Sominex Reviews

Sominex is an over-the-counter sleep aid that has been on the market for a number of years. The generic name for this brand name medication is Diphenhydramine HCl 25mg, and it is made by the large drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline.

What is Sominex

Sominex is a non-prescription sleep aid that contains acetaminophen and is designed to reduce pain and fever. It also contains an antihistamine called diphenhydramine, which works to reduce symptoms of allergies and hay fever such as watery, itchy nose and eyes and sneezing. Together, these two ingredients in Sominex also function as an effective sleep aid by reducing pain and discomfort at night.

Who Should Take This Sleep Aid?

Before taking Sominex, be certain to discuss any health conditions that you may have so that you can make certain that you will be taking the appropriate dose and you will minimize the risk of conflict with your condition.

This medication should not be taken if you have an allergy to either acetaminophen or diphenhydramine, as well as any other antihistamine. You should also tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, an enlarged prostate, or urination issues.

Is Sominex for You?

Speak with your doctor or a pharmacist and read the product label and insert carefully to ensure that you are using it properly. Do not use more or less of the drug than recommended and don’t use it for any longer than is stated on the package or instructed by your doctor.

Never take more than 1000 mg (1 gram) per dose of acetaminophen, or 4000mg (4 grams) per day. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages in a day, don’t take any more than 2000 mg (2 grams) per day. If Sominex upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk.

Before having allergy skin tests taken, tell your doctor that you are taking Sominex and that it includes an antihistamine, as this may cause unusual results.

Stop taking Sominex and seek immediate emergency medical assistance if you experience the following or any other severe reactions to the drug:

• Allergic reaction
• Confusion, unusual behaviors or thoughts, hallucination
• Uneven, pounding, or rapid heartbeats
• Bruising or bleeding easily, or flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, chills, and unusual weakness
• Urinating more or less frequently than typical, or not at all
• Extreme anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, or nervousness
• Low fever, stomach pain, nausea, jaundice, loss of appetite, clay-colored stool, or dark urine.

Other serious side effects could include:

• Blurred vision
• Nose, mouth, or eye dryness
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Struggles urinating
• Ringing in the ears
• Concentration or memory struggles
• Excited or restless feelings
• Mild stomach pain, nausea, or constipation.

Can This Over-the-Counter Drug Help You Sleep?

The ingredients in Sominex are far from unique in the over-the-counter sleep aid industry. These are regularly used by a spectrum of different brands.  This is particularly true among companies already producing products using the same ingredients but under the antihistamine label.  Since they are already using them to help people with their household or seasonal allergies, it provides them with a new marketing opportunity to use the drowsiness effect of the ingredient for sleep aid purposes as well.

If you suffer from the occasional bout of sleeplessness and you do not have any medical conditions that would conflict with this drug or take any medications or supplements that would conflict, then it might be a helpful option to ensure you get the rest you need. That said, this medication should be used only occasionally. If your insomnia persists for longer than 14 days, speak with your doctor. It is unlikely that using this option for longer than that will be helpful or appropriate to you.