Diphenhydramine, the main ingredient of ZzzQuil, is only modestly effective in improving sleep, according to research. Studies suggest that people fall asleep on average about 8 minutes faster compared to placebo. The total amount of sleep improves by an average of about 12 minutes. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine discourages the use of the medication as a sleep aid because the benefits are approximately equal to the potential for harm.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you're concerned about how ZzzQuil may affect your health or interact with your other medications. In general, it should not be used in children under 12, and it should be used with caution in older people. Some of the conditions that may require additional caution when considering the use of ZzzQuil include:.
If you have any of these conditions, you should speak with your healthcare provider before starting to use ZzzQuil. As this medication has the potential to interact with other drugs, especially those that impact the brain, review your medications with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using it. You can use our Healthcare Provider Discussion Guide below to start that conversation.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Morning "hangover" effects may occur with the use of the medication, especially if inadequate time is spent in bed after taking it; at higher doses; with the use of other medications; or in the presence of certain medical conditions, including untreated sleep disorders like sleep apnea. As with the use of any drug, there are also risks of serious side effects with the use of ZzzQuil.
These occur more rarely compared to the common side effects listed above. As noted above, certain people are advised to use ZzzQuil with caution, or not at all. As it is an over-the-counter medication, there may be an impression that the overall risks may be slightly lower compared to other prescription medications used to treat insomnia.
This may not be the case, however, and review of additional options should occur with your healthcare provider. Taking more than the prescribed dose, or using it with alcohol, may lead to overdose and serious health consequences. For pregnant women, harm to a developing fetus is possible but unlikely. Given the limited effectiveness of this medication, it may be desirable to pursue other treatment options for insomnia. Tossing and turning night over night can have a big impact on your quality of life.
Our free guide can help you get the rest you need. To reduce stomach upset, try taking ZzzQuil with food or milk. ZzzQuil can cause side effects to the nervous system, which includes your brain and spinal cord.
These side effects can include the following:. More serious side effects can occur if you overdose on this medication. Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, which can include:.
ZzzQuil can cause some symptoms in your respiratory system, or the parts of your body you use to breathe. They can include:. To reduce these side effects, try drinking more water. If your diet restricts fluids, talk to your doctor before increasing your water intake. ZzzQuil can affect your heart and blood vessels. Serious side effects can occur if you take too much. Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects.
These can include:. If you feel lightheaded while taking this medication, be sure to sit or lie down. This can help prevent injury in case you pass out.
For the capsule form, a single 50 mg dose is equal to two ZzzQuil capsules. A person cannot cut, chew, or split the capsules. ZzzQuil is also available in an alcohol-free liquid solution, which may be more appropriate for adolescents. Diphenhydramine, which is the active ingredient in ZzzQuil, can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of diphenhydramine include :. Rarely, more serious side effects can occur, including :.
The intended use of ZzzQuil is for occasional sleeplessness. The manufacturer recommends that people consult a doctor if they experience sleeping difficulties continuously for more than 2 weeks, as this may be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. It is also important to avoid drinking alcohol when taking ZzzQuil as this can increase drowsiness. Older adults should use ZzzQuil with caution as side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure can increase the risk of falling.
Taking ZzzQuil may worsen certain medical conditions, including :. People who experience urinary difficulties while taking ZzzQuil should stop taking the medication and speak to a doctor. Not everyone can take ZzzQuil. People should not give ZzzQuil to children under the age of 12 years. The active ingredient of ZzzQuil can pass into breastmilk, so people who are breastfeeding should consult a doctor before taking it. Pregnant women should also seek medical advice before using this medication.
People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs , which are a type of antidepressant , should avoid taking ZzzQuil or speak to a doctor first. MAOIs can worsen some of the side effects of antihistamines. Although ZzzQuil contains diphenhydramine, which can help relieve allergy symptoms, it can still cause allergic reactions in some people.
Anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to ZzzQuil or medicines containing diphenhydramine should avoid taking it. According to a review , diphenhydramine is among the list of medications misused by people presenting to the emergency department for drug treatment.
Antihistamines are widely available OTC medications. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome.
Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:. Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication. Bladder or urinary problems: Diphenhydramine can worsen symptoms of bladder problems.
If you have a history of bladder problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Alcohol, sedatives, and pain medications can increase the side effects e. Do not undertake any activities that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Lung problems: This medication can make breathing problems worse. If you have lung problems such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Medical conditions: For some people, insomnia is caused by other medical conditions. If you have trouble sleeping for longer than 2 weeks, contact your doctor before taking this medication.
Thyroid disease: People with thyroid disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
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