All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. These drugs contain diphenhydramine, a decades-old antihistamine often used as a remedy for seasonal allergies. It works by blocking the histamine receptors in your brain that also control wakefulness—so drowsiness is a side effect for some people. Over-the-counter sleep aids that contain this drug as well as doxylamine might help you get to sleep. The Food and Drug Administration requires instructions on OTC sleep med packages to tell consumers to see their doctor if insomnia persists for more than two weeks.
But a Consumer Reports national survey of 4, adults found a troubling trend: Of the 20 percent who took an OTC medication within the past year to improve sleep, almost 1 in 5 respondents, or 18 percent, said they took it on a daily basis. Most concerning: 41 percent told us they used the drugs for a year or longer.
Diphenhydramine can create a psychological dependence, says Carl W. Bazil, M. That was the case for Jerry Bell, 43, of Atlanta. For more than a decade, he relied almost nightly on diphenhydramine—and he struggled to get to sleep without the pills. Drug manufacturers are able to use the non-habit-forming claim because the FDA permits that term on products containing diphenhydramine or doxylamine.
The drugs were used as antihistamines prior to the passage of an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that required a drug to be evaluated for safety, quality, and effectiveness before being marketed.
We asked the FDA for specific studies to support the non-habit-forming claim; the agency did not send information we requested. Sleepless in Houston Review Questions:. Age: 45 to Gender: Female. State: Texas. Review Text:. Before I took this medicine I read just about all the reviews so here's mine.
I'm 47 weigh lbs due to coviad I have been struggling with mild anxiety and insomnia. I only took one pill. This does work however I didnt fall asleep immediately like my prescription sleep aid. I slept all night but woke up groggy. Slept off and on until around noon that's when I wasnt as groggy. Hope this helps someone! Sammi Ratings Overall:. Client Responses:. Thanks for sharing! We'd like to learn more about why you didn't get the sleep you were looking for, can you please call us?
When you call, please share your username. Talk to you soon! Yes 4. Finally sleep!! I have MS and sleeping is very difficult. I have tried many products and I recommend this by far!! It works great to fall asleep and stay asleep. I love the fact that I don't feel tired and groggy the next morning! Heddis81 Ratings Overall:. Yes No Wonder worker Review Questions:. Age: 35 to Gender: Male. State: Missouri. The only thing that helps me to get up in the morning and my day is almost no nap's needed for this useful product is more than I thought possible.
Tantor Ratings Overall:. Sleep Review Questions:. But the risks remained. The authors also found associations between the use of hypnotics and specific types of cancer—notably, lymphomas and cancers of the lungs, colon and prostate—but they did not offer any cause-and-effect mechanisms that might explain the links. More recent research , in both people and animals , has turned up more preliminary links to cancer. The drugs are only meant to be used sparingly. Many older adults may take sleeping pills because pain, nerve problems or other health issues are keeping them up at night, she says.
For these people, a sleeping pill is standing in the way of them finding a true remedy for the ailment. Other experts agree that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia —which can include strategies like establishing a consistent sleep routine, purposely restricting time spent in bed or practicing mindfulness-based meditation—is the best way to cure insomnia.
Contact us at letters time. By Markham Heid. Get our Health Newsletter. Sign up to receive the latest health and science news, plus answers to wellness questions and expert tips. Please enter a valid email address. Alcohol, sedatives, and pain medications can increase the side effects e. Do not undertake any activities that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Lung problems: This medication can make breathing problems worse. If you have lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Medical conditions: For some people, insomnia is caused by other medical conditions. If you have trouble sleeping for longer than 2 weeks, contact your doctor before taking this medication. Thyroid disease: People with thyroid disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Breast-feeding: This medication may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking diphenhydramine, it may affect your baby.
Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Children: Diphenhydramine is not recommended for use as a sleep aid for children less than 12 years of age. Seniors: Seniors may experience more side effects with this medication. Talk to your doctor before taking this medication. If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:.
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