Dormidin (psychopharmaceutical): Uses, Effects And Controversy
Dormidina is a very popular drug, which is best known for being used to combat insomnia for its sedative effects.
Did you know that this drug is actually a first generation antihistamine? Some of you may wonder… what does that mean? Well, it is a medication that was originally used to treat allergies since one of its side effects is that it acts as a sedative. La Dormidina makes you sleep, but not with a restful sleep. With this medication it is common to wake up drowsy and with a feeling of being stuck. Its generic name is doxylamine.
Dormidina contains an active ingredient called doxylamine succinate, which is a first generation antihistamine Antihistamines are used to treat allergies, but the first generation, that is, the old ones, also cause sleep. On the other hand, new antihistamines do not cause this drowsiness effect.
Premium antihistamines are relatively cheap and widespread. Both doxylamine and other first-generation H1 antihistamines cross the blood-brain barrier, causing drowsiness by inhibiting wake-stimulating H1 receptors. But they are not very specific drugs, which also have effects on other receptors (for example, cholinergic receptors).
This lack of receptor selectivity is the basis for the poor tolerance profile of some of these products, especially when compared to the second generation of H1 antihistamines. The dose of doxylamine for inducing sleep can be as low as 6.25 mg, but is usually effective at doses up to 25 mg.
Doxylamine, therefore, is not only used as an anti-allergy, but is part of other medications such as Dormidine or Normodorm, used for occasional sleep. Although, without a doubt, Dormidina is the one that enjoys the most popularity, since Its manufacturers have carried out a great marketing campaign, turning it into a well-known product
Dormidina: consult your doctor if…
Despite the possibility of purchasing it in pharmacies without a prescription, it is always advisable to talk to a doctor if you suffer from insomnia problems. Likewise, it is almost mandatory that you consult a specialist in these cases:
Interactions with other medications
Some medications can interact with Dormidin, so special care must be taken, for example, with GHB, by increasing the duration of sleep or promoting respiratory depression; or with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), because adverse effects may increase, for example, high blood pressure.
Some considerations
Dormidine is still a medicine and therefore can produce different reactions If you are going to consume this drug, during hot weather it is necessary to be well hydrated because it can aggravate the symptoms of dehydration.
Additionally, older people are more likely to experience side effects. Dormidin should not be consumed for a period of more than 7 days without medical review.
Side effects of Dormidin
All medications have side effects and It is necessary to see a doctor if any of those shown in the list below appear:
But in serious cases, like those shown below, you should go to your health center as soon as possible:
Some adverse effects that rarely occur but have been reported by some individuals are:
Drugs are an extreme measure when insomnia manifests itself. Many times, it is our own habits that make it difficult for us to fall asleep. Therefore, here are some tips to improve your sleep hygiene:
Create an appropriate environment to rest
Take care of your diet
Follow a sleeping ritual
Avoid stimulants like coffee after mid-afternoon
Do physical exercise
Don’t abuse the nap
Don’t spend the hours before bed staring at a screen.
Do not consume alcohol before sleeping
Take care of your schedules
If you want to delve deeper into these tips, in our post “10 basic principles for good sleep hygiene” you will find all the information you need.
Concluding
Dormidin is a drug that was initially used to treat allergies, but because it also caused drowsiness it was marketed as a sleeping drug. This strategy is not new, and in fact it is common practice among pharmaceutical companies. Another clear example is paroxetine, an antidepressant drug that tried to be sold as a remedy against shyness.
Definitely, gives us reasons to reflect on how money takes precedence over our health
