Unisom Sleep Aid – Precautions and Side Effects That You Should Be Aware Of
What is Unisom Sleep Aid?
For those who haven’t the slightest idea on what Unisom sleep aid is or is researching on Unisom sleep aid, you have come to the right place. Unisom is America’s leading brand of single ingredient non-prescription sleep aids and has been around for more than 30 years. It has various products that help promote better sleep quality. Generally there are 2 types of non-prescription sleep aids, namely the dietary supplements and antihistamines.
Other Uses of Unisom Sleep Aid
Other than being used as a sleeping aid for insomnia, Unisom sleep aid can also be used for:
Motion sickness,
Anxiety
Rash
Hives
Watery Eyes
Runny Nose
Itching
Common Cold
What Has Antihistamines Got To Do With Unisom Sleep Aid?
Antihistamines are known to be very effective against cough and allergies. Two of its active ingredients Doxylamine and Diphenhydramine which will cause prolonged drowsiness tend to make people sleep more and when the body gets enough rest, it will naturally recover better and faster.
Unisom has been one of the more popular brands of non prescription sleeping aids which contain Doxylamine.
What Other Side Effects Should You Be Aware Of?
Below is a list of common side effects that comes with consumption of antihistamines.
Prolonged drowsiness or hangover effect that impairs driving, etc
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headaches
Reduced alertness
Vomiting
Stomach Upset
Dry mouth and nose
Vision changes
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Faster Heartbeats
Constipation
How should Unisom Sleeping Aids Be Taken?
They should be taken with food or milk if stomach upset happens. Sustained-release or long acting tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole. Chewing or crushing them will destroy the long action and may increase side effects. Shake suspensions well before taking.
Who Should Avoid Non Prescription Sleeping Aids?
Precautions That You Should Know
Before getting Unisom sleep aid, always make the effort to consult your doctor. It would be wise to let your doctor know your medical history so that he can better advise you if it is suitable for you to take it. People with glaucoma (narrow angle), stomach ulcers, difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, lung problems, overactive thyroid should check thoroughly with their doctor before consuming such products.
Do not give long-acting antihistamines to a child younger than 12 years of age nor other dose forms of antihistamines to a child younger than 6 years of age without doctor approval
Use caution in performing activities requiring alertness.
Limit alcohol intake to avoid excessive drowsiness.
It should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Nursing and mum-to-be are to abstain from such sleeping aids as there is very high tendency that the medication may get transfer to the fetus or babies that feeds on the mother’s milk.
Is There Any Other Alternatives?
Of course there are! Always go for natural sleep aids if the condition of your sleeping disorder is not too severe. Natural sleep aids and dietary supplements are the 2 most recommended forms of sleeping aids for most people and unless your condition calls for it, check with your doctor first before getting other forms of sleeping aids like non prescription sleeping aids.
