There are days when you go to bed and toss and turn, but you just can't sleep. Your head is racing, and your body feels like it's never resting. So, a medicine that's used to help with occasional insomnia is called Diphenhydramine. Simply put, it helps you sleep. This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. You might be thinking, "Antihistamines are allergy medications, right?" Yes, that's right. But one of the side effects of those medications is that they make you sleepy. So, this medicine takes advantage of that sleepiness and provides a temporary solution to sleep problems.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Before you start using this medicine, you should give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Especially if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell them about it.
- Glaucoma: If you have glaucoma, this medicine may increase eye pressure.
- Lung diseases: If you have breathing difficulties such as asthma or COPD.
- Prostate disease: If a man has this condition, he may experience increased difficulty urinating.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to diphenhydramine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: During these times, take any medication only under medical advice.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should also tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, as they can pass to your baby through breast milk.
Don't hide this information. It's very important to discuss all of this with your doctor for your safety.
How should I use the medicine?
Since this comes as a solution, it is very important to measure the correct dosage accurately.
1. Correct dosage: Take the medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use regular kitchen teaspoons. They are not accurate. Use only the specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper that comes with the medicine.
2. Before or after food: This can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with some food.
3. Don't use it too often: Remember, this is not a daily medication. Use it only when needed on days when you can't sleep.
Special attention to children and the elderly
- Children under 12 years of age: Although this medicine is sometimes recommended by doctors for children over 12 years of age, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it. Avoid giving this to young children.
- People over 65: Older people may experience greater effects from this medication because the body clears the drug more slowly. Therefore, a lower dose is usually recommended.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is not a game, so don't waste time.
Other drugs that are incompatible with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Other medications you are taking may interact with Diphenhydramine. This may cause unwanted side effects or change the way the medication works. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Drug category | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| MAOI drugs | Taking Diphenhydramine with these (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl) is extremely dangerous . Do not take them together for any reason. |
| Other sleep-inducing medications | Taking it with other antihistamines for allergies, coughs, and colds, as well as medications for mental calm, and some antidepressants, can cause severe drowsiness and a dangerous condition . |
| Painkillers and anesthetics | This medicine may interact with anesthetics used for surgery, drugs used to relax muscles during surgery, and strong painkillers (narcotics). |
| Alcohol | Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking diphenhydramine. It can increase the drowsiness of the medication and cause dangerous side effects. |
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
You may experience some changes in your body after taking this medicine. It is important to be aware of this.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This is the main side effect. Therefore , do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness while taking this medicine. Be careful not to get up or get out of bed too quickly (especially in the elderly), as there is a greater risk of falling.
- Dry mouth and eyes: Dry mouth is common. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help. If your eyes are dry or uncomfortable (especially if you wear contact lenses), ask your doctor about using lubricating eye drops. If these persist, tell your doctor .
- Blurred vision: Some people may experience blurred vision. This is another reason not to drive.
Side effects of the medicine
Most people don't experience serious side effects, but it's good to be aware of the things that can sometimes happen.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or difficulty urinating. |
| Things that may occur normally, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Next-day drowsiness | Feeling sleepy the day after taking the medicine. |
| Dry mouth | This is a common occurrence. |
| Constipation | This can be controlled by drinking more water and eating foods high in fiber. |
| Confusion and dizziness | This can especially happen to older people. |
Take-Home Message
- Diphenhydramine is only a short-term solution for occasional insomnia . Do not become addicted to it if you use it long-term.
- If you continue to have sleep problems, rather than resorting to medication like this , see a doctor to find the underlying cause . It could be stress, another medical condition, or something else.
- Never drink alcohol while taking this medication. Also, avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medication.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you may have (especially glaucoma, asthma, prostate problems).
- Keep the medicine bottle at room temperature, out of the reach of small children and pets .
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