Doxylamine

Brand name: Dormadina

Generic name: Doxylamine Succinate

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What are Doxylamine sleeping tablets ?

Doxylamine is an antihistamine commonly used as a night time sleep aid. Doxylamine is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), hives (rash or itching), and other allergic reactions.

Doxylamine or Doxylamine Succinate is a generic name for an antihistamine which also has sedative properties that allows it to induce sleep. It is available in many brand names including Dormadina.

Doxylamine was originally prescribed as a treatment for allergic reactions, fever and hives because it is an antihistamine. However, when it was found to have sedative, hypnotic and skeletal muscle relaxant properties, it was then and up until now, prescribed as a short-term treatment for difficulty in sleeping, frequent awakenings and early awakenings or better known as insomnia.

Doxylamine, despite its hypnotic and sedative properties have been proven a lot safer than any other hypnotic and sedative drugs which is why it is currently available over the counter. However, medical experts still advise that patients should best consult their doctors before taking Doxylamine.

What should my health care professional know before I take Doxylamine sleeping tablets?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD)
•glaucoma
•high blood pressure or heart disease
•liver disease
•other chronic illness
•prostate trouble
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•ulcers or other stomach problems
•an unusual or allergic reaction to doxylamine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should Doxylamine sleeping tablets be taken ?

Take Doxylamine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Take Doxylamine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Take your Doxylamine doses at regular intervals. Do not take Doxylamine more often than directed.

If you take Doxylamine to help you sleep, take the dose no more than once per day about 30 minutes before bedtime. If you continue to have trouble sleeping after 2 weeks of using Doxylamine, contact your health care provider.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of Doxylamine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose of Doxylamine sleeping tablets ?

If you miss a dose of Doxylamine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Doxylamine sleeping tablets ?

•alcohol
•barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
•medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
•medicines for hay fever and other allergies
•medicines for mental depression
•medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
•muscle relaxers
•prescription pain medicines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way Doxylamine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking Doxylamine sleeping tablets ?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

•agitation, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)
•blurred vision
•dizziness or fainting spells
•irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
•muscle or facial twitches
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•seizures (convulsions)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•drowsiness, dizziness
•dry mouth
•headache
•loss of appetite
•stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation

What should I watch for while taking Doxylamine sleeping tablets ?

You should not take Doxylamine to help you sleep for more than 2 weeks without first consulting your health care professional.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are taking Doxylamine for cold or allergy symptoms and there is no improvement in 1 or 2 days, or if you develop a high fever, have difficulty breathing, or your symptoms worsen.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Doxylamine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

Doxylamine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Storage instructions for Doxylamine sleeping tablets ?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store Doxylamine at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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