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PRODUCT FACT-FILE - "NYTOL" {Diphenhydramine Hcl} Sleep Aid :- |
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“NYTOL” Sleep Aid FactFile. A proprietary brand of an over-the-counter product, sold for the temporary relief of minor sleep disorders. “Nytol” is actually an Antihistamine, and is permitted to be marketed and advertised not for this clinical indication, but solely for its Sedative side effects. Some may question the ethics of this decision. The generic ingredient contained in “Nytol” is called Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, or Hcl for short, is also present in its indicated antihistamine form, in several OTC cough and cold preparations. All these products are of the type which may cause drowsiness, and carries the added warning not to drive or operate machinery, whilst taking the product. It was only fairly recently that Diphenhydramine Hcl was licensed to be sold purely as a ‘sleep aid’ due to its Sedative qualities. You may recall a popular OTC product called “Night Nurse” which also contained Diphenhydramine Hcl. Nearly everyone knew that if you took a dose of the “Night Nurse”, the result was that it made you go off to sleep very quickly, because of the side effects of the antihistamine, Diphenhydramine, however, believe it or not the Manufacturers of “Night Nurse” were NOT permitted then to advertise this Sedative property of their product. You may even remember the exact wording used in their Adverts for “Night Nurse”?..? Relieves aches and pains?.and so aids restful sleep?? Not a word about being a Sedative or a “sleep aid”?. “Nytol” is presented in tablet form, currently in 2 strengths, and also in a different, Herbal form. It has an OTC sister product, though presently less available, as it is not widely stocked, in a liquid similar strength of Diphenhydramine Hcl, and this is called “Medinex” Liquid or Linctus. Contra-Indications – When it should NOT be taken : If you have a history of suffering, or currently have :- Asthma, Narrow Angle Glaucoma, Prostatic Hypertrophy, Stenosing Peptic Ulcer, Pyloroduodenal or Bladder Neck Obstruction, Pregnancy, in Breastfeeding or Lactation, Alcohol and/or Drug Misuse or Addiction. Special Precautions – Dangers when used : Myasthenia Gravis. Has a profound Sedative action, and thus can cause Drowsiness. Users should NOT drive, or operate any machinery requiring concentration and alertness. Interactions – Reported to react with these drugs/products : Alcohol {increases and potentiates its effects}, C.N.S. Depressant Drugs & Medicines, M.A.O.I. Drugs & Medicines,e.g. “Nardil” & “Parnate”,etc. {can be dangerous!}. Adverse Reactions and common Side Effects reported : Drowsiness, Dry Mouth, Nausea, Heightened Nervousness and Anxiety Levels, Rarely Thrombocytopaenia, Tolerance leading to increase in dose amounts or reduction in Periods between each individual dose taken. Some reports of Cardiac Arrythmias. Reports made to “Over-Count” in respect of Addiction/Tolerance to “Nytol” : Over-Count has many Clients who profess a long-term addiction or misuse to “Nytol”. Commonly, it affects clients in the ratio of 75% Females, 25% Males. The majority of misusers take between 4 and 28 “Nytol” tablets in a 24 hour period, during Both daylight and nightime hours. The average is 8 tablets taken in a 24 hour period. Reports indicate addiction can occur when just a single tablet is taken regulary, over a Continous treatment period of just 14 to 25 days. The majority of long-term misusers complain of, in order, Chronic Tiredness and Lethargy, Gastro-Intestinal disorders and complaints, Chronic Mood Swings which in both Female and Males can occasionally present as Violent in nature. Early morning Headaches, A ‘fluttering’ sensation in the chest area, High levels of Anxiety and Stress. |