If you are taking Unisom SleepGels® or SleepTabs®, the correct dosage is one SleepGel or SleepTab. If you are taking Unisom SleepMelts™, the correct dosage is two SleepMelts.

For adults and children 12 years of age and over, SleepTabs should be taken 30 minutes before going to bed or as directed by a doctor. SleepGels and SleepMelts should be taken at bedtime or as directed by a doctor.

Unisom is indicated to relieve occasional sleeplessness. If your sleeplessness persists for more than two weeks, consult your doctor. Sleeplessness may be a symptom of serious underlying medical illness.

We recommend taking Unisom SleepGels or SleepTabs with water to help in swallowing. Unisom SleepMelts melt in your mouth and will dissolve with or without water.

Clinical studies show, and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has approved a dosage of one SleepGel or SleepTab, or two SleepMelts. We do not recommend any other dosage amount unless directed by a doctor.

We do not ever recommend a higher dose than is listed on the label.

Although the active ingredient is an antihistamine, the dosing frequency and directions differ between its sleep-aid use and the allergy use. Therefore, we advise that consumers purchase the appropriate antihistamine for allergies to ensure that the dosing directions for this use are followed.

It’s a good idea to store the products between 59° to 86° F (15° to 30° C).

It is recommended that you take Unisom SleepTabs 30 minutes before going to bed for the evening. Unisom SleepGels and SleepMelts should be taken at bedtime. Taking the product too late at night may cause some morning drowsiness.

We are unaware of any concerns when taking Unisom with milk or tea/coffee. However, the tea/coffee should be decaffeinated because the caffeine could keep you awake.

Please consult your doctor before using this product after surgery.

Consumers should always consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding possible drug interactions.

Wine contains alcohol, and should not be taken with Unisom.

SleepGels and SleepMelts contain diphenhydramine HCI. It blocks the effects of histamine, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter, and helps you doze off. SleepTabs’ active ingredient, doxylamine succinate works very similar to diphenhydramine.

Clinical studies were conducted to prove the effectiveness and safety of Unisom SleepTabs. These studies are on file with the US FDA. Unisom SleepGels and SleepMelts comply with the US FDA OTC nighttime sleep-aid drug monograph.

While this varies with the individual, our study shows that Unisom SleepTabs help people with occasional sleeplessness to fall asleep 23 minutes faster than without Unisom.

Studies show that Unisom helps troubled sleepers sleep soundly through the night.

It is possible that after long-term use you could become resistant to the sedation (sleepiness) from Unisom. However, the package states that you should not use these products for more than 14 days, unless recommended by your doctor.

There are clinical studies to document that OTC sleep-aids are effective and the US FDA has determined that OTC sleep-aids are effective to help you fall asleep. We would, however, be interested in any data your doctor might have. Please have him or her send us a copy at:
Unisom
c/o Chattem, Inc.
PO Box 2219
Chattanooga, TN 37409

Yes, Unisom SleepGels and SleepTabs have a 3-year expiration date. Unisom SleepMelts have a 2-year expiration date. They should not be used after the expiration date. The effectiveness and safety of the products have not been evaluated after the expiration date.

The active ingredient in each Unisom SleepTab is 25 mg of doxylamine succinate.

The active ingredient in each Unisom SleepGel is 50 mg of diphenhydramine HCl.

The active ingredient in each Unisom SleepMelt tablet is 25 mg (50 mg per dose) of diphenhydramine HCl.

Unisom SleepTabs are powder-blue tablets; SleepGels are blue-colored softgels; and SleepMelts are pink tablets.

The color blue was chosen for the tablets and the softgels because it is a soothing color. The dyes used are US FDA approved for use in foods, drugs and cosmetics.

Before using any OTC product, you should always read the back label to determine if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that requires you to first consult your doctor. Also, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other prescription or OTC medicines.

No. The products are non-narcotic and approved for OTC use by the US FDA.

Although rare, the most commonly reported side effects are constipation, dry mouth, dry throat, blurred vision and ringing in the ears. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Some of the ingredients come from natural sources. The active ingredients are recognized as safe and effective by the US FDA.

You should discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist before using Unisom.

Sleeplessness is very common. About one-third of all Americans report occasional difficulties in sleeping. Unfortunately, there are multiple factors and one cannot give an exact cause. There are three types of sleeplessness: transient (temporary), short-term and chronic.

Unisom and other OTC sleep-aids are recommended for transient (temporary) and short-term occasional sleeplessness – usually caused by life stresses such as travel or anticipation of important, stressful events. As the Unisom label states, “if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than two weeks, consult your physician. Insomnia may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical illness.”

It is recommended that sufferers of sleep apnea consult their physician before taking Unisom.

Yes, as we grow older, the kind of sleep changes and the total amount of sleep becomes less or more disrupted. There may also be an increased incidence of sleep complaints, although the exact reasons are unclear.

Please visit the Sleep 101 section of our website for information on developing healthy sleeping habits.

We cannot comment on the formulations of the store brands. Since Unisom products are our products, we can guarantee their quality. They conform to all the rules and regulations set forth by the US FDA for such products.

Unisom SleepTabs are available in 8, 16, 32 and 48 count blister cards. All sizes are in child-resistant packaging with the exception of the 16 count, which is packaged in an easy-to-open, non-child resistant blister card.

Unisom SleepGels are available in 8 and 16 count blister cards and 32 count bottles. The 8 count product is the easy-to-open, non-child resistant size for this formula.

Unisom SleepMelts are available in 24 count blister cards.

This is a side effect of the antihistamine.

Some adults with arthritis find child-resistant packages difficult to open. Therefore, we offer 16 count Unisom SleepTabs and 8 count Unisom SleepGels in non-child resistant packages for households without young children.

Both formulas are considered GRAS/E (generally recognized as safe and effective) by FDA. SleepGels’ and SleepMelts’ active ingredient diphenhydramine HCl  (50 mg/dose) is permitted for use as a nighttime sleep-aid by US FDA under the nighttime sleep-aid OTC drug monograph (21 CFR Part 338). SleepTabs contain doxylamine succinate (25 mg/dose) and is FDA approved under an NDA (New Drug Application).