Why is this medication prescribed?

Doxylamine is primarily prescribed to relieve symptoms of insomnia, which is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It’s commonly used as a short-term solution to promote sleep onset and improve sleep maintenance. Doxylamine belongs to a class of medications known as antihistamines, which have sedative effects that can help induce sleepiness.

In addition to its use for insomnia, doxylamine may also be prescribed or recommended off-label for other purposes, such as relieving symptoms of allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. However, its primary use is for the management of sleep disturbances.

How should this medicine be used?

Doxylamine is typically used to relieve symptoms of allergies and the common cold, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and cough. It’s essential to follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by your healthcare provider or those on the medication label. Here’s a general guideline for using doxylamine:

• Dosage: Take the medication exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the label. The dosage may vary depending on factors like age, medical condition, and response to treatment.
• Administration: Doxylamine is usually taken orally, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Avoid breaking, crushing, or chewing the tablets unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
• Frequency: Take doxylamine as needed for symptom relief, typically every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or frequency unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
• Avoiding Certain Substances: Do not take doxylamine with alcohol or other medications that can cause drowsiness, as it can enhance these effects and increase the risk of side effects.
• Duration: Use doxylamine for the shortest duration necessary to relieve your symptoms. Do not use it for an extended period without consulting your doctor.
• Monitoring: Pay attention to how your body responds to the medication. If your symptoms persist or worsen despite taking doxylamine, or if you experience any adverse effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Storage: Store doxylamine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about the appropriate use of doxylamine or if you’re unsure about any aspect of its administration.

Other uses for this medicine

Aside from its primary use in treating symptoms of allergies and the common cold, doxylamine may also be used for other purposes as directed by your healthcare provider. These alternative uses may include its use as a sleep aid to help with insomnia or as part of a combination medication for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, often in combination with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).

What special precautions should I follow?

When using doxylamine, it’s essential to take special precautions to ensure safe and effective use. Here are some considerations:

• Medical History: Before using doxylamine, inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have a history of breathing problems (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), glaucoma, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate or other urinary issues), liver disease, or certain types of gastrointestinal problems (such as peptic ulcers or intestinal obstruction).
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to doxylamine, other antihistamines, or any other substances. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using doxylamine with your healthcare provider. While it is sometimes used to relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it’s essential to use it only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• Interactions: Be aware of potential drug interactions with doxylamine. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking, especially other sedating medications, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and medications for anxiety or seizures. Combining these medications with doxylamine can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.
• Avoiding Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking doxylamine, as it can increase the sedative effects of the medication and may lead to excessive drowsiness or impairment.
• Operating Machinery and Driving: Doxylamine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness or coordination until you know how this medication affects you.
• Overdose: Taking more than the recommended dose of doxylamine can lead to overdose symptoms, including extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, rapid heart rate, and even death. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and ask if you have any questions or concerns about using doxylamine safely and effectively.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with doxylamine use. However, it’s generally advisable to maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol or other substances that may interact with the medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of doxylamine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects. If you’re unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Doxylamine, like any medication, can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects of doxylamine include:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Urinary retention (difficulty urinating)
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Stomach upset
• Daytime drowsiness or “hangover” feeling

These side effects are usually mild and temporary, but if they persist or become bothersome, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider. Additionally, some people may experience more serious side effects, including:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations)
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Seizures

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these severe side effects.

It’s worth noting that older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of doxylamine, especially drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

As with any medication, it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits of doxylamine against the risk of side effects. If you have concerns about the side effects or if you experience any adverse reactions while taking doxylamine, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

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

Storage and disposal of doxylamine:

• Storage: Store doxylamine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it in its original packaging and out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of expired or unused doxylamine properly according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal instructions.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.
• Poison Control: You can also contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (United States) for guidance on what to do in case of overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Follow Instructions: Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of doxylamine. Take the medication exactly as prescribed or as directed on the label.
• Avoid Certain Activities: Due to its sedative effects, avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness or coordination until you understand how doxylamine affects you.
• Avoid Alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcohol while taking doxylamine, as it can increase the sedative effects of the medication.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, as they may interact with doxylamine.
• Regular Monitoring: Pay attention to how your body responds to doxylamine. If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, inform your healthcare provider.
• Medical Exams: Keep all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider for regular check-ups and monitoring of your condition.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store doxylamine and all medications out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the proper use, storage, and disposal of doxylamine, you can help ensure its safe and effective use. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further information and guidance.