$Unique_ID{BRK01432}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Can Antihistamines Help With Trouble in Falling Asleep?}
$Subject{sleep insomnia treatment mental emotional conditions antihistamine
asleep sleepy drowsiness sleeping anxiety antihistamines rest compoz nytol
unisom sominex medication medications antianxiety drug sleeps insomniac treat
treating drowsy anxious restlessness restful treatment treatments}
$Volume{E-23,R-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can Antihistamines Help With Trouble in Falling Asleep?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I have trouble falling asleep, probably because I am always so
anxious.  Do you think that antihistamines can help a problem like mine?  My
brother uses them for his allergy and says they make him sleepy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Antihistamines are better known as a treatment for runny noses and
itches due to allergies, but because they cause drowsiness, they're also the
main ingredient in several sleeping aids.  This is a case where the side
effect of a medication used for one condition is used to treat a completely
different condition.
     Insomnia associated with anxiety can be a problem.  Because
antihistamines are not habit forming and are extremely safe, they can help you
fall asleep more easily.  In turn, sleep, and the rest it provides, may ease
some of your anxiety problems.
     There are several sleeping aid products with antihistamines you can buy
in a drug store, including Compoz, Nytol, Unisom, and Sominex.  Use these
medications occasionally and only as directed, and tell your physician you are
taking them.  Your physician may recommend one of these or prescribe a
stronger antihistamine, or if they should fail to bring you the relief you
seek, prescribe an antianxiety drug instead.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.