Sedatives & Hypnotics
Doxylamine (Unisom) Abuse
Street names: Unisom, Doxylamine, OTC sleep pills
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Sedation, drowsiness
- Anticholinergic high at abuse doses (like DPH)
⚠Key risks
- Same deliriant/anticholinergic risks as Benadryl abuse
- Heart arrhythmia at high doses
- OTC = easy teen access
- Next-day impairment (driving, school)
- Dependency on sleep aids
✚Overdose signs
- Delirium, hallucinations
- Racing heart
- Urinary retention
📋Quick facts
Also known asUnisom, Doxylamine, OTC sleep pills
CategorySedatives & Hypnotics
Schedule / classOTC — unrestricted
AppearanceBlue/pink sleep-aid tablets (25 mg)
Street price$5–$10 OTC
Legal statusOTC unrestricted
Last updated2026-09-17
Sources: FDA, Poison Control
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doxylamine (Unisom) Abuse | OTC — unrestricted | Same deliriant/anticholinergic risks as Benadryl abuse; Heart arrhythmia at high doses | $5–$10 OTC |
| Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Abuse | OTC — unrestricted purchase | DELIRIANT — not a fun hallucinogen: users can't distinguish hallucination from reality; Heart arrhythmia — anticholinergic load strains the heart; deaths documented | $3–$8 per box |
| DXM (Dextromethorphan / Robotripping) | OTC | Serotonin syndrome — DXM is serotonergic; DEADLY with SSRIs, MAOIs, MDMA; Liver damage — Coricidin contains chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) that's hepatotoxic at abuse doses | ~$5–$12 per bottle |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Doxylamine (Unisom) Abuse look like?
Blue/pink sleep-aid tablets (25 mg)
What are the signs of a Doxylamine (Unisom) Abuse overdose?
Delirium, hallucinations; Racing heart; Urinary retention Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Same deliriant/anticholinergic risks as Benadryl abuse Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.