Can I take a unisom sleep aid to help sleep the night after my lipo suction of the abdomen procedure?

Hello, thank you for your question

Please touch base with your surgeon and your recovery/postop team. It is very important to know that they are your best friends and should be involved in your recovery as much as possible. Make sure you touch base with them and follow their directions to recover as best and seamless as possible. All the best!

Alex Zuriarrain, MD

Cleveland Clinic Trained Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Unisom contains an antihistamine Doxylamine, which is similar to Benadryl. Some antihistamines have the side effect of drowsiness that may be helpful in this situation. Importantly, antihistamines do not depress respiration at recommended doses, so they are generally safe after surgery. Of course, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor. Good luck. 

An otc sleep aid is just an antihistamine which has a side effect of drowsiness. Benadryl is an example and the benefit also is that they are also anti-nausea as well.  Just don't take them at the same time as your pain meds since they potentiate the pain meds.

Using sleep aids after surgery can be tricky. You will still have anesthesia on board plus the effects of pain medications. A sleep aid might be too much. Discuss this with your surgeon.

Beth.   A mild sleep aid like Unisom may be OK the night after surgery, if you do not take it in unison with your pain medications. Your best option is to discuss your specific issues with your plastic surgeon, as he or she has a full grasp of medications already prescribed to you. It is not a good idea to combine postoperative pain and sleep meds.  Please call your surgeon before taking any meds not prescribed by your surgeon..