What is the difference between benadryl and zzzquil

Looking at the label , one can see that the active ingredient in ZzzQuil is diphenhydramine , which is more commonly known as the active ingredient in Benadryl, according to Shalini Paruthi, M. In other words, the antihistamine that has helped relieve us of sneezing and itchy, watery eyes for decades is also being used to address our disturbed sleep. Little long-term research exists on the risks associated with continuous use of OTC sleep aids, but Dr.

Paruthi said the main concern among physicians and sleep specialists is the potential for dangerous drug interactions with other medications. But for a person in good health who does not take other prescription medications, this risk is much lower. Instead, the danger for this group is that they'll experience drowsiness that lasts longer than the amount of time they intended to sleep.

Trying an over-the-counter solution to get through a particular rough patch can be fine, said Dr. In addition to diphenhydramine, the most common active ingredients in OTC sleep aids include melatonin a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone that signals to our bodies that it time for bed and tryptophan the component commonly associated with Thanksgiving Day turkey.

ZzzQuil Liquid Ingredients. Benadryl Liquid Ingredients. The solid dosage form products for ZzzQuil and Benadryl are essentially the same. They both contain 25mg of diphenhydramine per dose. Diphenhydramine is a sedating, 'first-generation' antihistamine in the ethanolamine class. Diphenhydramine is most commonly used to prevent allergy symptoms e.

The onset of action of diphenhydramine is around minutes after taking by mouth, with peak effects occurring 1 to 3 hours later. The liquid and liqui-gel formulations of diphenhydramine may work slightly faster. The duration of action is around 4 to 6 hours, with this being prolonged in the elderly and in those with liver disease. Benadryl is generally well tolerated but has potent anticholinergic effects, which is why it can cause dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation and sedation.

He has been featured in numerous publications including the Huffington Post as well as a variety of health and pharmacy-related blogs. David Rapoport , M.

A review of the research in the Clinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults examined 46 studies in an attempt to recommend clinical guidelines for treating insomnia. However, as Dr.

But, OK, how bad is it in a pinch? Rapoport says. But there are a couple things doctors want you to be aware of first. Pelayo says. The lingering effect of a standard adult dose 25 to 50 milligrams, i. Rapoport says, but it may be enough to make you feel sleepy or foggy-headed the next morning.

Other side effects are mild and can include dry mouth, nose, and throat; dizziness, constipation; headache; and nausea, according to the National Institutes of Health NIH.

You can also build up a tolerance to DPH fairly quickly. This means you will need to take an increasingly higher dose to achieve the same effect.

ZzzQuil is not suitable for everyone. Children under 12 years old should not take ZzzQuil, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak to a doctor first. ZzzQuil can also interact with some antidepressants and can worsen certain medical conditions, such as asthma and heart disease. Side effects of ZzzQuil may increase the risk of falls in older people. ZzzQuil is not addictive at the recommend dosage. However, people who take very high doses of ZzzQuil for a prolonged period may be at risk of becoming dependent.

Learn about the types, effectiveness, and safety of sleeping pills here. People have used passionflower for medicinal purposes for centuries. In this article, learn how it may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. We also…. Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces when it gets dark to signal that it is time to go to sleep. Melatonin supplements can help people with…. A variety of foods contain compounds that can help a person sleep, such as serotonin, melatonin, and tryptophan.

Learn about the best foods for…. L-5 hydroxytryptophan 5-HTP is a naturally occurring compound in the body. It is related to the production of serotonin, so some people think that…. What to know about ZzzQuil. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Summary ZzzQuil is an over-the-counter nighttime sleep aid. Share on Pinterest A person should use ZzzQuil as a short-term aid for occasional problems with sleep.

How to take ZzzQuil. Side effects.