Doxylamine Succinate dosage question

[DocDRDoc]

I have a question regarding the relative strength (mg to mg) of both the antihistamines Diphenhydramine and Doxylamine Succinate.

As of lately, I have gone up to 150mg of Diphenhydramine a night to sleep, but this is getting ridiculous! I know Doxylamine is much stronger, but exactly how much should I take to sleep if I'm used to 150mg of Diphen?

Thanks /B/luelighters

 

[bronson]

I've found with using antihistamines for insomnia that one just eventually hits a ceiling dose where it's no longer helpful to rest, but is none the less causing side effects. Dry mouth and eyes, groggy feeling in the morning, et. al. In the end you end up feeling less rested than you were previously.

Switching will carry the same issues with it. Instead some things I've found helpful are a moderate amount of physical activity throughout the day, finding something to do before you plan to sleep which you both enjoy yet find relaxing, and not getting upset when you don't get right to sleep.

Remember that even if you just lay there, you're still resting, likely more than you think. The clock is the enemy.

 

[Captain.Heroin]

Start with no more than a single 25mg doxylamine tablet.

I've taken parts of a single 25mg doxylamine tablet before, and it put me right to sleep. Very sedating antihistamine.

The last thing you want is to take too much doxylamine, underestimating how sedating it is, and then wake up with a very intense hangover after 12+ hours of sleep.

I've found with using antihistamines for insomnia that one just eventually hits a ceiling dose where it's no longer helpful to rest, but is none the less causing side effects. Dry mouth and eyes, groggy feeling in the morning, et. al. In the end you end up feeling less rested than you were previously.

Switching will carry the same issues with it. Instead some things I've found helpful are a moderate amount of physical activity throughout the day, finding something to do before you plan to sleep which you both enjoy yet find relaxing, and not getting upset when you don't get right to sleep.

Remember that even if you just lay there, you're still resting, likely more than you think. The clock is the enemy.

^ very helpful advice

Antihistamines only work well for me for sleep maybe 1 night in a row, or a few nights spaced out over a month. Relying on them on the regular for sleep isn't a wise idea as what bronson described is very accurate (and I have experienced it myself).

Great advice bronson!

 

[laCster]

+1 for captain and bronson good posts.


i like doxylamine succinate better than DPH as it is more sedating, and like you, i have a tolerance to sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine (i need 150mg as well). i say start with 25mgs.

25mgs doxy succ feels like 75-100mg DPH. doxy is also a better sleep aide than DPH as it is a better hypnotic///

 

[pally pete]

I wish antihistamines worked as well for sleep when I take them. They have never helped me in the slightest.

 

[embryo923]

I enjoy Doxylamine much more than Diphenhydramine. It doesn't have the dry mouth and heavy, uncomfortably sedating feeling. It's definitely sedating, but more relaxing and calming, and definitely more deleriant/hypnotic like.