Donormil

Donormil (doxylamine succinate) is a sleeping pill that has long gained popularity in Western and Central Europe, and in many of these countries it has over-the-counter status. The drug is well absorbed from the digestive tract. Its half-life period is comparable to that of the “luminaries” of the class of sleeping pills - benzodiazepines. The pharmacological “trick” of the drug is rightly considered to be the fact that its active component interacts simultaneously with M-cholinergic and H1-histamine receptors in the central nervous system. This combined effect on the receptor apparatus of the central nervous system provides a powerful hypnotic and sedative effect. Unlike many other drugs in this group, Donormil not only prolongs sleep, but also improves its quality. It does not have a negative effect on the physiological mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms. Donormil is used for insomnia and other somnological disorders of various origins. The drug is available in the form of effervescent tablets. The optimal time to take it is 15-30 minutes before going to bed. Donormil will ensure normal sleep for 7-8 hours. With earlier awakening, provoked by various reasons, suppression of psycho-emotional activity may be noted. The drug is intended for course use. The duration of one course is 10 days. The break between courses (if repeated courses are required) is 10–15 days. The drug passed a number of clinical trials with honor. It has been established that it is significantly superior to Diphenhydramine in terms of its hypnotic effect (the study was conducted in dermatological patients suffering from insomnia).

One of the studies was conducted in our country in Moscow clinics. It was found that Donormil has a pronounced hypnotic effect, normalizes sleep structure, without exhibiting clinically significant side effects. The drug reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, increases the duration of sleep in general and the slow-wave sleep phases in particular, is not addictive and, not being a psychotropic drug, is accessible to the widest range of the population. Undesirable side effects are observed only when using submaximal doses: in such cases, increased daytime sleepiness, hyposalivation, and constipation may occur. When using the drug in combination with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and opiates, a potentiation of the inhibitory effect on the central nervous system is observed. Donormil copes well with most somnological disorders, because... eliminates the very processes underlying insomnia. After taking it in recommended doses, there is no aftereffect (subjective feeling of weakness, migraine pain, apathy). Donormil is well tolerated, has a favorable safety profile, and does not cause addiction or rebound syndrome. While taking the drug, it is recommended to refrain from activities associated with increased attention and concentration (driving a car, working with machinery).

Release form, composition, indications

The drug is available in the form of white tablets, film-coated and rectangular in shape. There is a notch on the surface for the convenience of dividing the tablet into two parts.

One piece contains 15 mg of doxylamine succinate, an active ingredient with a hypnotic effect. Additionally, the composition contains: magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate.

Donormil is sold in polypropylene tubes with a lid of 10 or 30 pieces, placed in a cardboard box along with instructions.

Application is indicated for:

sleep disorders caused by pain;
sleep disturbances resulting from emotional shock;
chronic fatigue and difficulty falling asleep.

Undesirable effects

Depending on individual characteristics, the drug may have additional side effects:

feeling of dry mouth, problems with bowel movements;
blurred visual function;
desire to sleep during the day, absent-mindedness;
cardiopalmus;
urinary retention;
increase in the level of creatine phosphokinase;
syndrome of muscle tissue destruction with the penetration of breakdown products into the circulatory system.

If undesirable reactions or discomfort are detected, discontinue the medicine and consult a doctor.

special instructions

When using Donormil, it is necessary to take into account that its effect is multiplied when taken with other sedative medications.

Urinary retention, thirst and dry mouth may occur when taken together with anticholinergics.

Drinking alcohol during treatment is undesirable, as distorted images and phenomena may appear in the environment.

For patients whose diet requires salt restriction, it is important to consider the sodium content of the tablets.

It is necessary to refrain from activities that require composure, increased attention, as well as from working with complex mechanisms and driving vehicles.

Price, where to buy, reviews

You can buy Donormil at a pharmacy or order it online. The price for 10 pieces starts from 120 rubles, for 30 pieces – from 290 rubles. Manufacturer: UPSA, France.

Reviews from doctors about the tablets indicate their popularity in the treatment of transient sleep disorders. Doctors note high efficiency and lack of addiction. To avoid negative effects, it is important to correctly calculate the dose.

Patients like that the tablets do not provoke nightmares, promote a smooth fall into sleep, and help with nervous shock when taken in small doses.

Contraindications

The instructions for Donormil contain a list of conditions and pathologies for which the medicine is not prescribed or is prescribed with caution.

Contraindications:

high sensitivity to antihistamines, doxylamine and any of the auxiliary components;
diagnosis of angle-closure glaucoma or hereditary predisposition to it;
pathologies of the urethral canal and prostate gland with impaired urinary function;
hereditary diseases associated with metabolic disorders (inability to convert galactose into glucose, lactase deficiency, impaired absorption of monosaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract);
The patient's age is up to 15 years.

Cautious use is allowed:

if a person has a tendency to suddenly stop breathing during sleep;
in elderly patients;
with severe dysfunction of the liver and kidneys.

Combination of alcohol and sleeping pills

The simultaneous use of Donormil and alcohol is absolutely prohibited: their effects are incompatible. Studies have shown that their effects mutually enhance each other, which causes fairly rapid addiction.

In addition, a person who drinks alcohol is resistant to sleeping pills, so he is forced to increase the dose of the medicine in order to fall asleep. An increased dose in combination with alcoholic beverages is very dangerous and can cause serious side effects.

Side effects with an increased dose of Donormil while drinking alcohol:

loss of coordination of movements;
severe drowsiness;
general lethargy.

Donormil has a sedative effect on the nervous system, and alcohol has a depressant effect. Their combined effect depresses the central nervous system in an excessive manner. If the patient continues to drink alcohol while taking Donormil, the following mental symptoms and conditions may develop:

unjustified aggression,
prolonged depression,
epileptic signs.

Somatic signs include increased body temperature, trembling in the arms and legs, and, occasionally, rapid heartbeat and fainting. Death may also occur. Observation of any of these signs is a signal to immediately seek medical help.

It is necessary to clearly know that even a small amount of alcohol taken after Donormil creates an addictive effect. Although the drug itself is not addictive unless combined with alcohol.

And you also need to remember about the limited duration of the Donormil course. Its reception should not be too long. Otherwise, an increase in dose will be required - as a result, there is a risk of poisoning from an overdose. To avoid such an outcome, you should carefully read the instructions and do not prolong the use of the drug beyond the specified period.

Donormil can be taken by older people

Is it prescribed for children and pregnant women?

The mechanism of action of doxylamine on women bearing a child has been thoroughly studied. According to research, the drug is safe and can be used by pregnant women in any trimester within the recommended dose and duration of use.

If Donormil was taken at the end of pregnancy, its properties should be taken into account when assessing the condition of the newborn.

The ability of the drug to pass into breast milk has not been studied, so it is advisable to interrupt breastfeeding for the period of treatment or choose another sleeping pill.

The drug is contraindicated for children under 15 years of age. For older patients, it is prescribed in adult dosages.

Pharmacological action of Donormil

The drug has a calming effect, relieving emotional stress, with the effect of a sleeping pill. After applying a therapeutic dose:

falling asleep occurs in a shorter period of time;
the quality of sleep improves: it becomes more sound, without waking up;
in the morning the patient feels cheerful and rested.

The sleeping pill Donormil moderately depresses the nervous system, because doxylamine slows down nervous processes and thereby promotes drowsiness. It is not a strong drug because:

does not affect the phases and cycles of sleep, does not cause nightmares or frequent dreams that exhaust a person;
slightly inhibits the functions of nerve cells of the respiratory center;
does not cause residual drowsiness or lethargy after waking up in the morning (depending on the individual characteristics of the patient).

General characteristics of the drug

The drug Donormil, the active ingredient of which is doxylamine, is an over-the-counter sleeping pill. The drug, according to the feelings of patients taking the medicine, slightly changes the structure of sleep, slightly reducing its depth.

The manifestation of anticholinergic activity is a characteristic feature of Donormil. The drug, in addition to its hypnotic effect, can relieve nausea. Donormil is preferable in cases where emergency measures to improve sleep are required, but for some reason it is impossible to get a doctor’s consultation and, therefore, a prescription. In more routine situations, your doctor may prescribe Zopiclone (Imovan).