How long does zzzquil take to work

The result? You fall asleep faster. A: ZzzQuil should only be taken once a day before bedtime, as needed for occasional sleeplessness. Stop use and ask a doctor if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than two weeks. Insomnia may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical illness. Children under 12 years of age should not take ZzzQuil. A: There are many factors that could influence how long ZzzQuil lasts.

A: ZzzQuil should only be used for occasional sleeplessness. A: There are many factors that could influence how rested you feel in the morning. These could include the number of hours you sleep, the time that you take ZzzQuil, and other individual factors. In general, it is best to take ZzzQuil at bedtime. A: The active ingredient in ZzzQuil is diphenhydramine HCl, an antihistamine that is a nighttime sleep-aid.

Do not take ZzzQuil if you are taking any other product containing diphenhydramine and antihistamine, even one used on skin. If you are presently taking a prescription drug or other medication, do not take this product without first consulting a physician or pharmacist.

ZzzQuil is different from these products because it does not contain any pain reliever. ZzzQuil: Not for pain. Not for colds. Digestive side effects can include the following:. 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. ZzzQuil can affect your eyes and ears. If you take too much, you may have serious side effects, such as:. If you have dry eyes from this medication, try using artificial tears to moisten them. You should call your doctor if you notice any effects on your vision or hearing while you take ZzzQuil.

Adolescents and adults can use ZzzQuil as a short-term aid for occasional problems getting to sleep. The manufacturer states that children under the age of 12 years should not use this medication.

ZzzQuil is available in both liquid and capsule forms. For the liquid form, a single 50 milligram dose is equal to 30 milliliters , or 2 tablespoons. Liquid ZzzQuil comes with a special cup for measuring out the correct dose. 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. The drowsing effect of antihistamines can help relieve sleeplessness and anxiety. Taking too much diphenhydramine can cause a calming effect and mild euphoria.