Popular OTC Sleep Medications - Uses and Warnings

Popular OTC Sleep Medications Sometimes going to sleep is really hard, especially those who may suffer from anxiety or insomnia. Sleep is really important for the body as a time of recovery, so if you're having trouble sleeping, you may turn to some popular nighttime medications to help. OTC, or over the counter, are medications that you can buy without a prescription. They are available at your local pharmacy and include their uses and dosing on their labels. Here is a review of the classes of OTC sleep aids and some popular medications within them.

Diphenhydramine and Doxylamine Succinate

Diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate are chemicals in a lot of popular OTC sleep medications. They are considered sedating antihistamines, so it blocks the neurotransmitter, histamine, and can induce sleepiness. Antihistamines are also allergy medications so it's important when you're shopping to pay attention to labels and ensure that you aren't buying a medication that will make you drowsy if that's not your intent. It's also important that you medication that specifically is for sleeping so you don't misuse any medications.

Popular OTC diphenhydramine medications include:

Benadryl
Aleve PM
Unisom
Advil PM
Tylenol PM
Any medication with PM

Warnings

OTC diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate may have some adverse effects of which you should be aware. Antihistamines may induce daytime sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention which may put you at risk for a urinary tract infection. For a complete list of potential side effects, click here. It should also be noted that you should not operate heavy machinery, drive, or mix antihistamines with other medications or alcohol. Please consult your doctor if you regularly take diphenhydramine but need to be prescribed another medication.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone in your brain that tells it when it's time to go to sleep. It helps to establish your circadian rhythm and is controlled by the amount of light that enters through your eye. If you have insomnia, narcolepsy, or any other sleep disorders, then there may be disruptions in your body's natural ability to make melatonin. Therefore, you can take OTC melatonin tablets or gummies.

Melatonin tablets come in two forms: natural and synthetic. Natural is taken from the pineal gland of animals, but can carry a risk of a virus, so they are not recommended. Synthetic does not carry this risk, as it is made in a lab. Follow the dosing on the label as overdosing does not create longer or faster effects.

Warnings

When taking melatonin, it is important to understand that there may be side effects of which you should be aware, just like with any medication. Some of the side effects of melatonin are feeling nauseous, hung over, "heavy-head feeling", excessive daytime sleepiness, and headaches, to name a few. It is also important to keep track of when and how much of this supplement you are taking so you can inform your physician, especially if you do, or will, take other medications. Also, if you are pregnant, or nursing, it is unclear any effects that melatonin may have on a fetus or breastfeeding baby. Please consult your physician before starting melatonin if you are, or are trying to get, pregnant.

Valerian

Valerian is a plant that originates in Europe and Asia. Although its effects are unclear, some studies argue that valerian is useful in sleep-related disorders, including insomnia. This plant is available in plant form and can be taken by mouth, with a high level of safety.

Warnings

Once again, the use of valerian is controversial, but studies have only looked at short-term use, up to one month. Therefore, it is important to consider this and not over-take this medication. Also, please be aware of the side-effects including upset stomach, headache, drowsiness, and even insomnia. For a complete list of side effects, please check out this article before starting this supplement. Once again, it's important to consult your physician before starting any medication, especially if you do, or will, take other medications.

If you have trouble sleeping, and would like to find out more about what could be the cause of your issues, please click below and take the free, online sleep test.