A single dose causes rapid and marked drowsiness in the vast majority of individuals.

Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in Sleep Eze, Sominex, Nytol, Tylenol PM, and Unisom SleepGelsĭoxylamine succinate is one of the most sedating antihistamines available over-the-counter (stronger than diphenhydramine).

Since its use is associated with less of a hangover effect, and is milder than doxylamine, it is usually a good first choice in this category of and OTC sleep aid. In general, diphenhydramine is less expensive than doxylamine. Tolerance to this particular antihistamine builds up quickly and it loses its effectiveness as a sleep aid after just a few nights of repeated use. Also, these sleep medications may interact negatively with other medications, so a doctor should be consulted prior to using these for a sleeping problem.ĭiphenhydramine is eliminated quickly from the body and most individuals don’t experience any lingering grogginess from the medicine the next day. Many over-the-counter sleep aids can result in the person feeling groggy and unwell the next day. Tolerance to the sedative effects of antihistamines can develop quickly-the longer they are taken the less likely they are to induce sleep. If patients attempt to use an OTC sleep aid, they should immediately discontinue use if they experience any adverse side effects such as:

The OTC sleep medications rely on the sedating effects of the antihistamine to facilitate sleep. See Using Medication to Manage Pain and Reduce Sleep Problems According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, antihistamine (usually diphenhydramine hydrochloride or doxylamine succinate) is the most common ingredient in OTC sleep aids. OTC sleep medications should only be used on a short term basis, since extended use of these medications can actually exacerbate insomnia. Examples of popular over-the-counter sleep aids include: Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.Over-the-counter medications for the treatment of a sleep problem are those that can be purchased without a prescription. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. You should pump and throw away breast milk for 23 hours after using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction, depression, or mental health problems.ĭo not breastfeed while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (including COPD), breathing problems (including sleep apnea), or myasthenia gravis. This medicine may cause the following problems:Sleep-related behaviors (including sleep-driving, sleep-walking, or having sex, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while you are asleep or not fully awake)Unusual thoughts or behaviorRespiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening), when used with narcotic pain medicines

Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant or if you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine. Using this medicine during the last 3 months of your pregnancy (third trimester) can harm your newborn baby. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. It may also cause decreased alertness or trouble with thinking or trouble with controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, especially first thing the next morning. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. Call your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after you take this medicine for 7 to 10 days.ĭo not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

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