When it comes to taking medications while pregnant, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain medications. Zzzquil is a common over-the-counter sleep aid used to help individuals fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep. With the increase of sleep difficulties during pregnancy, many women have wondered if taking Zzzquil is safe for them and their unborn baby. This blog post will provide a detailed overview of whether or not pregnant women can take Zzzquil and the potential risks associated with using this sleep aid. It will also provide natural alternatives to consider when dealing with insomnia and other sleep issues during pregnancy. We will cover the potential interactions between Zzzquil and other medications and the potential long-term effects of using Zzzquil during pregnancy. With this information, pregnant women can make an informed decision about whether or not taking Zzzquil is the best choice for them.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
You should think about speaking with your healthcare provider if you are having trouble falling asleep because your stress, depression, or anxiety are so severe. It’s common to struggle with mental health during pregnancy.
Not all antidepressants are considered safe during pregnancy, but some are. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line treatments for depression and anxiety—not sleep treatments, per se. In some cases, taking prescribed antidepressants can help you feel more emotionally balanced and can in turn help you fall asleep more easily.
Although research is ongoing, according to ACOG, the majority of SSRIs do not appear to increase the risk of birth defects. Some healthcare professionals might advise delaying until after your first trimester is over. Additionally, some of these drugs, like sertraline, can activate and prevent sleep. To determine what is best for you, talk to your healthcare team.
Consider treating the underlying symptoms rather than turning to a pregnancy sleep aid if one of the many pregnancy discomforts is keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. These pregnancy-safe medications and dietary supplements can help you sleep better even though they aren’t specifically for sleep disorders.
Despite the fact that some sleep aids for pregnant women are deemed safe or low-risk, there are some that are not advised. If you intend to breastfeed your child, you should also discuss breastfeeding safety with your healthcare provider.
A class of medication called benzodiazepines is used to treat anxiety disorders and is frequently prescribed for insomnia. However, they are typically not regarded as safe to use during pregnancy. Benzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam), are undoubtedly dangerous, according to Dr Marchand says.
Benzodiazepines can harm a baby and increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight because they cross the placenta. Some children born to mothers who used benzodiazepines while pregnant are said to have “floppy baby syndrome.” ” Babies may also have benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms at birth.
Ambien is a commonly prescribed sleep medication. There is limited knowledge about how it affects pregnancy, Dr. Marchand explains that most doctors do not advise it because of this. According to the FDA, taking Ambien during the third trimester is especially dangerous because it could result in respiratory depression and increased sedation in the unborn child.
Although medications like barbiturates and tranquilizers may be used occasionally to help you fall asleep, they should never be used during pregnancy, according to Dr Gersh warns. They have worries about the long-term effects on a baby’s health, she says.
Alcohol is also a substance you should never consume while pregnant, says Dr. Gersh, even if you think it will help you sleep. Alcohol can cause growth problems for babies and can negatively affect their developing brains.
Some expectant parents might consider marijuana as a way to get some sleep, but Dr. Gersh advises against this as well. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) warns against the use of recreational or medicinal marijuana during pregnancy. That includes CBD products—the FDA warns there may be serious risks to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Is Zzzquil Safe During Pregnancy?
Using Zzzquil during pregnancy is considered safe. Diphenhydramine HCL is an H1 antihistamine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It’s best to start by attempting at-home sleep remedies if you’re pregnant and having trouble falling or staying asleep. If that doesn’t work, you might think about using a sleeping aid. But first, consult your doctor before taking any drug. It is not advised to take any medication, including sleeping pills, while pregnant. But certain conditions necessitate their use. These conditions may include:
Numerous studies indicate that using H1 antihistamines during pregnancy is generally safe. That is the case because its use has not been associated with any serious side effects. However, the studies investigated short-term side effects only. Studies examining the long-term effects of Zzzquil during pregnancy are lacking. Thus, it is unknown what effects prolonged use of diphenhydramine HCL during pregnancy will have.
Recent research contradicts earlier studies that claim Diphenhydramine HCL during pregnancy can result in fetal abnormalities at birth (cleft palate, cleft lip, and developmental issues with the upper mouth and lower nose).
The Slone Epidemiology Center’s Birth Defects Study, which spoke with about 51,000 women, looked into the relationship between various medications and safety during pregnancy. According to this theory, safer drugs are those with higher ratings than those with lower ratings. Diphenhydramine HCL was rated “fair” in the study, making it safe to use during pregnancy.
Pregnant women who took Zzzquil up to five times the human dose did not experience birth defects or infertility, according to animal models. There are still a lack of or a lack of adequate well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Other studies showed a link between taking Zzzquil and having preterm babies. But the said association is weak.
So, under a doctor’s supervision, pregnant women can take Zzzquil without worrying about harming their unborn children. However, they should only do so infrequently because frequent use of the drug reduces its effectiveness and increases the risk of dependence.
Side Effects Of Zzzquil In Pregnancy
Like any other drug, Zzzquil can cause side effects. Pregnant women who experience more negative side effects than others may be more sensitive. Some of the side effects include:
How Does Zzzquil Work?
Zzzquil works as an antihistamine by preventing histamine receptors in the brain. Histamines are organic substances produced by the body that aid in controlling central nervous system alertness. So, when you take Zzzquil, brain histamine receptors are blocked. This blockage leads to drowsiness, helping you to sleep.
Diphenhydramine HCL also blocks acetylcholine receptors. The body naturally produces acetylcholine, which has an impact on a number of bodily processes. Wakefulness, attention, sleep, memory, heart rate, and muscle movement. By taking Zzzquil, you stop your body from producing the chemical that gives you alertness, acetylcholine. This, in turn, leads to drowsiness and falling asleep.