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

  1. Rajput V, Bromley SM (1998). Chronic insomnia: A practical review. American Family Physician, 60(5): 1431–1438.

Credits


Author Colleen Cronin
Author Merrill Hayden
Editor Katy E. Magee, MA
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD

- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Malin K. Clark, MD, FRCPC

- Psychiatry
Last Updated February 2, 2006

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Last updated: February 02, 2006
Author: Merrill Hayden
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Malin K. Clark, MD, FRCPC - Psychiatry
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen

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