Most brand-name forms of doxylamine and diphenhydramine are available over-the-counter (OTC).
However, some are given on prescription by a healthcare provider.
What Are Antihistamines?
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Antihistamines temporarily relieve the symptoms ofhay feveror other upper respiratory allergies.
Allergic reactions are because of histamine release from the immune system in response to an allergen.
This process blocks the effects of histamines and alleviates allergy symptoms.
What Is Doxylamine?
To treat insomnia, doxylamine is available as an orally administered tablet.
How It Works
Doxylamine works by blocking the action of histamine by attaching to the histamine receptors.
This effect can relieve allergy symptoms.
What Is Diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine is an FDA-approved antihistamine that treats allergy symptoms,eczema,urticaria (hives), andinsect bites.
OTC Diphenhydramine is available as monotherapy (single-ingredient product) or in combination with other drugs.
It is also available as an intramuscular or IV (intravenous, into a vein) injection.
Like doxylamine, diphenhydramine works by blocking the action of histamine.
Both are FDA-approved for treating insomnia, hay fever, and allergy symptoms.
Conversely, do not use these drugs for cough and cold in children younger than 4 years old.
However, like all drugs, doxylamine and diphenhydramine carry the potential for side effects.
If you get up too soon after taking either medication, you may feel drowsiness or a hangover.
Similarly, there are alternatives to medicines to improve sleep patterns in insomnia.
Non-pharmacological therapies include limiting daytime naps, avoiding late-night dinners, and evening intake ofalcohol,caffeine, orsmoking.
It also involves a healthy diet, exercise, regular sleep, and waking time schedules.
Meditation or yoga can help to improve the sleeping pattern and reduce underlying anxiety and stress.
Anotherbeneficial therapeutic option in the management of insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy.
And while healthcare providers generally view them as similar, they share notable differences.
Doxylamine and diphenhydramine are available in various combination products for their FDA-approved uses.
However, doxylamine and diphenhydramine differ in their dosing potency.
Diphenhydramine is usually available in higher doses for the same uses as doxylamine.
Both these drugs can cause drowsiness.
It is essential to avoid alcohol when taking these drugs for insomnia.
Additionally, if relevant, keep doxylamine or diphenhydramine out of reach of children and pets.
Doxylamine and diphenhydramine may improve the symptoms within a week.
Call your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve after seven days.
Doxylamine and diphenhydramine start working within 20-30 minutes after oral administration for cold or allergy symptoms.
It is pyridoxine, not peroxide.
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