Wellness

[violann]

---

@Tribesters wrote:

@violann

My pharmacist son told me a few years ago to try Benadryl & that it contains the same ingredients that are in the OTC sleeping aids. 

---

The underlying trouble with Benadryl is that it is terribly drying to the mucous membranes of the body. It help reduce symptoms of allergy by drying the nasal passages, but can also cause acute drying of the mouth and throat as well as terrible constipation.

I fried my vocal folds to a crisp, and fortunately found out before the damage was permanent.

Sleep? For me, one of the better choices, but not worth the other effects that I have with it.

[halfpint1]

I woke up a little dizzy and unsure on my feet. Don't know if it was the melatonin or not for I took 2. Slept a little better but will try to do without or maybe on one of the other suggestions.

[ECBG]

I began waking about 3am constantly and couldn't stay asleep, plus DH and pup snore.  Melatonian 5 mg lets me get "deep" enough that I don't hear all of that and I awake without a swimmy head.

[Lynnster67]

One of my coworkers uses Benadryl on her pre-teen kids and swears it works like a champ.

[Lynnster67]

My PT told me to be carefule w/melatonin ... if you take large doses, your body will stop making it.

[seaBreeze]

1 mg is sufficient 20 minutes prior to bedtime, and recommend to take with a calcium supplement (read where this help the melatonin work, and it's a lifesaver for me).  Do not use Timed-Release, it will make you still feel tired after you "wake up."  Also, limit your caffeine after noon time, and after taking melatonin, sit down--do not do housework, etc.   I wish you the best ... for over 30 years I cannot get to sleep without it.  @halfpint1

[colliemom4]

I tried Lunesta and I had a headache the next day. Plus I felt terrible. How long does it take Trazadone to start working? I have some but never took it.

[DottieBlue]

I tried Melatonin, (3 mg) and it did put me to sleep.  However, the next day I felf very ill, extremely tired and foggy-headed.  So I tried a lesser dose (1.5 mg), it still helped me to sleep but I still felt sick the next day.  I couldn't handle the side effects at all.

[dooBdoo]

            Melatonin is a hormone.   This is an important point, especially related to the way the hormone affects the pineal gland.   The synthetic version we purchase is unregulated, so there is no guarantee that the label matches the contents of the bottle.

            I hope everyone reads about all the potential side effects.    Also, review possible interactions with other supplements, herbs, and RX drugs -- the combination might be safe but it also might cause other things to be less effective, completely ineffective, or might actually increase the potency of other drugs or supplements.

            We see so many threads about how to scrutinize cosmetic ingredients carefully and thoughtfully before using them.    I wish we were as careful about the unregulated OTC concoctions we swallow every day.

            In my case, melatonin makes my depression worse.   This is a known adverse effect.   (Ironically, in some people it's beneficial in reducing symptoms of some types of depression, anxiety, or cognitive function.)   It also can trigger my migraines and cause mild nausea.    The official recommended doses are very, very small and the way OTC vendors of this product offer such high doses is misleading and worrisome.

[dooBdoo]

---

daisyk wrote:

Melatonin has given me weird dreams every time I've tried it. Seemingly restless sleep too. I have better luck with an Advil/PM when I need to do something.

---

            @daisyk,  You might already know this, but in case you don't...  please remember the "PM" in the various OTC products is usually nothing but Benadryl (diphenhydramine).   Unless we need pain relief, using Tylenol PM, Advil PM, etc., adds an unnecessary drug for our organs to process.   Generic diphenhydramine without added pain relievers or anti-inflammatories is sufficient if it helps you to sleep.

            Adding a few comments, not directed at anyone specific...   as I mentioned in my other post, it's really important to make it a habit to read the labels of OTC drugs, supplements, etc., read the list of ingredients, and learn about potential adverse effects or interactions with other meds or supplements.   Just as we're interested in what the cosmetics industry adds to products, we need to be aware of what's in OTC products and how they affect our body before we ingest them.

            By the way...  in some people, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can cause restless leg syndrome.   In that case, it's not a great option for a good sleep.