Description | Doxylamine succinate is a potent anticholinergic and has a side-effect profile common to such drugs (including dry mouth, ataxia, urinary retention, and drowsiness). Other drugs with well known anticholinergic effects include many antipsychotic and tricyclic antidepressant drugs; It is a member of the ethanolamine class of antihistamines and has anti-allergy power superior to almost every other antihistamine on the market, with the exception of diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is also the most effective over-the-counter sedative available in the United States, and more sedating than some prescription hypnotics. In a study, it was found that doxylamine succinate is possibly more effective than the barbiturate, phenobarbital for use as a sedative.[citation needed] For this reason, doxylamine has sometimes been used off label in a manner similar to diphenhydramine for the reduction of anxiety symptoms; Doxylamine succinate is used by itself as a short-term sleep aid, in combination with other drugs as a night-time cold and allergy relief drug, and a preparation is prescribed in combination with Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to prevent morning sickness in pregnant women. In Commonwealth countries, doxylamine is available prepared with paracetamol/acetaminophen and codeine under the brand name Syndol or Mersyndol, as treatment for tension headache and other types of pain, or as a general OTC sleep-aid branded as Somnil, Donormyl, DSozile and Restavit containing Doxylamine Succinate only. |