doxylamine
Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be taken by adults and children ages 12 years and older who are having trouble falling asleep. It's a sleep aid that works by blocking certain chemicals (histamine) in your body. Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is taken by mouth once a day, about 30 minutes before bedtime. The most common side effect of this medication is next-day sleepiness.
What is Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)?
What is Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) used for?
Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
How Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) works
Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural chemical in your body and brain. By blocking histamine in the brain, it causes sleepiness.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)?
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
Other Side Effects
- Constipation
- Trouble urinating
- Urinary retention
- Blurry or double vision
Serious Side Effects
- Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
- Accidentally taking too much medication: fast heartbeat, flushing, extreme sleepiness, hallucinations, changes in vision, irritability in children
Source: DailyMed
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The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
Pros and cons of Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
Pros
Works well to help you fall asleep
Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
Starts to work quickly (within 1 hour)
Can be used in children as young as 12 years old
Cons
Should only use when you have a full night to sleep
Can make you sleepy throughout the next day
Not the best choice for people over 65 years old or people with glaucoma, breathing problems, or urinary problems
Pharmacist tips for Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
After you take doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs), this medication can continue to make you feel sleepy throughout the next day. Only take doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) if you have time for a full night's sleep.
Don't drive or do anything that needs a lot of focus until you know how doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) affects you. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication because it can make sleepiness and dizziness worse.
Stop taking doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) and contact your provider if you're still having trouble sleeping after taking the medication for 2 weeks. This could be a sign of a more serious medical problem.
Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, to make sure doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs), especially other antihistamines, without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of serious side effects, including confusion and extreme sleepiness.
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Frequently asked questions about Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
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What are the risks and warnings for Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)?
Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Extreme sleepiness
Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness | Age 65 and older
Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) can make you sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you're over 65 years old, drink alcohol while taking doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs), or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications). It's best to avoid alcohol and other medications that might make you sleepy while taking doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Worsening of medical conditions
Risk factors: Glaucoma | Urinary problems (e.g., large prostate gland, bladder neck blockage) | Breathing problems (e.g., emphysema or long-term bronchitis)
Don't take doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking this medication can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs).
Accidental overdose
Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is an antihistamine, which is in many other over-the-counter products. Taking more than one medication containing an antihistamine can lead to serious side effects, such as blurry vision, reddening of skin, and confusion.
Don't start any new medications while taking doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an antihistamine, ask your provider or pharmacist.
Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $4.86 | $0.16 |
Typical dosing for Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
Age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 25 mg by mouth once nightly, about 30 minutes before bedtime or as directed by your provider.
Age under 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.
How much does Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) cost?
What are alternatives to Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)?
Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
Allergies
Common cold symptoms
Trouble sleeping for people 12 years and older
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References
Best studies we foundBrott, N. R., et al. (2023). Doxylamine. StatPearls.
Chattem, Inc. (2023). Unisom SleepTabs- doxyalmine succinate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
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