Dormidine is a very popular drug, which is rather known to be used to combat insomnia for its sedative effects.

Did you know that this drug is actually a first-generation antihistamine? Some of you may wonder… what does that mean? Well, it’s a drug that was originally used to treat allergies because one of its side effects is that it acts as a sedative. Dormidine makes you sleep, but not with a restful sleep. With this medication it is common to wake up with drowsiness and a feeling of being stuck in a traffic jam. Its generic name is doxylamine.

First generation antihistamines: what are they?

Dormidine contains an active ingredient called doxylamine succinate, which is a first generation antihistamine . Antihistamines are used for the treatment of allergy, but the first-generation antihistamines, i.e. the older ones, also cause sleepiness. The newer anti-histamines, on the other hand, do not cause this drowsy effect.

Premium antihistamines are relatively cheap and widespread. Both doxylamine and other first-generation H1 antihistamines cross the blood-brain barrier, causing drowsiness by inhibiting the wakefulness-stimulating H1 receptors. But they are non-specific drugs, which also have effects on other receptors (e.g. cholinergic receptors).

This lack of receptor selectivity is the basis for the poor tolerance profile of some of these products, especially when compared to the second generation of H1 antihistamines. The dose of doxylamine for inducing sleep can be as low as 6.25 mg, but it is usually effective at doses up to 25 mg.

Uses of Doxylamine

Doxylamine, therefore, is not only used as an anti-allergic, but is part of other medications such as Dormidine or Normodorm, used for occasional sleep. However, Dormidine is undoubtedly the most popular, since its manufacturers have carried out a major marketing campaign, making it a well-known product .

Dormidine: consult your doctor if…

Despite the possibility of buying it in pharmacies without a prescription, it is always advisable to talk to a doctor if you suffer from insomnia. It is also almost obligatory to consult a specialist in these cases:

  • If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
  • If you take other over-the-counter medications , herbal preparations or dietary supplements
  • If you have food allergies or other medications
  • If you suffer from sleep apnea , asthma, bronchitis or other lung or respiratory conditions
  • If you have stomach problems , for example: ulcers
  • If you have difficulty urinating , diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, thyroid or other medical conditions

Drug Interactions

Some drugs can interact with Dormidine so special care must be taken, for example, with GHB, by increasing the duration of sleep or favouring respiratory depression; or with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), because they can increase adverse effects, for example, high blood pressure.

Some considerations

Dormidine is still a medicine and therefore can produce different reactions . If you are going to take this drug, during hot weather you need to be well hydrated because it can aggravate the symptoms of dehydration.

Also, older people are more likely to suffer side effects. Dormidine should not be taken for more than 7 days without a doctor’s check-up.

Side effects of Dormidine

All medicines have side effects and you need to see your doctor if any of the following are listed :

  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Increased bronchial mucus
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

But in serious cases, such as those shown below, you should go to your health center as soon as possible:

  • Skin rash
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Double vision
  • Swelling of arms and legs
  • Noise in the ears
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Some adverse effects that rarely occur but have been reported by some individuals are

  • Anemia
  • Decreased platelets
  • Decreased white blood cells
  • Tremor
  • Seizures
  • Excitement

Solutions for better sleep (without drugs)

Drugs are an extreme measure for when insomnia occurs. Many times, it is our own habits that make it difficult for us to fall asleep. Therefore, here are some tips to improve your sleep hygiene:

  • Creates an appropriate environment to be able to rest
  • Watch your diet
  • Follow a sleep ritual
  • Avoid stimulants such as coffee after mid-afternoon
  • Exercise
  • Don’t abuse your nap
  • Don’t spend the hours before you go to sleep looking at a screen.
  • Do not drink alcohol before bedtime
  • Keep your schedule

If you want to go deeper into these tips, in our post “10 basic principles for good sleep hygiene” you will find all the information you need.

Concluding

Dormidine is a drug that was initially used for the treatment of allergy, but because it also caused drowsiness it was marketed as a sleeping drug. This strategy is not new, and in fact it is a common practice of pharmaceutical companies. Another clear example is that of paroxetine, an antidepressant drug that was attempted to be sold as a remedy for shyness.

Undoubtedly, gives us reason to reflect on how money takes precedence over our health .