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
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 |
| 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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