Over the counter sleep aids?

I take sedating meds at night but I had a cold recently and was taking a nighttime cold medicine which consisted of mainly acetemiaphine and an antihistamine. I slept so much better when I was taking that but now my cold is pretty much gone. Does anyone take an OTC med like Zzzquil to help with sleep (It's an antihistamine but marketed as a sleep aid)? I'm wondring if it's OK to keep taking an antihistamine along with other meds. I didn't sleep nearly as well last night without it.

Good question. I have found the need to check for interactions in my meds too.
I use an online drug interaction checker.
Check this one out... Drug Interactions Checker - Check Your Brand and Generic Drugs - RxList

Yes. There have been many times in my life when I've taken otc sleep aids. There used to be something called "Simply Sleep" - the stuff was terrific as far as keeping me asleep all night. I guess it's not made anymore 'cause I never see it.

I use ZZZQuil now and then - used it for 5 nights last week because I was desperate for sleep. I find that it helps me to fall asleep, but doesn't do much (if anything) to keep me asleep throughout the night.

The good part of the otc's are that they don't have a hangover effect.

People keep telling me to try melatonin and/or valerian root. I guess I will one of these days.

I always use a drug interaction checker. I haven't tried zquil. Certain brands of melitonin gives me a head ache.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom I always use a drug interaction checker. I haven't tried zquil. Certain brands of melitonin gives me a head ache.

See, that's the problem I have. Melatonin is the "in" thing now, but I used it decades ago, bought it in a natural foods store. I tried it for 3 nights and on the third day I felt weird and depressed. No doubt about it. Whenever I tell my pdoc or therapist of my experience they seem to deny it. But I don't want to take the chance of getting depressed again.

I've tried basically everything on the market--benadryl actifed, dramamine, zquil, melatonin. On and on. My brain just laughs at them. They do nothing for me. Part of the reason I used to drink was it put me to sleep reliably. I am in recovery now, so that is off the table.

I say run it by your pdoc to be sure she/he feels okay with whatever you're using. In my own experience, pretty much all sleep aids, including the strongest prescription ones like Seroquel, ultimately stop working. That's where I am now. Nothing works. It's quite hard (I did not ever sleep last night, eg). Anyhoo, if you are lucky enough to have found something that does the trick for you, that is fantastic. Antihistamines are relatively safe, but I would still run it by the doc.

I take melatonin.

I have many times slammed NyQuil, with Pdocs permission if I’m going days with out sleep.

Must be careful as it can kill a kidney or 2 if not careful

I take 10mg if Melatonin... I dunno if it helps anymore, I think I’ll quit it for a while in case my body has built up a tolerance to it.

You should ask your pharmacist. They are legally required to know drug interactions, and they know what's safe to take short-term vs long-term. They also know side effects etc.. They even know a lot about the OTC meds they sell.

I once called about constipation caused by meds, and the pharmacist told me what she uses and why, and what is safe to take (because of my meds). It was a very helpful call. Of course, now I have an Rx med for constipation, but her recommendation was helpful at the time.

Thank you!

Did you start an RX med for constipation because over the counter stuff wasn't working? Does it work well? I have serious constipation too and have been taking Senna, a vegetable laxative, every few days.

There are prescription meds available for chronic constipation. Just ask your doctor/pharmacist.

I have had zero luck with melatonin and with so many approaches. I have had good luck when I'd had a very talented and wise herbalist on my medical team..
She did an outstanding job, always. I miss her terribly.

I hope every single one of us finds a sleeping solution that works for the rest of our earthly lives!