Sominex (diphenhydramine) is a medication used to manage such allergy symptoms as sneezing, itchy eyes, hives and a runny nose. It can also treat motion sickness, insomnia and less severe forms of Parkinson's disease. According to Drugs.com, Sominex is an antihistamine medication that interferes with your body's release of histamine, a natural substance responsible for inducing allergy symptoms. Typically, you will take 25 to 50 mg of Sominex three to four times a day or as your doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Sominex can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. Vomiting can cause a reduction in your blood potassium levels and also lead to dehydration. Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) signs include fatigue, constipation, weakness and muscle spasms. You can eat bananas, spinach and apricots to quickly raise your potassium levels to normal. Dehydration occurs because you lose bodily fluid through vomiting. You must drink seven to ten glasses of water daily to replace these fluids. Do not drive your car when you are drowsy. Sominex can also cause a poor appetite and nervousness. These symptoms should subside within three to four days, but phone your physician when these manifestations last over four days.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that Sominex can cause low blood pressure (hypotension), a fast heartbeat (tachycardia), low platelet counts and nasal congestion. Hypotension occurs when your blood doesn't produce enough force against the walls of your blood vessels. Without enough pressure, your blood remains motionless and it does not flow to the different organs of your body. For example, lightheadedness and fainting results if blood does not reach your brain. Hypotension is a medical emergency. Discontinue Sominex; your doctors can provide you with medications to increase your blood pressure. An erratic heartbeat such as tachycardia can also effect the amount of blood that pumps to the rest of your body. Signs of tachycardia include shortness of breath, sweating, fainting, skipped heartbeats and chest pain. Lowered platelet counts prevent your blood from clotting; easy bleeding and bruising results. Phone your doctor when Sominex causes these symptoms.
Additional Concerns
The National Library of Medicine recommends you take caution when using Sominex while suffering from glaucoma (high eye pressure), peptic ulcers, an enlarged prostate or bladder obstruction. Sominex may worsen these conditions. Avoid combining Sominex with alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers as it can increase your drowsiness.
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