Dormidine (psychopharmaceutical): uses, effects and controversy

Dormidine is a very popular drug, which is best known for being 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 is a medicine that was originally used to treat allergies since one of its side effects is that it acts as a sedative. Dormidina makes you sleep, but not with a restful sleep. With this medicine it is common to wake up drowsy and with a feeling of traffic jam. Its generic name is doxylamine.

• Related article: "Haloperidol (antipsychotic): uses, effects and risks"

First generation antihistamines: what are they?

Dormidine contains an active ingredient called doxylamine succinate, which is a first-generation antihistamine.. Antihistamines are used to treat allergies, but the first generation, that is, the old ones, also cause sleep. In contrast, the newer antihistamines 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 wake-promoting H1 receptors. But they are not very specific drugs, which also have effects on other receptors (for example, cholinergic receptors).

This lack of receptor selectivity accounts for the poor tolerability profile of some of these products, especially when compared to second generation H1-antihistamines. The dose of doxylamine to induce sleep can be as low as 6.25 mg, but doses up to 25 mg are generally effective.

Doxylamine Uses

Doxylamine, therefore, is not only used as an anti-allergy, but is part of other medications such as Dormidina or Normodorm, used for occasional sleep. Although, without a doubt, Dormidina is the one that enjoys the most popularity, since it its manufacturers have carried out a great marketing campaign making it a well-known product.

Dormidina: consult the doctor if...

Despite the possibility of acquiring it in pharmacies without a prescription, it is always advisable to speak with a doctor if you suffer from insomnia problems. Likewise, it is almost mandatory that you consult a specialist in these cases:

• if you are pregnant or do you intend to get pregnant
• If you take other medications without a prescription, herbal preparations or dietary supplements
• If you have food allergies or other medicines
• If you suffer from sleep apnea, asthma, bronchitis or other lung or respiratory conditions
• If you suffer from stomach problems, for example: ulcers
• If you have difficulty urinating, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, thyroid or other medical conditions

Interactions with other medications

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

• Related article: "Sertraline (antidepressant psychopharmaceutical): characteristics, uses and effects"

Some considerations

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

Also, older people are more likely to experience side effects. Dormidina should not be consumed for a period of more than 7 days without medical review.

Dormidine Side Effects

All drugs have side effects and It is necessary to see a doctor if any of those shown in the following list appear:

• Drowsiness
• dry mouth
• Constipation
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty urinating
• Increased mucus in the bronchi
• dizziness
• Fatigue

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

• skin rash
• drop in blood pressure
• Double vision
• Swelling of arms and legs
• noise in the ears
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

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

• Anemia
• decreased platelets
• Decreased white blood cells
• Shaking
• seizures
• Excitement

Solutions to sleep better (without drugs)

Drugs are an extreme measure for when insomnia manifests itself. 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:

• Create an appropriate environment to rest
• watch your diet
• Follow a sleeping ritual
• Avoid stimulants like coffee after mid-afternoon
• Do physical exercise
• Do not abuse the nap
• Don't spend the hours before going to sleep staring at a screen.
• Do not drink alcohol before bed
• Take care of your schedules

If you want to delve 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 to treat allergies, 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 in pharmaceutical companies. Another clear example is that of paroxetine, an antidepressant drug that tried to sell itself as a remedy against shyness.

Definitely, gives us reasons to reflect on how money takes precedence over our health.