Why should DreamJuice with doxylamine be banned?

Dreamjuice is used in various contexts. It's a commercial drink that's said to promote sleep, but it's also a psychoactive or hallucinogenic drink (based on plant extracts like natural ayahuasca). The reasons why a substance like Dreamjuice might be banned vary greatly from case to case.

Doxylamine is a powerful drug, not a harmless natural substance. Doxylamine is a first-generation antihistamine that acts on the central nervous system. It is officially used as a sleep aid or anti-nausea medication, but only in low, controlled doses.

In high or unregulated doses, it can cause severe drowsiness or confusion, cardiac arrhythmias, strokes, coma, or even death in overdose.

Some products, such as DreamJuice, are presented as herbal or harmless, while they contain a pharmacologically active drug. This is misleading to consumers who think it is safe because it is a drink and not a pill. In reality, doxylamine should fall under the Medicines Act, not a food supplement.

Doxylamine is not approved for use in children under 12 years of age. However, a drink with a sweet taste or a natural image can lead parents to inappropriately give it to children. Even small dose overdoses can be dangerous in young children.

Although doxylamine is not addictive in the traditional sense, psychological dependence can develop: people become accustomed to taking something to sleep.

Source: https://www.lareb.nl/news/slaapmiddel-droomsap-kan-bijwerkingen-geven

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-10-12 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2026