What do Unisom products treat?
Unisom products are used to help with trouble sleeping. The main active ingredient in Unisom products is either diphenhydramine or doxylamine. Diphenhydramine and doxylamine work by blocking histamine, which can help make you sleepy. Unisom PM Pain also contains acetaminophen, which is a pain reliever that works by blocking pain signals in the brain.
There are also Unisom products (such as Unisom Simple Slumbers) that are dietary supplements containing melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by your brain to help you know when to sleep and when to wake up. Taking melatonin supplements may help increase the amount of melatonin in your brain, which may help you fall asleep. Some Unisom melatonin products can contain other ingredients that might also help with sleep, such as a probiotic called Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803. Other ingredients in Unisom melatonin products can include passionflower and lemon balm, which might help with calmness, and vitamin B6, which might help with brain health.
There are Unisom products for adults and children as young as 4 years old.
What are the possible side effects of Unisom products?
Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or drink alcohol while taking Unisom products.
Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Unisom products?
If you have been taking a Unisom product for sleep consistently for two weeks and still have sleeping problems, stop taking it and contact your health care provider.
If you are taking a Unisom product with the ingredient doxylamine, do not take any other product with doxylamine. If you are taking a Unisom product with the ingredient diphenhydramine, do not take any other product with diphenhydramine, including diphenhydramine products that you apply to your skin. Doxylamine and diphenhydramine are common ingredients in many over-the-counter (OTC) products. Check the labels closely to see what ingredients are in the products you are using to be sure you are not doubling up. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure.
Check with a health care provider before taking Unisom if you have any of the following.
- Breathing problems, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
- Glaucoma
- Trouble peeing due to an enlarged prostate
- Take certain medicines, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, or antihistamines
- Immune system not working as it should (also known as an immunocompromised)
- Sleeping problems that have lasted a long time
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are taking Unisom PM Pain, check with your health care provider if you have liver disease before taking this product.
If you are taking a Unisom gummy product, chew the gummy fully before swallowing.
Talk to your health care provider before taking a Unisom supplement (Unisom Simple Slumbers product).
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Unisom product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter product. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Choosing the Right Unisom Product?
Unisom products are grouped by their active ingredient and what they are used for.
For Sleep Only
These products contain either diphenhydramine or doxylamine to help you fall asleep. All of the following products may be used for those aged 12 and older.
| Product | Active Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Unisom Sleep Gels | Diphenhydramine |
| Unisom Sleep Minis | Diphenhydramine |
| Unisom Sleep Tabs | Doxylamine |
These products use melatonin and other supplements to help with sleep.
| Product | Ages |
|---|---|
| Simple Slumbers Strips | 18 and older |
| Simple Slumbers Gummies | 18 and older |
| Simple Slumbers Tablets | 18 and older |
| Kids Simple Slumbers Gummies | 4 and older |
For Pain and Sleep
This product helps with minor aches and pains and trouble sleeping in people aged 12 years and older.
| Product | Active Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Unisom PM Pain Caplets | Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine |