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Unisom Nighttime Sleep-Aid description. Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy. They work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Also, in some persons histamine can close up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and make breathing difficult. Some of the antihistamines are also used to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In patients with Parkinson's disease, diphenhydramine may be used to decrease stiffness and tremors. Also, the syrup form of diphenhydramine is used to relieve the cough due to colds or hay fever. In addition, since antihistamines may cause drowsiness as a side effect, some of them may be used to help people go to sleep. Hydroxyzine is used in the treatment of nervous and emotional conditions to help control anxiety. It can also be used to help control anxiety and produce sleep before surgery. Some antihistamines are used in the treatment of chronic urticaria, which is a persistent hive-like rash. Antihistamines may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Some antihistamine preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription. However, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper dose of the medicine for your medical condition. Why prescribed Unisom Nighttime Sleep-Aid. Doxylamine, an antihistamine, causes drowsiness as a side effect and is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is also used, in combination with decongestants, to relieve cough and cold symptoms. Unisom Nighttime Sleep-Aid is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How used Unisom Nighttime Sleep-Aid. Doxylamine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken 30 minutes before bedtime for sleep. For cold symptoms, doxylamine usually is taken every 4-6 hours. Follow the directions on the package label or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take doxylamine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not give doxylamine to a child younger than 12 years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor. |