Antihistamines and sleep problems
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Antihistamines and sleep problems
Antihistamines, often used for relief of allergies, are sometimes prescribed to help people sleep. Examples of antihistamines are diphenhydramine hydrochloride (such as Benadryl) and doxylamine (such as Vicks Nyquil). Short-term improvements in insomnia have been noted with antihistamine treatment, but side effects may include daytime sleepiness, dizziness, mental sluggishness, and rapid heart rate.1
References
Citations
Abramowicz M (2006). Treatment of insomnia. Treatment Guidelines From the Medical Letter, 4(42): 5–10.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD - Sleep Disorders |
| Last Updated | November 24, 2008 |
| Last updated: | November 24, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD - Sleep Disorders |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen |
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