Unisom® is an over-the-counter sleep aid that contains the active ingredient doxylamine succinate. When taken as directed, Unisom® can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. However, it’s important to understand how long Unisom® stays in your system, as this can vary from person to person.
The duration that Unisom® stays in your system depends on several factors, including your metabolism, age, liver function, and dosage. On average, the sedative effects of Unisom® can last up to 6 hours. This means that you may still feel drowsy or groggy for several hours after taking the medication.
It’s worth noting that the half-life of doxylamine succinate, the active ingredient in Unisom®, is approximately 10 hours. The half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from your body. Based on this, it can take around 50 hours for Unisom® to be completely eliminated from your system.
However, it’s important to remember that even though the sedative effects of Unisom® may wear off after 6 hours, the drug can still be detected in your system for a longer period of time. This is because drug tests can detect metabolites of doxylamine succinate, which can remain in your body for several days.
It’s also important to be aware of the potential side effects of Unisom®, as these can vary from person to person. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it’s important to seek medical attention.
In addition, it’s worth mentioning that Unisom® should only be used as directed and for short-term relief of insomnia. If you consistently have trouble sleeping, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional who can help identify and address the underlying causes of your sleep issues.
The sedative effects of Unisom® can last up to 6 hours, but the drug can remain in your system for a longer period of time. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage and use Unisom® as directed. If you have any concerns or questions about the duration of Unisom® in your system, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.