The FDA warns that higher-than-recommended doses of diphenhydramine can lead to serious medical problems, including seizures, heart attack, coma, and death. Teenagers and young adults should also exercise caution with diphenhydramine. This can lead to a “residual sedative effect” if these sleep aids are taken in the evening. Older people account for roughly 35% of OTC medication use in the U.S., and 12% of adults 65 and older take OTC sleeping pills.Ĭhronically taking these medications can be problematic for elderly adults because our metabolism slows down as we age, which extends the half-life of medications and prolongs their effects. Elderly people are at higher risk of insufficient or lower-quality sleep due to adverse health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Some studies have found that a relatively large number of older adults may chronically take medications with diphenhydramine for insomnia treatment or self-care. At the same time, diphenhydramine taken at night has been associated with psychomotor impairments and reduced wakefulness the following day. Some studies have administered the recommended dose of 50mg to participants, and results suggest sleep improvements are limited at best. The efficacy of diphenhydramine as a sleep aid is debatable. Medications with diphenhydramine may be recommended or prescribed for occasional bouts of sleepiness. It is found in a wide variety of brand-name OTC pain-relieving or fever-reducing medications, including Advil PM, Excedrin PM, Nytol, Tylenol PM, and ZzzQuil. Diphenhydramineĭiphenhydramine is an FDA-approved antihistamine commonly marketed under the brand name Benadryl. People with epilepsy and those who take blood-thinning medication should also be under medical supervision while taking melatonin in order to avoid potentially dangerous interactions. Physicians advise that melatonin carries an allergy risk for some individuals. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies melatonin as a dietary supplement and does not regulate it as strictly as other types of medication. Melatonin may also improve symptoms for travelers experiencing jet lag. These include circadian rhythm sleep disorders that reduce your melatonin levels, such as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder or shift work disorder, as well as certain sleep disorders in children. Melatonin may be recommended or prescribed for certain conditions. These supplements may be made from animals, microorganisms, or – most often – synthetic components. To boost low melatonin levels, some people take melatonin supplements.
As daylight fades in the evening, the pineal gland receives signals to release melatonin, which makes you feel tired and relaxed.Ĭertain factors can hinder or decrease melatonin production, such as exposure to light in the evening that essentially confuses the brain into thinking you should feel awake. During the day, the retinas perceive the presence of natural light and signal the brain to secrete hormones like cortisol that promote feelings of wakefulness and alertness. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the pineal gland of the brain. Always consult a physician before taking sleep medication, whether or not it requires a prescription. While you can choose from dozens of different brand names, most OTC sleep aids fall into one of the following categories based on their chemical composition. Other types of sleep aids are available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription and can be used to treat insomnia and other sleep issues, but you should still exercise caution and speak to a doctor about risk factors, side effects, and other potential concerns before taking these medications for the first time. Some sleep medications, such as orexin receptor antagonists and benzodiazepines, require a doctor’s prescription. Many people take sleeping pills in order to fall asleep more quickly and get enough rest. Always consult your doctor before taking any new medication or changing your current dosage. Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page should not be taken as medical advice or used as a recommendation for any specific medication.
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