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Can Dosage Of Unisom Be Increased For Persistent Insomnia?
Hi, I have insomnia and have been trying Unisom, take 50 mg a night and it doesn t seem to even phase me. Can I increase the dosage to 75mg? I do not have HB or asthma, or really any health issues other than Low Blood Pressure (110/75) and Low cholesterol (total 120)
Mon, 6 Apr 2020
Hi
It is not safe to increase the dose of unisom for persistent insomnia. Unisom is an antihistamine commonly used to treat symptoms associated with cold and allergy. It can also be used as a short-term treatment for insomnia but not for more than 2 weeks consecutively. Its recommended dose is 25 mg orally once a day at bedtime.
Taken in larger doses may result in extreme drowsiness, dizziness, increased heartbeats, palpitations, constipation, retention of urine, dryness of mouth, blurring of the vision, seizures and rhabdomylosis (breakdown of muscle protein).
If your sleeplessness persists for more than two weeks, consult your doctor. Sleeplessness may be a symptom of serious underlying medical illness. Your doctor may prescribe other safer drugs like zolpidem or short acting benzodiazepine such as alprazolam.
Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
It is not safe to increase the dose of unisom for persistent insomnia. Unisom is an antihistamine commonly used to treat symptoms associated with cold and allergy. It can also be used as a short-term treatment for insomnia but not for more than 2 weeks consecutively. Its recommended dose is 25 mg orally once a day at bedtime.
Taken in larger doses may result in extreme drowsiness, dizziness, increased heartbeats, palpitations, constipation, retention of urine, dryness of mouth, blurring of the vision, seizures and rhabdomylosis (breakdown of muscle protein).
If your sleeplessness persists for more than two weeks, consult your doctor. Sleeplessness may be a symptom of serious underlying medical illness. Your doctor may prescribe other safer drugs like zolpidem or short acting benzodiazepine such as alprazolam.
Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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