Snorting Unisom (Doxylamine): Side Effects And Dangers

Unisom is an over-the-counter sleep aid containing doxylamine, an antihistamine that causes drowsiness. It is designed to be taken orally as a tablet and is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, some people crush and snort Unisom in an attempt to feel its effects more quickly or intensely. This practice is both dangerous and a clear indicator of drug misuse.

Snorting any medication not designed for nasal use introduces substances into the body in ways that bypass important safety mechanisms and can cause serious harm to the nasal passages, throat, and respiratory system. When someone is crushing and snorting an over-the-counter sleep aid, it often signals a broader pattern of substance misuse that warrants professional attention.

Read more about the dangers of snorting drugs

Why Do People Snort Unisom?

Unisom is a sleep medication that may be misused by young adults or people who have a history of drug abuse or addiction. Snorting Unisom is uncommon.

Someone might snort Unisom to:

• get high
• feel drug effects faster
• feel calm
• experiment with drugs

Unisom is not a common drug of abuse. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines, which are not known to cause euphoria or be physically addictive.

Side Effects Of Snorting Unisom

Unisom is primarily taken as a sleep aid. Snorting Unisom may cause side effects of the drug to kick in quicker and may increase the likelihood of serious side effects.

Side effects of snorting Unisom might include:

• dry nose and mouth
• nasal inflammation
• pain in the nose
• sleepiness
• dizziness
• headache
• chest congestion
• nausea
• low blood pressure

Snorting Unisom with other drugs may cause additional effects. Serious side effects of snorting Unisom may include vision problems, hives, and difficulty urinating.

Dangers Of Snorting Unisom

Unisom is not intended to be snorted. Snorting Unisom can be dangerous, especially if taken with other drugs, including alcohol. Primary dangers of snorting Unisom include overdose, physical dependence, and addiction.

Unisom Overdose

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States. Although Unisom overdose is uncommon, it can occur by snorting very high doses or taking with other drugs.

Signs of Unisom overdose might include:

• very high body temperature
• reddish or flushed skin
• dilated pupils
• hallucinations
• delirium
• irregular heartbeat

Serious complications from Unisom overdose can occur. Severe overdose may cause seizures, arrhythmia, respiratory failure, coma, or death.

Unisom Abuse And Dependence

Snorting Unisom is a clear sign of drug misuse that often occurs when people with addiction histories can’t access their preferred substances. This dangerous method of use can lead to tolerance, meaning people need increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects. Regular misuse of Unisom through snorting puts users at risk for serious health complications.

While Unisom isn’t considered physically addictive like other drugs, people who abuse it can develop psychological dependence. This means they may feel like they can’t sleep or function normally without the medication. Over time, this psychological reliance can become just as problematic as physical addiction, making it difficult for people to stop using the drug even when they want to quit.

Find Help For Unisom Abuse And Addiction Today

If you or someone you know is battling Unisom abuse or addiction, help is available right now.

To find treatment and support:

• browse our directory of addiction treatment centers in your area
• call SAMHSA’s National Helpline for free, confidential treatment referrals
• contact your healthcare provider to discuss safe treatment options
• reach out to local addiction counselors or support groups
• consider inpatient or outpatient rehab programs that specialize in prescription drug abuse

Recovery from Unisom abuse is possible with the right support and treatment. Don’t wait to get the help you need to overcome this dangerous pattern of drug misuse.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff