ask your pharmacist

Are there any over-the-counter treatments for insomnia?

Over-the-counter sleep aids containing antihistamines like diphenhydramine (brand name Sominex or >Nytol) or doxylamine (>Unisom Nighttime Tablets) may help on occasion. Tylenol PM is another option.

Common side effects of over-the-counter sleep aids include drowsiness, morning "hangover", dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention. Do not use over-the-counter sleep aids if you have an enlarged prostate, glaucoma, or heart problems (chest pain or irregular heartbeats).

These over-the-counter products can be used to help normalize sleep patterns. Try taking the medicine for 2 to 3 nights, then skip a night to re-evaluate your sleep quality. If insomnia continues, take the medicine for an additional 2 to 3 days. If your insomnia does not improve after 7 to 10 days, consult your doctor. It's not a good idea to use over-the-counter sleep aids on a regular basis because they don't help with the cause of insomnia and they may become less effective after a few days of use.

If you experience frequent awakenings throughout the night, experience insomnia lasting longer than three weeks, or think you may be experiencing insomnia due to medical condition, avoid the use of over-the-counter medicines and contact your doctor.

Sources:
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Medline plus. Medline, 2007.

This answer prepared 12/20/2000.
This information updated 1/3/2007.