The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medications to help relieve occasional sleeplessness in people ages 12 and older. Most OTC products sold as nighttime sleep aids contain an antihistamine such as doxylamine or diphenhydramine. Antihistamines are used to treat the symptoms of allergies; however, they cause drowsiness and are used to help people sleep.
There are dozens of sleep aid products available on the shelves of pharmacies and supermarkets. Some of these products also contain a pain medication or a cold and cough medication. Choosing the product most appropriate for you can be a challenge.
Before making a decision about which OTC preparation to use, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist, especially if you are taking other medications. And, once you purchase a sleep aid, make sure to read the label carefully. All OTC medications are required to list side effects and precautions for using the medication.
Common side effects of the antihistamines used in OTC sleep products are:
- Drowsiness the next day
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Reduced mental alertness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth and throat
Contact your healthcare provider if any of these side effects are severe, if they last for more than several days or if you have blurred vision or difficulty urinating.
Do not drink alcohol while taking OTC sleep medications as it can make the side effects worse.
If you are drowsy or dizzy, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires you to be mentally alert.
Additionally, you may develop a tolerance (needing a higher dose to achieve the same effect) for your OTC sleep medication after using it for as little as three to four days.
To learn more about your OTC sleep medication, including side effects and drug interactions with other medications and foods, use Drugs A to Z.
