Recently we wrote about foot massage during pregnancy and how relaxing it could be. Today we will talk about Unisom for morning sickness. Morning sickness is an unpleasant feeling that involves nausea and vomiting. It is a common side effect experienced by about ¾ of pregnant women. Though it’s called morning sickness, they’re more like all-day sickness since it may occur at any time.
It usually starts in the first trimester and ends by the beginning of the second trimester; however, it is not uncommon for some women to experience it throughout their pregnancy.
Does Unisom help with morning sickness?
To decrease these early symptoms, medication is used. These include the use of doxylamine in combination with pyridoxine, a form of vitamin B-6 under the brand name Unisom.
Though the combination is a sleeping drug, it treats morning sickness. The most severe form of morning sickness is called “hyperemesis gravidarum.” Though very few experience it, about 1% of people, even mild sicknesses, may prove miserable.
The article would be under discussion of Unisom for morning sickness along with its mechanism, usage, side effects, and alternatives.
Can Unisom harm my unborn baby?
Previously, people were concerned about sedating antihistamine (doxylamine) during pregnancy as it was believed they might harm the fetus. However, studies showed that they were safe to use, and the usage for nausea and vomiting was approved by Food and Drug Administration in 2014. Unisom for morning sickness is taken in combination with vitamin B-6, and both have been proven safe for use, whether taken separately or in combination.
Diclegis is a prescription that is a combination of doxylamine and pyridoxine and is the only in-combination medication approved by the FDA. The medication is a delayed-release medication. Another medication with the same combination was available during 1956 – 1983 but was eventually withdrawn from the market. During the time period, many lawsuits were filed stating that the medication caused congenital disabilities though no scientific evidence was given.
The Mechanism of Action of Unisom:
Diclegis is an antihistamine drug. Its pharmacological action shows that it blocks the H1 receptors (histamine receptor). This causes an effect on the vestibular system, which significantly decreases the stimulation of the nausea-vomiting center. The practical outcome of the medication is proved by carrying out trials.
How to use Unisom:
You can use Diclegis to treat your morning sickness if you have tried ineffective home remedies. Using a single medication is better than taking Unisom and vitamin B-6. Since the FDA has approved the safety and use of Diclegis, it may be a better option.
After an extensive study, the medication is proven to cause no harm to the mother or fetus. It has the highest safety rating, and as mentioned before, the extended formulation makes the medicine long-lasting (about 5-7 hours).
For Diclegis:
- 2 tablets taken before bedtime.
- If the condition does not improve, the dose may increase upon consultation.
In combination, the following shall be taken:
- 10-25 mg of vitamin B-6 every 8 hours
- 25 mg of Unisom sleeping tabs (doxylamine) at bedtime.
One should keep a check on the ingredients that the medication contains. Some formulations of Unisom gels may contain diphenhydramine as an active ingredient instead of doxylamine. So be well aware of the medication you’re using.
Unisom is fast acting and works shortly after being taken; however, Diclegis is an extended relief medication and is a slow-acting medicine. This also means that its effects are long-lasting. If taken at night, the effect may be seen in the morning.
How much Unisom should I take for morning sickness?
American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that the usual dosage of Unisom to treat morning sickness is 25 mg at night. In combination, expecting moms are advised to take 10 to 25 mg of vitamin B6 every 8 hours.
What time should I take Unisom for morning sickness?
The best time to take Unisom is at night. You can take one tablet of 25 mg every night. If the symptoms do not improve and you continue to feel nausea, you can take another half tablet of 12.5 mg in the morning. For best results, always take vitamin b6.
What are the side effects of Unisom?
Though drowsiness is a known common side effect of using a combination of medications. Some other side effects may include:
- Dry mouth
- Allergic reaction (rash)
- Abdominal pain or irritability
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Visual disturbances
- Disturbed sleep
While these are normal side effects, in some cases, the side effects may prove to be severe such as:
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Pupil dilation and visual problems
- Difficulty in urination
The medication should be immediately stopped if such problems occur, and consult your doctor.
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
A severe form of morning sickness is hyperemesis gravidarum; however, the condition is not common and is experienced by only about 1% of the population.
Symptoms include:
- Electrolyte balance disruption
- Dehydration
- Severe nausea
- Weight loss
In mild cases, antacids may be used, or changes in diet may help. However in severe cases, you might need to be hospitalized and given IV fluids for adequate nutrition. One should also consult their doctor in cases of other severe symptoms like experiencing fever along with nausea and vomiting.
Other ways to manage morning sickness:
Changes in diet and lifestyle may also improve the nauseous condition. Some recommended changes are:
- Keep yourself hydrated and take lots of fluids throughout the day.
- Take multivitamin supplements
- Consume small portions of meals throughout the day
- Have a healthy diet that contains fruits and vegetables
- Eat more bland foods
- Consume solids and liquids separately
In conclusion:
In the past, there were many concerns over the use of Unisom for morning sickness about the fact that they harm the fetus and are responsible for congenital disabilities. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the adverse effects of the medication. After many studies, Unisom for pregnancy has proved safe for both the mother and child. The combination of the two decreases the unpleasant feeling by about 70%.
The medication is combined with vitamin B-6 and is used generally to treat nausea and vomiting, also known as morning sickness. Diclegis, on the other side, is a medicine that contains the combination of the two and is the only medication approved by the FDA.
The medication should be taken in proper dosage and better if prescribed. Doctors generally recommend changes in lifestyle before consumption of any medication. One should consult their doctor for such medication and seek professional advice in cases of side effects or severe symptoms that may be signs of hyperemesis gravidarum.
