Can antihistamines help with insomnia?!
Question: I've heard a few people telling me they take antihistamines to help them to get to sleep. Has anyone else tried this and if so, have they worked for you? I've not slept in 5 weeks and other pills have stopped working, I'm desperate.
Answers: I've heard a few people telling me they take antihistamines to help them to get to sleep. Has anyone else tried this and if so, have they worked for you? I've not slept in 5 weeks and other pills have stopped working, I'm desperate.
For occasional insomnia, over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, are somewhat effective as sleep aids but must be taken only as directed on the packaging. Antihistamines induce drowsiness by working against the central nervous system chemical histamine.
Just because a drug is available "over-the-counter" doesn't mean it is safe, especially if taken incorrectly. Talk to your doctor before taking any OTC sleep aids if you're currently taking any drugs for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. Also, antihistamines may not be safe if you have a history of glaucoma, heart problems or enlarged prostate.
Most over-the-counter products marketed as sleep aids contain antihistamines alone or in combination with pain relievers. Although these medications have some sedating effects, they also have other side effects that are undesirable and can even be deadly at high doses.
Persistent insomnia should be evaluated to identify underlying causes. Cognitive behavioural therapy is as effective, if not more effective, than sleep aids in the treatment of insomnia