A 20-year-old member asked:
I have problems sleeping at night and i tried unisom, but it made feel bad the next day & i was also very jittery. what could be the reason for that?
3 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Juniganswered
Psychiatry 35 years experience
Med side effects: Unisom contains an antihistamine. Some people feel lousy when they take that type of med; depressed, jittery, anxious, or even hung over. It also makes the mouth dry. Kids, in particular, can have opposite reactions to antihistamines, getting excited instead of sleepy. Try something else-- maybe melatonin. If you have a doctor, ambien-type meds are better tolerated than antihistamines.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Katharine Garnier commented
Family Medicine 35 years experience
If you are having trouble sleeping, do the basics first, which you did not mention, First, avoid all caffeine, chocolate,tea,cofffe or soda. Set yourself a routine, go to bed at the same time and get up the same time. Avoid stimulating activities before bed, like video games, even tv. Exercise earlier in the day can help with any stressors. Melatonin is not addictive, like ambien, try it first
Jan 24, 2012
Dr. Leonard Lado commented
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Dont forget to be evaluated to see if you have sleep apnea. In a study by lichestein and et al 1999, they discovered that older adults with insomnia found a 29%–43% rate of undiagnosed sleep apnea (SA),
Feb 24, 2012
Dr. Brad Bobrinanswered
Psychiatry 28 years experience
Anticholinergics: Many antihistamines have an anticholinergic effects to which some may be sensitive. The effects can be racing heart, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, not sweating, confusion and hallucinations.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Moranvilleanswered
Psychiatry 38 years experience
Diphenhydramine: Is the same thing as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) which is an antihistamine. It is the sedating component of most over the counter sleeping preparations and does have anrticholinergic effects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
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