A OTC Sedative Belongs in Your Medical Kit

In a real serious emergency, it seems there is always someone who has trouble dealing with it and may need to be sedated during the initial stages. Sedation can also be a method of dealing with pain, either emotional or physical.  I have been doing some research on what is the best over the counter sedative.  There are a couple of good choices that are easily available.

One Benadryl is often on lists of over the counter drugs for preppers, but in most cases its sedative effects are not emphasized.   15 Over the Counter Medications Preppers need to Stock.  Benadryl in the US contains diphenhydramine which is a first generation antihistamine.  In some other countries, the formulation has been changed to eliminate the sedative effect, in particular England.

Benadryl is normally used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.  Benadryl is also used to suppress coughs, to treat motion sickness, to induce sleep, and to treat mild forms of Parkinson’s disease.  Sedation is listed as one of the side effects of Benadryl.  It definitely will make you sleepy.

But after some research, I have decided to add doxylamine to the OTC medications that I stock.  Doxylamine is a first generation antihistamine, that was developed in 1949. It can be used by itself as a short-term sedative and in combination with other drugs to provide night-time allergy and cold relief.   It is the sedative found in Nyquil.  It is also the most effective over-the-counter sedative available in the United States and is more sedating than some prescription. One study https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00366 found that doxylamine succinate was more effective than the barbituratephenobarbital for use as a sedative.

Doxylamine is available as Unison SleepTabs or from Costco as Kirkland Signature Sleep Aid Doxylamine Succinate 25 Mg, 192-Count for $12.95.

If you choose to purchase these for your preps, remember that I am not a Doctor and have had no special medical training.  Use these only as directed in their instructions or as directed by competent medical personal.

Howard