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Doxylamine: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects Explained
Summary or Key Points
Doxylamine is an antihistamine commonly used to treat insomnia, allergies, and cold symptoms. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that triggers allergic reactions and sleep disturbances. Available over-the-counter, Doxylamine can cause drowsiness, making it effective for short-term sleep issues. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dose, especially if you have other medical conditions.
Names of Medication
US Brand Name: Unisom SleepTabs
Generic Name: Doxylamine
The generic name refers to the active ingredient, while the brand name is given by the manufacturer. In this case, Doxylamine is the generic name.
Pharmacologic Category
Category: Antihistamine (First Generation)
Similar Medications: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), Clemastine (Tavist)
Doxylamine Dosage
Doxylamine is used to treat various conditions. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage and consult your healthcare provider before making any changes. You can schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers for personalized advice.
Doxylamine for Insomnia
Adults: 25 mg orally once daily, 30 minutes before bedtime.
Duration: Short-term use, typically no longer than 2 weeks. If insomnia persists, consult a healthcare provider.
Doxylamine for Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever), Common Cold, Sinusitis, Allergic Reactions
Adults: 12.5 mg to 25 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Duration: Use as needed for symptom relief. Do not exceed 150 mg per day.
Doxylamine for Motion Sickness
Adults: 25 mg orally 30 minutes before travel, then every 6 hours as needed.
Duration: Use as needed during travel.
Doxylamine for Nausea
Adults: 12.5 mg to 25 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Duration: Use as needed for symptom relief. Do not exceed 150 mg per day.
Doxylamine for Cough
Adults: 12.5 mg to 25 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Duration: Use as needed for symptom relief. Do not exceed 150 mg per day.
Always consult your healthcare provider before adjusting your dose. If you have any questions or concerns, you can schedule a telemedicine visit with one of our providers for immediate assistance.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Tablets: 25 mg
Liquid: 6.25 mg/5 mL
Administration Instructions
Doxylamine should be taken orally, with or without food. If using it as a sleep aid, take it 30 minutes before bedtime. For other conditions like allergies or nausea, follow the dosing schedule provided by your healthcare provider. Do not crush or chew tablets unless they are specifically designed to be chewable. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double up on doses.
Adverse Reactions and Doxylamine Side Effects
Like all medications, Doxylamine may cause side effects. Most are mild, but some may be more serious. If you experience any severe reactions, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Common Doxylamine Side Effects (Occurring in more than 1 in 10 people)
Drowsiness: Doxylamine is known for causing drowsiness, which is why it is often used as a sleep aid.
Dry mouth: You may notice a dry feeling in your mouth after taking Doxylamine.
Less Common Side Effects (Occurring in 1 in 100 to 1 in 10 people)
Dizziness: Some people may feel lightheaded or dizzy after taking Doxylamine.
Headache: Mild headaches can occur when using this medication.
Rare Side Effects (Occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people)
Confusion: In rare cases, Doxylamine may cause confusion, especially in older adults.
Difficulty urinating: Some people may experience trouble urinating, particularly those with prostate issues.
If you experience any of these side effects, or if you have other concerns, please reach out to a healthcare provider. You can schedule a telemedicine visit with one of our providers for immediate assistance.
Contraindications
A contraindication is a specific situation or condition where a medication should not be used because it may cause harm. If you have any of the following conditions, avoid taking Doxylamine. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
Glaucoma: Doxylamine can increase eye pressure, worsening glaucoma symptoms.
Asthma or other breathing problems: Doxylamine may thicken mucus and make breathing more difficult, which can exacerbate respiratory issues.
Enlarged prostate or urinary retention: This medication can make it harder to urinate, worsening symptoms in people with these conditions.
Severe liver disease: The liver processes Doxylamine, and impaired liver function can lead to a buildup of the drug, increasing the risk of side effects.
Allergy to Doxylamine: If you have had an allergic reaction to Doxylamine or similar medications in the past, you should not take it.
Drug to Drug Interactions
Doxylamine can interact with other medications, potentially causing harmful effects. If you’re taking any of the following medications, consult your healthcare provider before using Doxylamine:
Alcohol: Combining alcohol with Doxylamine can increase drowsiness and impair motor skills.
Other sedatives or sleep aids: (e.g., Zolpidem [Ambien], Diazepam [Valium]) – These can enhance the sedative effects of Doxylamine, leading to excessive drowsiness or difficulty breathing.
Antidepressants: (e.g., Amitriptyline [Elavil], Fluoxetine [Prozac]) – These can increase the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion.
Antihistamines: (e.g., Diphenhydramine [Benadryl], Cetirizine [Zyrtec]) – Taking multiple antihistamines can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth.
MAO inhibitors: (e.g., Phenelzine [Nardil], Selegiline [Eldepryl]) – These can increase the risk of serious side effects, including high blood pressure and severe drowsiness.
Doxylamine in Pregnancy
Is it safe to take Doxylamine when pregnant?
Doxylamine is generally considered safe during pregnancy, particularly when combined with Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) to manage nausea and vomiting, commonly referred to as morning sickness. However, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy. They will assess whether Doxylamine is appropriate for your specific circumstances.
Doxylamine while Breastfeeding
Is it safe to take Doxylamine while breastfeeding?
Doxylamine can pass into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant, potentially causing drowsiness or irritability. Additionally, it may reduce milk production in some women. If you are breastfeeding, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking Doxylamine with your healthcare provider. They may recommend alternative treatments or advise monitoring your baby for any side effects.
Estimated Cost of Doxylamine
The cost of a 30-day supply of Doxylamine without insurance can vary depending on the pharmacy and location. However, with a GoodRx coupon, the average cost for a 30-day supply ranges from $10 to $15. Prices may fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check with your local pharmacy for the most accurate pricing.
Possible Alternatives to Doxylamine
If Doxylamine is not suitable for you, there are other treatments and lifestyle adjustments that may help manage your symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. You may also consider scheduling a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers for personalized advice.
Alternatives for Insomnia
Options include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), melatonin supplements, or other sleep aids such as Zolpidem (Ambien). Lifestyle modifications, like improving sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine intake, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can also be beneficial.
Alternatives for Allergic Rhinitis
Non-sedating antihistamines such as Loratadine (Claritin) or Fexofenadine (Allegra) may be more suitable options. Nasal corticosteroids like Fluticasone (Flonase) can also help alleviate inflammation and symptoms.
Alternatives for the Common Cold
Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications like Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) can help manage symptoms. Saline nasal sprays and throat lozenges may also provide relief.
Alternatives for Hay Fever
Non-drowsy antihistamines such as Cetirizine (Zyrtec) or nasal sprays like Mometasone (Nasonex) may be effective. Additionally, reducing exposure to allergens by keeping windows closed and using air purifiers can help minimize symptoms.
Alternatives for Motion Sickness
Other options include Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or Scopolamine patches. Some people also find relief with ginger supplements or acupressure wristbands.
Alternatives for Nausea
Natural alternatives like Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and ginger supplements may help. For more severe nausea, prescription medications such as Ondansetron (Zofran) may be recommended.
Alternatives for Sleep Disorders
In addition to CBT-I, medications like Eszopiclone (Lunesta) or Ramelteon (Rozerem) may be prescribed. Incorporating lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and stress management techniques can also improve sleep quality.
Alternatives for Allergic Reactions
For mild allergic reactions, non-sedating antihistamines like Loratadine (Claritin) or Cetirizine (Zyrtec) are often recommended. In cases of more severe reactions, an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) may be necessary.
Alternatives for Sinusitis
Nasal corticosteroids like Fluticasone (Flonase) or saline nasal irrigation can help reduce inflammation and clear mucus. In some cases, antibiotics may be required if a bacterial infection is present.
Alternatives for Cough
Over-the-counter cough suppressants like Dextromethorphan (Robitussin) or honey may provide relief. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier can also help soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
Recent Updates on Doxylamine Research
Recent studies have examined the use of Doxylamine in combination with Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) for treating nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This combination has been shown to be effective and is considered safe for most pregnant women. Additionally, ongoing research is exploring the long-term effects of using Doxylamine as a sleep aid, particularly in older adults. While Doxylamine is effective for short-term use, there is increasing interest in understanding its safety profile with prolonged use.
As always, staying informed about the latest research is important. If you have any concerns or questions about Doxylamine or are considering it as part of your treatment plan, schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers today.
