Is Unisom ok to take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Unisom and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing sleep issues during breastfeeding, many mothers wonder about the safety of over-the-counter medications like Unisom. Unisom, which contains doxylamine as its active ingredient, is commonly used as a sleep aid. However, the implications of its use while breastfeeding are not straightforward.
Safety Profile of Unisom
According to health experts, Unisom is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication. This is particularly important because while small, occasional doses of doxylamine are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants, larger doses or prolonged use could lead to potential issues such as drowsiness in the infant or a decrease in milk supply .
The Need for Caution
The landscape of medication safety during breastfeeding is complex. More than a million women take various medications while nursing each year, yet there remains a significant gap in comprehensive research regarding how these drugs affect breast milk and infants. This uncertainty underscores the importance of individualized medical advice.
Potential Side Effects
While many mothers report using Unisom without noticeable issues, some anecdotal evidence suggests that prolonged use could lead to concerns about the infant’s alertness and overall well-being. Additionally, mothers have expressed worries about how long the medication stays in their system and when it is safe to resume breastfeeding after taking it.
Conclusion
In summary, while Unisom is generally deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to approach its use with caution. Consulting a healthcare professional can help ensure that both mother and baby remain healthy and safe while managing sleep difficulties. As always, the well-being of the infant should be the top priority when considering any medication during breastfeeding.

Does doxylamine dry up milk supply?

Taking high doses of doxylamine or using it long-term might increase the risk of side effects in breastfed babies. Taking too much doxylamine can decrease a woman’s supply of breast milk. People should talk to their doctor before using doxylamine, as the risks may be higher than we know.

What sleep aid can I take while breastfeeding?

However, the ‘z- drugs’ (zolpidem and zopiclone) are preferred for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding, as they have shorter half-lives than the benzodiazepines and appear to pass into breast milk in small amounts. Melatonin can also be used in breastfeeding with caution.

Who should not use Unisom?

Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Also, do not give the 25 milligram tablets to children younger than 12 years, unless directed by the doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.

What pill dries up breast milk?

Key takeaways: Birth control methods with estrogen, cold medications with pseudoephedrine, and the fertility medication clomiphene can all dry up your breast milk supply. Some people have suggested that diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may affect breast milk supply, too.

Does diphenhydramine dry up breast milk?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

Can Unisom be used while breastfeeding?

It’s also a good idea to avoid over-the-counter allergy, cold and sleep medications that contain antihistamines that can cause drowsiness — such as chlorpheniramine (Advil Allergy Sinus), diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy and Vick’s ZzzQuil) and doxylamine (Unisom).

Is Unisom safe while breastfeeding?

It’s also a good idea to avoid over-the-counter allergy, cold and sleep medications that contain antihistamines that can cause drowsiness — such as chlorpheniramine (Advil Allergy Sinus), diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy and Vick’s ZzzQuil) and doxylamine (Unisom).

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

Is Unisom safe for breastfeeding?

It’s also a good idea to avoid over-the-counter allergy, cold and sleep medications that contain antihistamines that can cause drowsiness — such as chlorpheniramine (Advil Allergy Sinus), diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy and Vick’s ZzzQuil) and doxylamine (Unisom).

Does Unisom 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.