Side effects of antihistamines if taken every night before bed

Implementing a healthy life is not only about maintaining a diet and exercise. You also need to maintain quality sleep, such as adequate sleep and proper sleep hours. Unfortunately, many things can make it difficult for you to sleep. So, can I take an antihistamine so I can sleep soundly? What are the side effects of antihistamines if taken every day before bed?

Can you take antihistamines to treat insomnia?

Antihistamines are drugs that are often used to treat allergy symptoms, such as itching, watery eyes, and sneezing. One of the main ingredients in fast-acting first generation antihistamines is diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH).

The way this drug works is to block histamine, which is a chemical that produces an inflammatory response and causes allergy symptoms. So, when the central nervous system produces histamine and an allergic reaction occurs, it is the antihistamines that counteract and calm the body.

According to Rafael Pelayo, MD, a sleep expert at the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, explains that when antihistamines work to counteract histamine, the body will become tired. That is why you will be sleepy after taking this medicine.

In allergic people, this side effect of antihistamines will really help them to sleep. The reason is, allergy symptoms often get worse at night. Unfortunately, many abuse the side effects of antihistamines to treat insomnia. Medically, can this be done?

A 2007 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine tested the use of antihistamines to treat insomnia. A total of 46 studies reviewed the effectiveness of DPH-based drugs in improving sleep quality. The results show that taking antihistamines is not the right way to help someone sleep.

Side effects of taking antihistamines every night before bed

In fact, DPH-based drugs are generally safe to use and have a low risk of causing serious side effects. However, it is possible that it will be bad if used in the long term, for example, taken every night before bed. Some of the bad effects that may occur include:

• Make certain health problems worse. Medicines that contain DPH can worsen asthma or sleep apnea. Therefore, consult your doctor first before using this drug.
• Causes sleepiness the next day.The drowsy side effects of antihistamines last quite a long time in your system. In fact, until the next day. This condition causes your mind to fog up and it is difficult to concentrate. Of course, daily activities will be very disturbed, especially when driving.
• The body builds tolerance to drugs.If the drug is taken regularly for 2 weeks, the body will build a tolerance for drug doses. As a result, you will increase your dose to reach the same dose. This can lead to an overdose.
• Has other adverse side effects.Apart from being drowsy the next day, antihistamines also cause other side effects, such as dry mouth and throat, constipation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and parasomnia.

Compared to using antihistamines to treat insomnia, you should try other safer ways. Consult a doctor, especially if trouble sleeping lasts more than three days. Your doctor will evaluate the causes of insomnia and help you choose the right treatment.