Doxylamine - Oral

Doxylamine is used for short-term management of insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

Take Doxylamine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine 30 minutes before going to bed.

Do not take Doxylamine for a longer period than instructed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if this medicine does not seem to help you.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• breathing problems
• increased pressure in the eye
• prostate enlargement
• inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating
• obstruction of the stomach outlet
• epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• severe cardiac disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine is not recommended for children below 12 years old unless instructed by the doctor. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Doxylamine to a child (aged 12 years and above). Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Practice good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:

• Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
• Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
• Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
• Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drinks include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
• Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
• Avoid taking naps, especially in the late afternoon.

Doxylamine may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dizziness with or without sensations of spinning, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth, and loss of appetite.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other medicines for sleep disorders
• strong painkillers
• medicines to treat depression

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Doxylamine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the drowsiness caused by Doxylamine.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.