What does zzzquil do to you

Sold as a liquid or a liquid-filled capsule, ZzzQuil is a sleep aid that is used to treat insomnia characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. ZzzQuil is meant to relieve occasional sleeplessness, and shouldn't be used for insomnia lasting more than two weeks. If insomnia persists, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia CBTI is recommended.

ZzzQuil's active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is most often used to provide relief from allergies; sleepiness is a side effect of this component.

But since diphenhydramine is the medication's only active ingredient, it is advertised to be safer than other "PM" sleeping pills that may also contain Tylenol acetaminophen , ibuprofen, or other ingredients. It should be taken when you can devote eight hours to sleep to avoid morning side effects. Antihistamines block the action of the chemical histamine, a signal within the central nervous system that promotes wakefulness. As a result, antihistamine medications can lead to drowsiness.

Diphenhydramine and histamine work within the brain as well as other parts of the body, causing the potential for side effects. Diphenhydramine can also suppress a cough or nausea and may lead to uncontrolled movements called dyskinesias. 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.

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The short-term use of melatonin supplements appears to be safe for most adults and children. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Digestive system effects. Nervous system effects. Respiratory system effects. Cardiovascular system effects. Vision and hearing effects. Urinary system effects. Talk to your doctor before taking this medication.

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed. Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter non-prescription , and herbal medications that you are taking.

Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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Source: www. About this Medication. How does this medication work? What will it do for me? Acne Doctor Discussion Guide. M there are some things you need to know before taking this over the counter medication. Sold as a liquid or a liquid-filled capsule, ZzzQuil is a sleep aid that is used to treat insomnia characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

The main ingredient of ZzzQuil is diphenhydramine antihistamine. Antihistamines are a class of medications that block the action of histamine, a substance that is released by cells in your body in response to an allergic reaction. The release of histamine is responsible for many allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching.

Some antihistamines are also used for their side effects, including sedation and prevention of nausea and vomiting. Studies suggest that people fall asleep on average about 8 minutes faster compared to placebo.