if taken long term.

Doxylamine succinate is as effective as diphenhydramine but tends to work longer. 3 For this reason, you should not take it the night before a busy morning schedule. You should also take care not to drive or use heavy machinery until your head is fully clear.

1. Melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone your body produces naturally that signals to your brain that it's time to sleep ( 9 ). Time of day influences this hormone's cycle of production and release — melatonin levels naturally rise in the evening and fall in the morning.

While they're rare, serious side effects can result from the use of doxylamine, including: Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis ), including difficulty breathing. Low blood cell counts (agranulocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia) Abnormal heart rhythms or altered heart rate.

Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) starts to work within 30 minutes, and the effects last up to 6 hours.

What is the strongest sleep aid over the counter? Doxylamine is one of the strongest OTC sleep aids. It is an antihistamine. However, it is only suitable for short-term use.

Melatonin: Melatonin is considered one of the safest over-the-counter sleep aids, with few side effects. A prescription drug called ramelteon is designed to mimic the effects of melatonin. Like melatonin, it is not considered habit-forming and it does not affect balance.

Over The Counter Alternatives

Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl, Aleve PM, etc.): Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. Doxylamine (e.g., Unisom SleepMelts): Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine.

In these settings, melatonin is considered the preferred pharmacological option for elderly patients. It is also an option for patients who are blind and suffer from non–24-hour sleep–wake rhythm disorder, given evidence supporting circadian entrainment.

Who should not take doxylamine succinate?

talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking doxylamine if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take doxylamine because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.

Other over-the-counter sleep medications, such as Unisom SleepTabs, contain 25 mg per pill of an antihistamine called doxylamine succinate. These medications work by blocking certain brain chemicals, which can have a sedating effect. They are generally safe but come with some risks.

Based on clinical practice, the recommended adult dose for doxylamine hydrogen succinate as a nighttime sleep aid is 25 mg, once daily, taken orally up to half an hour before bedtime. If drowsiness is excessive, the dosage should be reduced to 12.5 mg. Doses higher than 25 mg are not recommended.

In a study, it was found that doxylamine succinate is possibly more effective than the barbiturate phenobarbital for use as a sedative. For this reason, doxylamine has sometimes been used off label in a manner similar to diphenhydramine for the reduction of anxiety symptoms.

In summary, doxylamine is a generally safe, effective over-the-counter medication that can provide patient benefit with minimal adverse events when used correctly.

Common over-the-counter sleep medications include: Diphenhydramine (found in brand names like Nytol, Sominex, Sleepinal, Compoz) Doxylamine (brand names such as Unisom, Nighttime Sleep Aid)

Common side effects of promethazine include drowsiness, headaches, nightmares and feeling dizzy, restless or confused. When promethazine is mixed with other medicines, it's also known by the brand names Day & Night Nurse, Fedril and Night Nurse.

"Melatonin is generally thought to be safer to use than other sleep medications and less likely to cause side effects such as daytime grogginess the next day.

What can I take to sleep instead of melatonin?

Other supplements including magnesium, valerian root, tart cherry, L-theanine, lavender essential oil, and GABA are worth considering as alternatives to melatonin.

Reasons this might happen include drinking caffeine or alcohol late in the day, a poor sleep environment, a sleep disorder, or another health condition. When you can't get back to sleep quickly, you won't get enough quality sleep to keep you refreshed and healthy.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, low blood pressure, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

Adults—1 tablet taken at bedtime (Day 1). If symptoms are controlled the following day, continue taking 1 tablet at bedtime. If symptoms persists on Day 2, take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet at bedtime. However, the dose is usually not more than 2 tablets per day.

Doxylamine should only be used to treat insomnia for a short time. Call your doctor if you feel that you need to take doxylamine for longer than 2 weeks.

Can I take Unisom ^® every night? Unisom® is for occasional sleeplessness only. If your sleeplessness persists for more than two weeks, consult your doctor. Sleeplessness may be a symptom of serious underlying medical illness.

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, decreased coordination, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, decreased coordination, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur.