Doxylamine

Also indexed as: Decapryn®, Nighttime Sleep Aid®, Sleep Aid®, Unisom®

Combination drugs: Nyquil®, Nyquil® Hot Therapy Powder

Doxylamine is an antihistamine used for short-term treatment of insomnia. Doxylamine is available alone in a nonprescription product for sleep and in combination with nonprescription drugs to treat symptoms of allergy, colds, and upper respiratory infections.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Henbane*
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Herbs

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Antihistamines, including doxylamine, can cause “anticholinergic” side effects such as dryness of mouth and heart palpitations. Henbane also has anticholinergic activity and side effects. Therefore, use with doxylamine could increase the risk of anticholinergic side effects;¹ however, apparently no interactions have yet been reported with doxylamine and henbane. Henbane should not be taken except by prescription from a physician trained in its use, as it is extremely toxic.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Doxylamine causes drowsiness.² Alcohol may intensify this effect and increase the risk of accidental injury.³ To prevent problems, people taking doxylamine or doxylamine-containing products should avoid alcohol.

References
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1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council, 1998, 146.

2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Nonprescription Sleep Aids. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Dec 1993, 273e.

3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Nonprescription Sleep Aids. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO, Facts and Comparisons, Dec 1993, 273e.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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Interactions with Herbs

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds