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Unisom vs Benadryl
Introduction
For individuals struggling with sleep disorders or occasional insomnia, certain drugs that have sedative properties can help in promoting restful sleep and managing symptoms. Unisom and Benadryl are two such medications often recommended for their over-the-counter availability. They each induce drowsiness through different mechanisms but both aid in facilitating better sleep patterns. Unisom (doxylamine) is an antihistamine which works by blocking histamines to cause drowsiness and allow the user to fall asleep faster. On the other hand, Benadryl (diphenhydramine), also an antihistamine, not only blocks histamines but also acetylcholine thereby promoting sedation more effectively. It's important to note that while these medications are helpful, they should be used responsibly due to potential side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision or urinary retention.
Unisom vs Benadryl Side By Side
| Attribute | Unisom | Benadryl |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Unisom | Benadryl |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken with or shortly after stopping MAO inhibitors | Should not be taken with or shortly after stopping MAO inhibitors |
| Cost | $4 - $10 for a bottle of 60 tablets (generic) | $2 - $5 for packs of 24 up to 600 capsules (generic) |
| Generic Name | Doxylamine | Diphenhydramine |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Difficulty urinating, confusion, hallucinations, tremors | Difficulty urinating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, tremors/convulsions |
| Severe Drug Interactions | MAO inhibitors | MAO inhibitors |
| Typical Dose | 25-50 mg/night | 25-50 mg every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 300 mg/day |
What is Unisom?
Doxylamine (the generic name for Unisom) is an antihistamine primarily used as a sleep aid. It was first approved by the FDA in 1948 and has since become one of the more popular over-the-counter sleep aids, especially for short-term insomnia. Doxylamine works by blocking histamines, naturally occurring substances that signal wakefulness in the brain. The result is a feeling of drowsiness that can assist people having difficulty falling asleep.
On the other hand, Diphenhydramine (Benadryl's generic form) also blocks histamines but with a broader effect on allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes or skin reactions along with its sedative properties. This makes Benadryl useful not just for insomnia but also for allergies and colds.
Both medications are effective at inducing drowsiness to facilitate sleep; however, they should be used sparingly due to potential side effects like grogginess upon waking up and dependence if used excessively over time.
What conditions is Unisom approved to treat?
Unisom is approved for the treatment of occasional sleeplessness:
- It helps to reduce difficulty in falling asleep
- For use as a nighttime sleep aid
On the other hand, Benadryl has been approved to treat conditions such as:
- Allergy symptoms and hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)
- Common cold symptoms
- Prevention and treatment of motion sickness
- Inducing sleepiness or drowsiness
How does Unisom help with these illnesses?
Unisom, like Benadryl, is an antihistamine that can be used to help with occasional sleep problems. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a role in wakefulness. By inhibiting its action, Unisom promotes drowsiness and helps individuals fall asleep more easily. Histamine also plays a role in allergic reactions; hence these drugs are often associated with allergy relief as well.
However, they differ based on their active ingredients: Unisom's sleep tabs contain doxylamine succinate while Benadryl contains diphenhydramine HCl. Both substances have sedative properties but may affect people differently due to individual responses to medications. Therefore when choosing between them for sleep aid purposes one might consider personal experience or consult a healthcare provider for advice tailored to their specific situation and health status.
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is a brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that's known to effectively treat symptoms of allergies and the common cold. This drug works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Diphenhydramine was first approved by the FDA in 1946 and it can be beneficial not only for treating allergy symptoms but also as a nighttime sleep aid due to its sedative properties. The side effect profile of Benadryl differs from other over-the-counter sleep aids such as Unisom (doxylamine) primarily because it may cause drowsiness during daytime use which could impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. However, this same effect makes it useful for those suffering from insomnia or jet lag. Just like bupropion isn't an SSRI antidepressant, Benadryl is not just an anti-allergy medication; its effects on histamines make it versatile enough for different types of treatment where patients might find typical over-the-counter drugs ineffective.
What conditions is Benadryl approved to treat?
Benadryl is an FDA-approved medication that can be used to treat conditions such as:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Other upper respiratory allergies or common cold symptoms
- Itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, throat irritation
- Urticaria (hives) and other skin rash
- Anaphylactic reactions alongside epinephrine treatment. Please note it's also regularly used for its sedative properties in non-prescription sleep aids.
How does Benadryl help with these illnesses?
Histamine is a compound which is released by cells in response to injury and allergic and inflammatory reactions, causing contraction of smooth muscle and dilation of capillaries. The role it plays in regulating sleep-wake cycles has been well established. Benadryl works as an antihistamine, blocking the effects of histamine at certain sites in the body thus providing relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching or tearing eyes, hives on skin etc. It also carries sedative properties making it useful for those struggling with occasional insomnia or travel-related jet lag. Its action on acetylcholine may also play a role in its sedating effect. Compared to other over-the-counter sleep aids like Unisom (doxylamine), Benadryl could be chosen when patients are dealing with both allergies and mild sleep disturbances due to its dual action.
How effective are both Unisom and Benadryl?
Both Unisom (doxylamine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are first-generation antihistamines that were initially approved by the FDA in 1948 and 1946, respectively. They share similar mechanisms of action as they both block the effects of histamine, a chemical your body naturally produces. Because these drugs cross into the brain more readily than newer, second- or third-generation antihistamines, they are known to cause drowsiness and are often used as sleep aids.
The efficacy of doxylamine and diphenhydramine in inducing sleep was directly studied in a double-blind clinical trial in 1987; the two drugs showed comparable effectiveness in promoting sleep onset as well as similar safety profiles. In this study, there wasn't any significant difference between patients receiving doxylamine or those receiving diphenhydramine across different measurements for assessing their quality of sleep.
A meta-analysis published on PubMed Central demonstrated that both doxylamine and diphenhydramine can effectively aid insomnia starting from the first night of treatment with minimal side-effects compared to other therapeutic options such as benzodiazepines. Additionally, it is reported that despite being over-the-counter medications, they have become among the most commonly taken tablets for people suffering from temporary insomnia all over world due to its easy accessibility.
However according to a review conducted by Harvard Health Publishing suggests that although these medications can help induce sleep, neither should be considered long-term solutions due to potential risks including daytime grogginess or dependence when used regularly over an extended period.
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At what dose is Unisom typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Unisom (doxylamine) for adults and children over 12 years old range from 25-50 mg/night, but studies have indicated that 25 mg at bedtime is usually sufficient to relieve symptoms of insomnia. For Benadryl (diphenhydramine), the recommended dosage for adults and children over 12 years old ranges from 25-50 mg every four to six hours, not exceeding a maximum dosage of 300mg/day. Dosage should always be tailored according to individual response and tolerance, under consultation with your healthcare provider. As these medications may cause drowsiness, they should never be taken when concentration or alertness is required such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
At what dose is Benadryl typically prescribed?
Benadryl therapy is generally initiated at a dosage of 25–50 mg/day for adults and children over the age of 12. The dose can be taken every 4 to 6 hours, but should not exceed 300 mg per day. For those aged between six and twelve years, the recommended initial dose is typically less, around 12.5 -25 mg every four to six hours with a maximum daily limit of no more than 150mg. If there's no improvement in sleep or allergy symptoms after several days, or if side effects become problematic, it may be necessary to adjust the treatment plan under your healthcare provider's guidance.
What are the most common side effects for Unisom?
Common side effects of Unisom can include:
- Drowsiness/sleepiness (this is the intended effect)
- Dry mouth, nose or throat
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
In contrast, common side effects of Benadryl are:
- Drowsiness/sleepiness
- Fatigue/tiredness
-Dizziness
-Dry mouth, nose and throat
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Loss of appetite
-Chest congestion
-Muscle weakness
It's important to know that both medications may cause drowsiness as a side effect. This is actually why they're often used for insomnia. However, if this or any other symptoms persist or worsen after taking either medication, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Unisom?
While Unisom and Benadryl are both antihistamines used to aid sleep, they have different active ingredients and may cause different side effects.
For Unisom, rare but serious side effects may include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or feeling like you might pass out
- Confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things)
- Tremors (uncontrollable shaking)
- Difficulty urinating
On the other hand for Benadryl:
- An allergic reaction can manifest as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Fast heartbeats in chest area causing discomfort
- Sudden dizziness leading to potential fainting spells
- Dry mouth leading to blurred vision and constipation
- Hallucination episodes coupled with confusion
If you experience any such symptoms while taking either medication, seek immediate medical assistance.
What are the most common side effects for Benadryl?
Taking Benadryl, similar to Unisom, can lead to some side effects which might include:
- Dry mouth or throat
- Mild nausea or stomach upset
- Headache
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Constipation
- Mood changes such as restlessness or confusion
- Blurred vision or trouble focusing Although rare, there could be an increase in heart rate. In some cases, individuals may experience difficulty urinating. It's important to review these potential side effects when considering Benadryl for dealing with allergy symptoms or as a sleep aid.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Benadryl?
While Benadryl is widely used and generally well-tolerated, it's important to be aware of potential serious side effects. These can include:
- An allergic reaction that may involve hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling in your face or throat
- Mood changes such as restlessness, nervousness or excitability (especially in children)
- Difficulty urinating, painful urination or little to no urine production
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Confusion and dizziness
- Tremors/convulsions
If any of these severe symptoms occur after taking Benadryl, immediate medical attention should be sought. It's also important to note that prolonged use of Benadryl can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the medication is abruptly stopped.
Contraindications for Unisom and Benadryl?
Just like many over-the-counter sleep aids, Unisom and Benadryl can cause certain side effects that could worsen existing health conditions in some people. If you notice a significant increase in drowsiness, confusion or any other severe or persistent symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Unisom nor Benadryl should be taken if you are currently taking or have recently stopped taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are currently using; MAOIs will require a period of about two weeks to clear from your system to prevent dangerous interactions with both Unisom and Benadryl.
How much do Unisom and Benadryl cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price for a pack of 32 Unisom SleepTabs (25 mg) averages around $7, which works out to about $0.21 - $0.44/day depending on your dose.
- The price for 100 tablets of Benadryl (25 mg) is approximately $11, working out to roughly $0.33/day.
Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Unisom (i.e., two tablets nightly), then brand-name Benadryl is less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. However, cost should not be the primary consideration in determining which sleep aid is right for you.
Looking at generic versions — doxylamine succinate (the active ingredient in Unisom) and diphenhydramine HCL (found in Benadryl):
- Generic doxylamine succinate costs around $4 - $10 for a bottle of 60 tablets, bringing daily costs down to as low as about $.07/day or up to $.30/day if taking larger doses.
- Generic diphenhydramine HCL ranges from about $2 - $5 for packs ranging from 24 up to 600 capsules with daily costs ranging from less than $.01/day up to about $.20/day depending on quantity purchased and dosage taken.
Popularity of Unisom and Benadryl
Diphenhydramine, known by its brand name Benadryl among others, is not only used to treat allergy symptoms but also as a sleep aid. In 2020 in the United States, it was estimated that about 3 million people had been prescribed diphenhydramine primarily for sleep disorders. Diphenhydramine accounted for approximately 15% of over-the-counter sleep aid prescriptions and has remained steady in prevalence over the last decade.
On the other hand, doxylamine succinate (commonly sold under the brand name Unisom), another over-the-counter antihistamine utilized as a sleep aid, was estimated to have been purchased by around 1.5 million individuals in the US during 2020. Doxylamine accounts for around 8% of all OTC sleep aids sold across pharmacies in America. The usage of doxylamine has seen an increase since early-2017 due to increasing awareness about insomnia and related sleeping disorders.
Conclusion
Both Unisom (doxylamine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are antihistamines that have a long history of use as sleep aids. Their efficacy has been supported by numerous clinical studies indicating that they can be more effective than placebo treatments for short-term relief of sleeplessness. Both drugs work primarily on the histamine H1 receptor, blocking its action to induce drowsiness.
Unisom is often considered a first-line treatment option for insomnia due to its potency and longer duration of action, whereas Benadryl may be preferred in cases where the sleep disturbance is accompanied by allergic symptoms like runny nose or sneezing, as it also possesses anti-allergic properties.
Both Unisom and Benadryl are available over-the-counter which makes them easily accessible. However, they should not be used continuously for more than two weeks without doctor consultation.
Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and urinary retention are common with both medications due to their anticholinergic actions but typically these side effects diminish with continued use. The most significant risk associated with both Unisom and Benadryl is prolonged sedation or grogginess upon waking; this effect can be particularly problematic in older adults who might experience falls.
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Refrences
- Gelotte, C. K., Zimmerman, B. A., & Thompson, G. A. (2017, October 2). Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetic Study of Diphenhydramine HCl in Children and Adolescents. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1002/cpdd.391
- Alhwimani, A. K., Aljohani, R. A., & Altulaihi, B. A. (2021, December 22). The Use of Over-the-Counter Sleep Aid Containing Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Among Saudis. Cureus. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.20622