Is Unisom SleepTabs Safe?
Generic: doxylamine succinate
Generally yes, Unisom SleepTabs (doxylamine succinate) are safe for occasional use in adults and children 12 years and older to help with trouble falling asleep. It is an effective over-the-counter sleep aid, but it's important to use it only as directed and be aware of potential side effects like next-day drowsiness.
Who Should Avoid or Consult First
- Children under 12 years of age
- People with breathing problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
- Individuals with glaucoma
- Men with trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (consult a doctor first)
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness — very common, as it is the intended effect, but can extend into the next day and impair driving or operating machinery.
Interactions to Watch For
Combining Unisom with alcohol can significantly increase drowsiness and impair judgment and coordination.
Taking Unisom with other sedatives or sleep aids can lead to excessive drowsiness and other side effects.
Using Unisom alongside tranquilizers can intensify drowsiness and other central nervous system depressant effects.
Combining Unisom with other antihistamines can increase drowsiness and the risk of anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth or blurred vision.
People Also Ask
Can I take Unisom SleepTabs every night?
No, Unisom SleepTabs are intended for occasional sleeplessness. If you experience sleeplessness for more than two weeks continuously, you should stop use and consult a doctor, as persistent insomnia can be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition.
Is Unisom safe to take while pregnant?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should ask a healthcare professional before using Unisom SleepTabs. While doxylamine is sometimes used off-label for morning sickness, it's crucial to get personalized medical advice before use during pregnancy or lactation.
Can my child take Unisom SleepTabs?
No, Unisom SleepTabs should not be given to children under 12 years of age. For children in this age group, it's best to consult a pediatrician regarding sleep issues.
What if I take too much Unisom?
In case of an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to serious side effects.
Bottom Line
Unisom SleepTabs are a safe and effective option for occasional sleeplessness in adults and children 12 and older, provided you follow the dosage instructions and are mindful of its sedating effects. Always avoid alcohol and other sedatives when taking it, and consult a doctor if sleeplessness persists or if you have underlying health conditions.
References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — Unisom SleepTabs
FDA DailyMed: Unisom SleepTabs · FDA
- 2.FDA Drug Label — Sleep Aid
FDA DailyMed: Sleep Aid · FDA
- 3.Doxylamine succinate-pyridoxine hydrochloride (Diclegis) for the management of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: an overview.
Nuangchamnong N, Niebyl J, International journal of women's health, 2014 · PubMed
- 4.Treatments for hyperemesis gravidarum and nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a systematic review and economic assessment.
O'Donnell A, McParlin C, Robson SC, et al., Health technology assessment (Winchester, England), 2016 · PubMed
- 5.Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a review of the pathology and compounding opportunities.
Zur E, International journal of pharmaceutical compounding, 2013 · PubMed
- 6.Safety assessment of OTC drugs: doxylamine succinate.
Skare JA, Murphy VA, Bookstaff RC, et al., Archives of toxicology. Supplement. = Archiv fur Toxikologie. Supplement, 1995 · PubMed
Want the full pharmacist analysis?
See full review of Unisom SleepTabsEducational content based on FDA labeling, published research, and pharmacist review. Not a substitute for individualized medical advice.