Millions of people suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders every year.
While there are many different medications and treatments available, some people prefer to use natural sleep aids.
One such natural sleep aid is doxylamine succinate.
In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of doxylamine succinate on the body, how to take it safely for the best results, as well as potential side effects.
What is doxylamine succinate and what are its effects on the body?
Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergies, colds, and insomnia.
It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic reactions.
When taken at bedtime, doxylamine succinate can help people fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
Typically, doxylamine succinate is taken orally in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid.
The recommended dosage for adults is 25-50 mg before bedtime.
For children, the recommended dosage is 12.
Doxylamine succinate is usually available in over-the-counter sleep aids like Unisom, Nytol, and Sominex.
It is also sometimes used in combination with other medications like pain relievers, decongestants, and expectorants.
How to take doxylamine succinate safely for the best results?
The recommended dose of doxylamine succinate for adults is 25 mg before bedtime.
To avoid potential side effects, it is important to start with the lowest possible dose and increase as needed.
It is also important to take doxylamine succinate only when you are able to get a full night's sleep (seven to eight hours).
Otherwise, you may experience drowsiness and impaired coordination the next day.
Whether you are taking doxylamine succinate for insomnia or another condition, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully and only take the medication as directed.
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are some of the potential side effects of doxylamine succinate?
Doxylamine succinate can cause drowsiness and should not be taken with alcohol or other medications that can cause drowsiness.
Some other potential side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness.
To counteract the drowsiness, some people may take doxylamine succinate with caffeine.
However, this is not recommended as it can cause jitteriness, anxiety, and other side effects.
It is also important to note that doxylamine succinate can make you more sensitive to the sun and you may be more likely to experience sunburn.
If you are taking doxylamine succinate, be sure to use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
When should you not take doxylamine succinate?
Doxylamine succinate should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is also important to talk to your doctor before taking doxylamine succinate if you have any other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease.
This is because doxylamine succinate can make these conditions worse.
People with asthma or other breathing disorders should also avoid taking doxylamine succinate as it can make these conditions worse.
Are there any interactions with other medications or supplements that you need to be aware of?
Doxylamine succinate can interact with other medications and supplements.
Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking doxylamine succinate if you are taking any other medications or supplements.
For example, doxylamine succinate can increase the effects of sedatives and alcohol.
Therefore, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking doxylamine succinate.
Doxylamine succinate can also interact with certain medications for depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking doxylamine succinate if you are taking any of these medications.
How long can you safely use doxylamine succinate for sleep aid purposes?
Doxylamine succinate is generally safe for short-term use.
However, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are considering using doxylamine succinate for a long period of time.
This is because doxylamine succinate can be habit-forming and lead to dependence if it is used for a long period of time.
If you are using doxylamine succinate for a long period of time, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of doing so.
Conclusion
So, is it safe to take doxylamine succinate as a sleep aid?
The answer is yes, but there are some things you need to be aware of before taking this medication.
Make sure you follow the dosage instructions carefully and don’t take more than recommended.
Also, be on the lookout for potential side effects and stop taking the medication if you experience any adverse reactions.
If you have any other questions about doxylamine succinate or want to know how long it can safely be used for sleep aid purposes, talk to your doctor.