Description

Sominex – A Simple Guide to Temporary Sleep Problems

A good night’s sleep is essential for your energy, concentration and routine during the day. But sometimes stress, disruptions to routine, travel or other temporary problems can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Sominex contains promethazine hydrochloride, an antihistamine with sedative properties, and is a sleep aid for nighttime use. Sominex tablets contain promethazine hydrochloride 20 mg in the UK.

What Is Sominex?

Sominex is a drug for temporary disturbances of sleep. It can help a person who has trouble sleeping or staying asleep because of a change in their normal routine. Promethazine is a sedating medication and can make you sleepy.

Sominex, therefore, is intended for short-term rather than long-term treatment of chronic insomnia. If sleep problems do not improve or get worse after seven days, speak to a doctor, the patient leaflet says.

How Sominex Works ?

Sominex contains promethazine hydrochloride, which belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines. Antihistamines are a common treatment for allergies, but some can cause drowsiness as well. Sominex is a sedative that makes you sleep at nite.

So it could be useful for those who have occasional trouble getting to sleep. Do not use Sominex unless it is directed on the product label or by your healthcare professional.

How to use Sominex

The current UK patient information recommends that adults, older people and children over 16 should take one tablet at nite. When sleep is difficult to obtain it can be taken up to 1 hour after going to bed. Do not take Sominex for more than 7 days unless directed by a health care professional.

Do not go beyond the recommended dose. Too much of it can cause severe symptoms, such as seizures, a loss of consciousness, an irregular heartbeat or trouble breathing.

Important Safety Information

Before you take Sominex, tell your doctor or chemist if you have: • Breathing problems • Epilepsy • Heart problems • An irregular heartbeat • Liver or kidney problems • Glaucoma • Difficulty passing urine • Certain stomach problems

Sominex can also affect other medicines. This includes some antidepressants, antipsychotic medicines, sleeping medicines, medicines that affect heart rhythm, seizure medicines, and some antibiotics. In particular, the leaflet advises against use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in specified circumstances.

Sominex and Alcohol . Sominex may cause drowsiness and sedation . Alcohol may increase these effects . Do not drink alcohol while taking Sominex .

Driving and Sominex

Sominex can cause drowsiness, dizziness, sleepiness or blurred vision. These effects can sometimes last into the next morning. If you think you’re affected, you must not drive or operate machinery.

Who Should Not Take Sominex?

The current UK leaflet states that Sominex should not be given to children under 16 years of age, except on medical advice. It is also not recommended in pregnancy and should not be taken while breast-feeding, as promethazine can pass into breast milk.

Do not use this product if you are allergic to promethazine or any of the ingredients in the medicine. Always read the label. If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional to see if this product is right for you.

Sominex Side Effects (Potential)

Like other medicines, Sominex may cause side effects. Some people can feel sleepy, dizzy or have blurred vision. The official leaflet also lists serious reactions that require immediate medical attention, such as restlessness, hallucinations or aggression.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Sominex Frequently Asked Questions

What is sominex?

Sominex is used for the short-term treatment of sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia).

How long can I take Sominex for?

The Sominex UK patient leaflet now says do not take it for more than seven days. If sleep problems continue or come back, see a doctor.

Do not drink alcohol with Sominex.

“No. Product information: Do not drink alcohol while taking Sominex.

Does Sominex cause next day sleepiness?

Yeah.” Sominex can cause drowsiness or sleepiness that can carry over into the next morning. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected.

Is Sominex okay for children?

The UK leaflet says that it shouldn’t be given to anyone under the age of 16 unless a doctor tells you to.

Conclusion

Sominex is a short-term nighttime sleep aid containing promethazine hydrochloride 20 mg per tablet. It is for short-term sleep problems, not chronic insomnia. So take as directed, avoid alcohol, be aware of any drug interactions, and talk to a professional if sleep problems persist.