There are days in our lives when we go to bed at night and no matter how hard we close our eyes, we just can't sleep. We keep ourselves awake until dawn, thinking about the important work we have to do tomorrow, or thinking about the events of the day. At times like these, some people are tempted to take a pill or two to help them sleep. Are you one of them? Then you have probably heard the name Diphenhydramine. This is what is often found in sleeping pills sold in pharmacies. So today we will talk about this drug called Diphenhydramine, how it works, and what things to be careful about when using it.
What is Diphenhydramine?
Simply put, Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine . Yes, you guessed it, these are commonly used to treat allergies, itching, runny noses, etc. So how does this help you sleep?
Imagine, in addition to the main action of some medicines, there are "side effects" or side effects. One of the main side effects of diphenhydramine is drowsiness . So, in medicine, this side effect is taken advantage of and this medicine is recommended as a short-term solution for those who have temporary insomnia problems. That is, this is not a medicine that should be used continuously, but is suitable for use only in emergencies or for occasional insomnia problems. In Sri Lanka, you can find this medicine under various brand names.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although this is just a sleeping pill, it is not suitable for everyone. If you have certain health problems, using this medicine can be dangerous. Therefore, before taking Diphenhydramine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.
| Health status | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma | This medicine can increase eye pressure and worsen the condition. |
| High blood pressure or heart disease | Heart rate and blood pressure can be affected. |
| Liver diseases | The process of removing the medicine from the body may be affected. |
| Lung diseases such as asthma | It can thicken secretions in the respiratory tract and make breathing difficult. |
| Difficulty urinating or prostate problems | These situations can be exacerbated. |
| Stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems | Some gastrointestinal problems may be affected. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the fetus. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | The medicine can be taken with milk. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | There is also a possibility of an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is usually advised to take this medicine with a glass of water. Do not take more than the dosage recommended by your doctor or on the medicine package. Taking more pills in the hope of not falling asleep can have dangerous consequences.
Special occasions
- Children: This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Although doctors may recommend it in some special cases, you as a parent should be very careful about it. If you are giving this medicine to your child, it is best to talk to a pediatrician about it.
- People over 65 years of age: Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. They are more likely to have accidents such as falling due to drowsiness, dizziness, etc. Therefore, they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
Attention: Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Do not take this lightly.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications you take, alcohol, or certain foods can react with Diphenhydramine and cause dangerous conditions.
- Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication for any reason . The combination of alcohol and Diphenhydramine can cause severe side effects such as excessive drowsiness, decreased breathing, and loss of consciousness.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications.
- Medications for conditions such as depression and anxiety
- Other sleeping pills
- Other cold or allergy medications (they may also contain diphenhydramine or similar sleep-inducing ingredients)
- Painkillers (especially the types that cause drowsiness)
- Drugs such as barbiturates
- Antidepressants from the group of MAOIs (these are completely prohibited from being taken with this medicine)
This list is not complete, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products) .
Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication
You may experience some side effects while taking this medicine. Some of them are normal, while others require immediate medical attention.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Characteristic | Description |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability to pass urine or passing it with great difficulty. |
| Side effects that may occur commonly, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Feeling sleepy the next day | The effects of the medicine may persist into the next morning. |
| Dry mouth | You can get relief by chewing sugar-free gum or drinking water. |
| Constipation | It is important to consume more water and fiber-rich foods. |
| Headache or stomach upset | These are usually overlooked. |
Very important thing!
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up quickly from a sitting or standing position. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
Take-Home Message
- Diphenhydramine is a short-term solution for occasional insomnia , not a medication that should be used continuously.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have and all other medicines you are taking .
- Avoid driving and performing tasks that require alertness as this medicine may cause drowsiness.
- Do not drink alcohol for any reason while taking this medicine.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as facial swelling, blurred vision, or difficulty urinating , seek medical advice immediately .
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets . This is for you only, do not share it with others.
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