Can unisom cause depression?

In this blog we will answer the question: “Can unisom cause depression?”

We will also discuss what unisom is, how it works, its uses, how to use it, and what are the various risks and precautions that one should pay attention to when using unisom. 

Can unisom cause depression?

No, unisom does not cause depression. There is no evidence nor enough research that provides conclusive evidence that depression is a side effect of the sleeping aid unisom. 

Unisom is a sleep tablet that is generally used to help people to sleep and stay asleep and this drug has various side effect as do all medications, such as: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, decreased coordination, or dry mouth/nose/throat.

However, amongst the list of side effects, depression has not been linked to this sleeping aid/ medication, and there has been no study that has explored the potential link between unisom and depression. 

If you experience any of the effects and if it gets worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, such as mental/mood changes, ringing in the ears, trouble urinating, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/irregular heartbeat.

What is Unisom?

Unisom Sleep Tablets is a sleeping aid or sleeping medication that is used to induce sleep as well as commonly taken to reduce nausea and vomiting for pregnant women. 

The drug is composed of doxylamine succinate and also contain various ingredients such as:

• dibasic calcium phosphate
• magnesium stearate
• microcrystalline cellulose
• sodium starch glycolate

Unisom has been deemed to be relatively safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been approved to be used as a temporary solution for sleeplessness. 

How does Unisom work?

The main ingredient is doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine. This ingredient is what blocks the production of histamine and acetylcholine in the body. 

Reduced levels of histamine and acetylcholine is what leads an individual to sleep drowsy and sleepy leading to a sleepiness and sleep inducing. 

What are the uses of Unisom?

Unisom or Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine which is used for the following:

• Sleeplessness, temporary treatment to help people fall asleep easier and stay asleep.
• Nausea and vomiting for pregnant women.
• It is used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. 
• Used to help to relieve allergy/cold symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.

How to use Unisom SLEEP AID

To use unisom, here are a few things to remember:

Consult with your pharmacist or read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. 

You can take this medication orally with or without food and you must follow the directions given by your doctor or the instructions related to dosage. 

In the case that you are using unisom chewables, chew thoroughly and then swallow.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, make sure that you measure the dose accurately with the spoon provided in the [package and not your own household spoons. 

Make sure that you stick to the dosage, and do not take more than what is recommended even if you do not feel drowsy after. 

If you experience any of the effects and if it gets worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, such as mental/mood changes, ringing in the ears, trouble urinating, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/irregular heartbeat.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects such as seizures.

If you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction after taking the drug such as a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing- get medical attention right away. 

Precautions related to using Unisom

Here are some precautions you should take when using unisom:

• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to ingredients used in unisom; or if you have any other allergies. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor about  your medical history. Refrain from using unisom if you have a history of the following: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), a certain eye problem (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, seizures, stomach problems (such as ulcers, blockage), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), urination problems (such as trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate, urinary retention).

• Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness if you are suing this drug

• Do not use this drug if you are using alcohol and other drugs such as (cannabis).

• Liquid products of unisom may contain sugar so use with caution if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

• Children may be more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. So, do not use Unisom to treat insomnia in a child younger than 12 years old.

• There might be some drug interactions with unisom, especially other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray). So make sure that you and your doctor discuss other medications and drugs you might be using at the time before you start taking unisom. 

• Populations that should be cautious when using unisom, include people who have the following conditions: Glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; problems with urination; or

asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other chronic lung disease.

• Unisom may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby thus, avoid using this drug if you are breast-feeding a baby.

• This drug is not a permanent solution to insomnia, in fact it is a temporary treatment for insomnia. If if your sleep problems do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, talk to your doctor for alternate treatments

• If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not double dose to make up for the missed dose.
• If you are experincien overdose symptoms, get intouch with emergency services immediately and seek out medical care. 

• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Mirtazapine causes drowsiness and may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, which is why it is advised that you shouldn’t drive, use machinery when you are using this drug.

• Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more sedated which is why you should limit your intake of either of these substances and inform your doctor if you do take these substances. 

• Older adults are more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness thus it is important that you keep a check on the side effects that you are experiencing and consult your doctor regularly. 

• This drug should be taken with a lot of caution for pregnant women since it can lead to some negative effects in the unborn child. One should also know that this drug can pass through mothers milk, which is why pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult with doctors before starting a course on this drug.

Conclusion

In this blog we have answered the question: “Can unisom cause depression?”

We have also discussed what unisom is, how it works, its uses, how to use it, and what are the various risks and precautions that one should pay attention to when using unisom. 

Faq related to can unisom cause depression?

What are the side effects of taking Unisom?

Side effects of unisom include:

• Drowsiness, 
• dizziness, 
• headache, 
• constipation, 
• stomach upset, 
• blurred vision, 
• decreased coordination, 
• or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur
• Skin rashes
• Seizures in severe cases

Is Unisom good for anxiety?

Unisom is not a treatment for anxiety. Unisom is a sleep tablet that is generally used to help people to sleep and stay asleep.

Can I take Unisom every night?

Unisom is for occasional sleeplessness, this drug is not a permanent solution to insomnia, in fact it is a temporary treatment for insomnia. If if your sleep problems do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, talk to your doctor for alternate treatments

Who should not take Unisom?

Populations that should be cautious when using unisom, include people who have the following conditions: Glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; problems with urination; or

asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other chronic lung disease.

This drug should be taken with a lot of caution for pregnant women since it can lead to some negative effects in the unborn child. One should also know that this drug can pass through mothers milk, which is why pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult with doctors before starting a course on this drug.

Can doxylamine cause depression?

No. there is no conclusive evidence that links doxylamine with higher risk of depression. 

Can I take Unisom with antidepressants?

It is possible that unisom can interact with antidepressants, this is important that you seek medical advice from your doctor before starting a course of unisom. 

References

Unisom. Drugs.com Retrieved on 15th April 2022. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/unisom.html

 Rachel Nall. Should I Take Unisom During Pregnancy? Healthline. Retrieved on 15th April 2022. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/unisom#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

Unisom SLEEP AID – Uses, Side Effects, and More. WedMD. Retrieved on 15th April 2022. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10525/unisom-doxylamine-oral/details