Why is this medication prescribed?

Doxylamine is primarily prescribed for its sedative effects and is commonly used as an over-the-counter sleep aid. Here’s how it is typically prescribed and used:

• Insomnia: It helps people with difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep by inducing drowsiness.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Sometimes, it is used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
• Nausea and Vomiting: In some cases, it may be used to alleviate nausea and vomiting, particularly in combination with other medications.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how doxylamine should generally be used:

• Dosage: The dosage of doxylamine can vary depending on the condition being treated and the formulation (e.g., tablets, liquid).
• Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. Take the medication orally with or without food, as directed. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Shake the liquid form of doxylamine well before each use to ensure the proper dose.
• Timing:
  • For insomnia: Take doxylamine 30 minutes before bedtime.
  • For allergic rhinitis or nausea: Take as directed by your doctor, usually a few times a day.
• Duration: Use doxylamine for the shortest duration necessary to achieve relief from symptoms, especially if using it for sleep, to avoid dependence or tolerance.
• Caution: Avoid alcohol and other sedating medications while taking doxylamine, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of side effects. Do not increase the dosage without consulting your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
• Side Effects: Common side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Notify your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication and follow their recommendations closely to ensure safe and effective use of doxylamine.

Other uses for this medicine

Aside from its primary uses as a sleep aid, doxylamine may also be used for other purposes under the guidance of a healthcare provider. These include:

• Motion Sickness: It can be used to alleviate motion sickness symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
• Cough and Cold: In some cases, doxylamine is included in combination medications to relieve symptoms of cough and cold, particularly when sleep disturbance due to these symptoms is a concern.
• Itching and Hives: Doxylamine may also be used to relieve itching and allergic skin reactions.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Doxylamine:

• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially respiratory issues like asthma or COPD, glaucoma, urinary retention, liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. These conditions may require special monitoring or dosage adjustments.
• Interactions: Doxylamine can interact with other medications, including other sedatives or CNS depressants. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Driving and Machinery: Due to its sedative effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how doxylamine affects you. It can impair your ability to concentrate and react quickly.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking doxylamine, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of side effects.
• Overdose: Taking more than the recommended dose of doxylamine can lead to serious health problems. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking doxylamine, and do not hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification regarding its use and potential side effects.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with doxylamine use. However, consider the following general guidelines:

• Caffeine: Limit caffeine intake, especially in the evening, as it can interfere with sleep and exacerbate the sedative effects of doxylamine.
• Healthy Eating: Maintain a balanced diet to support overall health and well-being, which can indirectly affect your sleep quality.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time of your next dose.
• Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Cold Formula, like any medication, can cause side effects in some people. These side effects can vary in severity and may include:

• Drowsiness: This is a common side effect due to the presence of diphenhydramine, an antihistamine known to cause drowsiness.
• Dry Mouth: Another common side effect of diphenhydramine is dryness of the mouth.
• Constipation: This can occur as a result of the anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine.
• Blurred Vision: Some people may experience temporary blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
• Difficulty Urinating: This is more likely in men with prostate enlargement.
• Nausea or Upset Stomach: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur.
• Headache: Occasionally, a headache may develop.
• Nervousness or Excitability: Some individuals may experience paradoxical reactions such as nervousness or excitability.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people may experience allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Liver Damage: Acetaminophen, if taken in high doses or for prolonged periods, can cause liver damage. It’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid exceeding the recommended dose.
• Other Effects: Less commonly, Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Cold Formula may cause other side effects not listed here. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about potential side effects.

If you experience severe or persistent side effects, discontinue use of Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Cold Formula and seek medical attention promptly. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of symptom relief against the potential risks when using any medication.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Doxylamine:

• Storage:
  • Store doxylamine at room temperature away from light and moisture.
  • Keep it out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused or expired doxylamine properly according to local regulations and guidelines.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
  • If in doubt, consult with your pharmacist or local waste disposal company on how to safely dispose of medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of overdose: If you suspect an overdose of doxylamine, symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.
• Immediate action: Call emergency services (911 in the US) or your local poison control center immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the amount of doxylamine ingested, the time it was taken, and the person’s age and weight. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.

What other information should I know?

• Avoid alcohol: Do not consume alcohol while taking doxylamine, as it can enhance drowsiness and other side effects.
• Avoid driving and machinery: Due to its sedative effects, refrain from activities requiring mental alertness until you know how doxylamine affects you.
• Medical appointments: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to doxylamine and discuss any concerns or side effects.
• Inform healthcare providers: Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care (including dentists and pharmacists) about your use of doxylamine, especially before undergoing surgery or any medical procedure.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using doxylamine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Other medications: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions.
• Duration of use: Use doxylamine for the shortest duration necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, especially when using it for sleep aid, to minimize the risk of dependence or tolerance.

Following these guidelines will help ensure safe and effective use of doxylamine. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding its use or any aspect of your treatment.