Ambien vs Doxylamine: Understanding the Differences in Sleep Aids and Allergy Medications

With a rapid shift in lifestyle behavior, sleeping problems are common these days and affect nearly 1 in 3 adults worldwide. Drugs like ambien and doxylamine are useful for people with sleep issues and provide them relief. But, their psychological effects, their function, and the state of health they treat differ. Ambien with the generic name Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine sleep inducing medicine that treats short-term insomnia or anxiety. Doxylamine is an antihistamine that mainly treats symptoms of hypersensitivity and nasopharyngitis.

In this blog, we will look into the details of Ambien and Doxylamine medicines to get a better understanding of their uses, their differences, and the precautions to observe with them.

Comparison Between Ambien and Doxylamine

According to scientific investigation, both these drugs treat mood disorders and stress. But they are different from each other. Here is a list of some differences between the two medicines.

Definitions

Ambien – It is a hypnotic drug and provides comfort to people with acute sleeping problems. Zolpidem is the generic variant and it is a sedative that alters the substances in the brain, and this may have a profound effect on people with sleeping problems.

The US FDA has approved Ambien, a non-benzodiazepine receptor modulator, for the acute treatment of insomnia patients. Taking this drug generates a sound sleep that lets the individual sleep throughout the night without waking up in between.

Doxylamine – It is a medicine that aids in the sleep process. It is a part of the group of drugs known as antihistamines. Histamines tend to generate symptoms of irritation, running nose, and watery eyes. Antihistamines make you feel sleepy and doxylamine treats frequent insomnia.

Ambien and Doxylamine: Mechanism of Action Explained

Ambien – An Increase in the concentration of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, develops a sedation that pacifies some regions of the brain. Hypothalamus is a tiny structure in the brain that oversees sleep-wake cycles besides regulating different body functions like hunger, dehydration, and degree of hotness.

Doxylamine – It is a group of pharmaceutical drugs known as antihistamines. By restricting the action of H1 receptors in the brain that causes allergic symptoms it reduces the allergic reactions, runny nose, sneezing, and itching. By limiting histamine, doxylamine also minimizes vomiting and nausea.

Medical Uses

Ambien – It is a drug that primarily treats short term sleeping problems. The immediate-release tablet helps you sleep instantly as you take it. One 10 mg tablet is the normal dose and you can take it before sleep. Thirty minutes is the time it functions in the body. It is taken by mouth and is available in the forms of tablets and extended release tablets.

People who are beyond 65 years or are victims of kidney and liver problems, the doctor may recommend a lower dose of 5mg tablet.

Doxylamine – Mainly used for short-term care of sleep disorders or insomnia. Being an antihistamine it produces a sedative and hypnotic effect, and is known to be the most potent over-the-counter (OTC) sedative available in the United States. It decreases allergy symptoms that include:

• Runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Irritating throat

The doses range from 5 to 50 mg, whereas 25 mg is the standard dose.

Ambien and Doxylamine: Dosage Forms and Strengths

Ambien: There are many forms of this drug, IR, ER tablet, capsules etc. Its dosage strengths are listed here.

• 1.75 mg
• 3.5 mg
• 5 mg
• 10 mg
• 6.25 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 12.5 mg

Doxylamine: The drug is available in a number of formulations, like tablets and syrup.

• 25mg
• 9.78 mg / 3 mL

25 mg taken by mouth daily before bedtime is the normal dosage.

Effectiveness

It is an important factor to reckon in the comparison, as both the medicines induce sleepiness albeit in a different manner.

Ambien: A highly potent medicine that treats insomnia. Quick onset of action, at times helps to sleep the patient within 15 minutes of ingestion. Because it targets the GABA receptors, people typically do not experience the “hangover” effect the next morning if they take it properly.Individuals who struggle with both falling asleep and staying asleep through the night find Ambien particularly beneficial.

Doxylamine: It is somewhat effective as a sleep aid but may not be as long-lasting as Ambien. As an antihistamine, Doxylamine induces drowsiness by blocking histamine receptors, but its effects may be less foreseeable.

Common Adverse Reactions of Ambien and Doxylamine

Stop consuming both these medicines if you have any of these symptoms. If you may experience these adverse effects, you must inform your doctor about them.

Ambien

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Feeling sick
• Difficulty staying awake
• Hallucinations
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Feelings of depression
• Abnormal behavior

Doxylamine

• Breathing problems
• Swelling on your face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Nausea or vomiting tendency
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pains
• Vision that is blur
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Constipation
• Mild drowsiness

Precautions

• Take Ambien or its extended form only if you want a recommended sleep.
• Ambien can be habit-forming and there is a high chance of developing drug dependency in patients. Consult your doctor before taking it and for the quickest time.
• Keep Ambien away from prospective drug seekers.
• Do not take Ambien and alcohol collectively; doing so can be dangerous and can adversely affect the heart. Your nervous system can hamper and cause irregular breathing.
• Although doxylamine may not harm the newborn, a doctor’s advice is always helpful for a pregnant woman.This drug may be secreted into the woman’s breast milk, and this may decrease the production of milk.
• Doxylamine affects alertness or the state of mind. You should not carry out conditions such as driving or those that require alertness like operating heavy machinery unless you know how the medicine can react to your brain.

Conclusion

Both the above medicines aid in getting a sound and peaceful sleep. Their different compositions, mechanism of action, and various side effects play a major role in the way they regulate sleep. The former is more potent and helps the sleepless patients to get a peaceful sleep. For patients who need a short-term treatment for insomnia, doctors consider Ambien an effective cure.

On the other hand, Doxylamine is an OTC antihistamine with sedative properties that regulates sleep disturbances and allergy reactions. Although it is less powerful than Ambien, it may still be a suitable option for those who prefer a non-prescription solution or need a mild sleep aid.