Morning sickness, characterised by nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, affects up to 70–80% of pregnant individuals, most commonly during the first trimester. While many experience mild symptoms, others may find the condition debilitating, leading to challenges in maintaining nutrition, hydration, and overall wellbeing. Various remedies are suggested for relief, including dietary changes, vitamin supplements, and certain medications. One such medication that sometimes arises in discussions is Restavit. But is Restavit effective—or safe—for managing morning sickness?
What is Restavit?
Restavit is an over-the-counter sleep aid containing the active ingredient doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine commonly used to treat insomnia and allergic conditions. While its primary use is for short-term relief of sleeplessness, doxylamine also possesses anti-nausea properties, which is why it’s occasionally discussed in the context of pregnancy-related nausea.
Doxylamine and Morning Sickness
Internationally, doxylamine has been used in combination with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) to manage morning sickness. In countries like Canada and the United States, a prescription medication combining these two ingredients (marketed as Diclectin or Diclegis) is approved specifically for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Studies have shown that this combination can be effective and is considered safe for use in pregnancy when prescribed appropriately.
In Australia, however, this combination is not available as a single, regulated product. Instead, health professionals may suggest taking doxylamine (e.g., Restavit for morning sickness) along with vitamin B6 separately—but only under strict medical supervision.
Is Restavit Safe During Pregnancy?
Restavit is not officially approved in Australia for use during pregnancy to treat morning sickness. However, doxylamine itself is classified as a Category A drug by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which means that it has been taken by a large number of pregnant women without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other harmful effects on the baby.
Despite this, self-medicating with Restavit is not recommended during pregnancy without consulting a doctor or pharmacist. The dosage and timing are crucial, and side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness must be carefully considered, especially if you’re caring for other children or operating a vehicle.
When is Restavit Recommended?
In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend Restavit (along with vitamin B6) when first-line treatments such as dietary changes and ginger supplements fail to provide relief. This is usually reserved for moderate to severe morning sickness that affects a person’s ability to function or leads to dehydration and weight loss.
Alternative Treatments
Before considering medications like Restavit, milder strategies are often tried first. These may include:
- Eating small, frequent meals
- Avoiding strong odours or spicy foods
- Using ginger-based products (tea, lollies, capsules)
- Taking vitamin B6 supplements
- Acupressure wristbands
In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe other anti-nausea medications that are specifically approved for pregnancy, such as ondansetron or metoclopramide.
Final Thoughts
While Restavit (doxylamine) has shown potential in helping relieve morning sickness symptoms, its use should only be considered under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. It is not officially approved for this purpose in Australia, and improper use can lead to unwanted side effects or risks during pregnancy.
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe morning sickness, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Your doctor can help you navigate safe and effective options tailored to your specific situation.
