Can I have doxylamine succinate while pregnant?

Understanding Doxylamine Succinate During Pregnancy
Doxylamine succinate, commonly found in over-the-counter sleep aids like Unisom, is often a topic of concern for pregnant women seeking relief from nausea and sleeplessness. As the journey of pregnancy can be fraught with discomfort, understanding the safety of medications is crucial.
Safety Profile
According to the FDA, doxylamine succinate is classified as Pregnancy Category B, which indicates that there is no proven risk to humans based on available studies. This classification suggests that while animal studies may not show harm, there is a lack of well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, it is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy.
Medical Recommendations
Healthcare professionals often recommend doxylamine succinate for managing nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, particularly in the form of a combination medication with pyridoxine hydrochloride, known as Diclegis. This combination was approved by the FDA in 2013 specifically for treating nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, affecting up to 80% of expectant mothers.
Dr. Oscar Novick, a medical professional, has indicated that a 10 mg tablet of doxylamine succinate is acceptable for use during pregnancy. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication, as individual circumstances can vary significantly.
Expert Opinions
While many doctors affirm the safety of doxylamine succinate, they also emphasize the importance of personalized medical advice. Dr. Valeria Peña advises that pregnant women should always consult their doctors regarding the use of doxylamine, especially if they are experiencing severe nausea or sleeplessness. This ensures that any treatment aligns with the specific health needs of the mother and the developing fetus.
Conclusion
In summary, doxylamine succinate is generally considered safe for pregnant women, particularly for alleviating nausea and aiding sleep. However, as with any medication during pregnancy, it is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child. Always prioritize personalized medical advice over general recommendations to navigate the complexities of pregnancy safely.

Is doxylamine or diphenhydramine safe during pregnancy?

Unisom SleepTabs, or doxylamine, has been qualified as pregnancy category A by the FDA, meaning that there’s a substantial amount of safety data for the use this drug during pregnancy. Unisom SleepGels and SleepMelts, which contain diphenhydramine, are classified as a category B medication by the FDA.

What sleeping pills are safe during pregnancy?

Pregnant people can safely take doxylamine, such as Unisom, and diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, both of which showed no increased risk of congenital abnormalities.

Does taking Unisom while pregnant affect the baby?

It is generally safe to take the recommended adult dosage of Unisom during pregnancy. According to the FDA, the risk of birth defects and other pregnancy complications is low. There are other ways to manage morning sickness, though, if you want to avoid medication. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

What is the safest sleeping pill to take every night?

Melatonin: Melatonin is considered one of the safest over-the-counter sleep aids, with few side effects. A prescription drug called ramelteon is designed to mimic the effects of melatonin. Like melatonin, it is not considered habit-forming and it does not affect balance.

Is doxylamine succinate the same as doxylamine?

Doxylamine as a standalone medication is also available as doxylamine succinate 25 mg oral tablets under both brand and generic forms. Adult dosing for doxylamine is as follows: For insomnia (adults and children 12 and older): 25 to 50 mg orally at bedtime as needed, dosed 30 minutes before sleep.

What are the problems with doxylamine succinate?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss. Trouble passing urine.

What can a pregnant woman use to sleep at night?

How to Get Sleep During Pregnancy

• Take a soothing, warm (not hot) bath.
• Sip on a cup of caffeine-free tea or cup of warm milk with honey.
• Listen to a guided meditation.
• Use aromatherapy in your bedroom (a diffuser or pillow spray can instantly make you feel relaxed)

Who cannot take doxylamine?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), a certain eye problem (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, seizures, stomach problems (such as ulcers, blockage), overactive thyroid ( …

What are Category B drugs in pregnancy?

Category B drugs include prenatal vitamins, acetaminophen and several other medications used routinely and safely during pregnancy. If there is a clinical need for a Category B drug, it is considered safe to use it.

Is doxylamine succinate safe during pregnancy?

Studies have found that taking doxylamine succinate-pyridoxine hydrochloride does not increase the chance for pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).