Do you sometimes toss and turn when you go to bed at night without falling asleep? Things keep coming to mind, you remember work and duties, but sleep just won't come. This is a really annoying experience. So, today we are going to talk about a medicine that doctors sometimes recommend for this temporary insomnia problem, and which you can even buy from pharmacies. That is Diphenhydramine.
What is Diphenhydramine?
Simply put, Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. You might be thinking, "They're used for allergies, right?" Yes, that's true. Its main function is to control allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
However, one of the main side effects of this type of medication is drowsiness . So, doctors take advantage of this side effect and use this medication as a sleep aid for people who are temporarily unable to sleep. This medication is available on the market under the brand name Unisom.
The most important thing is that this is not a medication that should be used continuously. It is only recommended for occasional insomnia problems .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Diphenhydramine is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, before you use this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions or problems.
| Illness or condition | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma | This medicine can increase eye pressure. |
| High blood pressure or heart disease | May affect heart rate. |
| Liver diseases | It may take longer for the medicine to leave the body. |
| Respiratory diseases (e.g. asthma) | It can thicken respiratory secretions and make breathing difficult. |
| Difficulty urinating or prostate problems | These problems can be exacerbated. |
| Stomach ulcers | Some stomach problems may increase. |
| Being pregnant or breastfeeding | Medical advice is essential as it may affect the baby. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Diphenhydramine can also cause allergies. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This medication comes in the form of a disintegrating tablet, so it is very important to know the correct way to use it.
1. Keep the pill in the packet until it's time to take it: Keep the pill in the sealed blister pack until you're ready to take it.
2. Use dry hands: Your hands should be completely dry when you take the pill out of the pack.
3. If the pill breaks: If the pill breaks or crumbles when you take it out, throw it away and get a new pill.
4. Dissolve in mouth: Place the tablet on your tongue. Swallow it after it has dissolved. It is not necessary to drink water for this, but you can take it with water if you want.
People over the age of 65 may react more severely to this medicine, so they may need a lower dose. Also, although it is sometimes prescribed to children over the age of 12 , special care should be taken with it.
What if you overdose? (What if you overdose?)
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Treat this as an emergency.
What are the things that should not be taken with this medicine?
Some medications can react with Diphenhydramine and cause adverse effects.
| Never take these together! | |
|---|---|
| MAOI-type antidepressants | Medicines like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. Taking these together can cause dangerous reactions. |
| Other medicines containing diphenhydramine | Other medicines for colds, coughs, and allergies may also contain this substance. Check the label. |
| Be very careful with these. | |
| Alcohol | Causes excessive drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcohol completely while taking the medicine. |
| Other sleep-inducing medications | Medication for stress, depression, and pain. |
| Some blood pressure medications | Inform the doctor as reactions may occur. |
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are using.
Key points to consider when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel very sleepy after taking this medicine. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness while taking this medicine. Especially if you are an elderly person, you may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly or when you get up from a sitting position. So get up slowly.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is normal . Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water can help.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Dry eyes can cause some blurring of vision. Contact lens wearers may experience discomfort. Using lubricating drops may help. If this problem persists, see an eye doctor.
- If the problem persists for more than two weeks: If you have been having trouble sleeping every night for more than two weeks, continuing to take this medication is not the solution. The best thing to do is to see your doctor and find out what is causing your insomnia.
Possible side effects
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, and face. |
| Vision problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or difficulty urinating. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Feeling sleepy the next day | The effect of the medicine remains the same the next day. |
| Dry mouth | Apply the remedies as mentioned earlier. |
| Constipation | Drink plenty of water and eat foods high in fiber. |
| Headache | Usually missed. |
Take-Home Message
- Diphenhydramine is only for occasional insomnia problems , not a long-term solution.
- Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Never drink alcohol or drive after taking this medicine.
- If you experience serious side effects such as vision problems or difficulty urinating, seek medical advice immediately.
- If your sleep problem lasts more than two weeks, it is essential to see a doctor to find the cause.
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