Doxylamine

Overview

It's in many nighttime cold products.

What it's used for

• Occasional trouble sleeping
• Morning sickness (with vitamin B6)

How to take it

• Sleep aid: take 30 minutes before bed, only occasionally.
• Pregnancy nausea: follow your prescription, often at bedtime, swallowed whole on an empty stomach.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Constipation

Warnings

• Don't drive after taking it.
• Older adults are more likely to become confused or fall.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

• Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.
• Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The prescription combination with B6 is approved for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

As a sleep aid, take it only at bedtime. For pregnancy nausea, follow your prescription and don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

• Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness)