ZzzQuil
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ZzzQuil

ZzzQuil is a sleep aid designed to help relieve occasional sleeplessness and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.

ZzzQuil - a non-habit forming nighttime sleep aid for when you just need a good night's sleep. From the makers of Vicks NyQuil.

ZzzQuil Review – Can ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep Aid help you fall asleep?

ZzzQuil is a non-habit forming sleep aid that helps you get the sound sleep you need by providing relief of occasional sleeplessness.

Disclosure:Every product is independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn Health Insiders a commission. Learn more about our review process here.

A Brief Introduction to ZzzQuil

ZzzQuil is a very popular brand for sleeplessness and insomnia products. They are over-the-counter medications and supplements, which means you won’t need a prescription to get them. They come in a few different forms which we will get into in just a bit. First though, ZzzQuil products are made by Vick’s which is run by the massive conglomerate Procter & Gamble.

Procter and Gamble holds an A+ rating form the Better Business Bureau and have their headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. ZzzQuil makes some of Vicks’ flagship products so let’s delve deeper into what they are all about. We will start off by taking a look at two of the ZzzQuil products available today.

ZzzQuil

ZzzQuil Nighttime Sleep-Aid Review – Health Insiders Images

ZzzQuil Quick Facts

ZzzQuil GummiesBuy on Amazon

*All the prices listed here are as they appear on their websites and are subject to change.

ZzzQuil helps adults and children safely fall asleep fast and wake up feeling refreshed.

  • Form:Pills
  • Type:Supplement
  • Benefit:Helps fall asleep faster, enhances sound sleep
  • Brand:ZzzQuil
  • Uses:Provides sufficient night sleep
  • Ingredients:Melatonin, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract ,Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) root extract, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf extract
  • Price:$10.99

Pros And Cons of ZzzQuil

pros icon
  • Does not require a prescription
  • Works effectively
  • Non-drug and alcohol-free formulas available
cons icon
  • The use of antihistamines for sleeping can lead to sleep walking and other sleep problems
  • The liquid form contains artificial colors and flavorings
  • The liquid form can also cause grogginess in the morning

The Science Behind ZzzQuil Products

The main ingredient in ZzzQuil’s warming berry liquid is Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and is usually recommended to help with allergies. According to a Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, diphenhydramine is among the list of medications misused by people presenting to the emergency department for drug treatment [1]. The interesting thing to note is antihistamines have also been scientifically proven to cause drowsiness. It is this “side effect” that actually makes ZzzQuil’s warming berry liquid an effective sleeping aid.

Ingredients such as lemon balm in Zzzs De-Stress and Sleep Melatonin tablets are proven to help with stress, relaxation, and sleep but their efficacy can often be greater when combined with other calming herbs due to what is known as a synergist effect [2]. Because of this, we give the manufacturer a thumbs up for taking synergy into account when formulating this product with multiple herbs that work together to promote restful sleep in a drug-free, non-habit forming product. Check out the other herbs included here.

De-Stress and Sleep Melatonin tablets’ star ingredient is melatonin, which is probably the most widely used and most well-known sleep supplement. It is thought that melatonin works by binding to melatonin receptors in the hypothalamus [3]. It has been shown to cut down on the time it takes to fall asleep and helps regulate the body’s sleep/wake cycles. It is generally considered a safer alternative to sleeping medications due to fewer side effects.

ZzzQuil Warming Berry Liquid

This is one of the most popular ZzzQuil products. It is a liquid taken orally and is non-habit-forming. The active ingredient is:

Diphenhydramine – The Baylor College of Medicine classifies it as an antihistamine and acknowledges that it can be used as a sleeping aid. There is 50 mg of diphenhydramine in this product. (swapped the two sentences)

Alcohol – Alcohol is an inactive ingredient in this formula. In this case, it is used as a solvent. ZzzQuil also makes a similar formula without alcohol.

Pricing

A single pack of the warming berry liquid is going for about $7.97. This is the price for a 12 fluid-ounce bottle.

Directions

This product is intended for use by adults only. You should take only one dosage (30ml) per day to help you sleep.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Pure Zzz’s De-Stress & Sleep Melatonin Tablets

This product is different in that it comes in tablet form, helps manage stress (in addition to being a sleep aid), and features different ingredients. These tablets apparently cause no grogginess the next day and help you maintain a normal sleep cycle by aiding in relaxation and naturally supporting your body’s circadian rhythm [4]. It is considered a dietary supplement because it does not contain any medications. The ingredients include:

Melatonin – naturally occurring in the body, melatonin is a hormone that is made in the pineal gland and signals the body that it’s time to sleep [5]. Various lifestyle factors can affect our ability to produce enough melatonin.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract – This ingredient is sometimes called Indian Ginseng. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering [6], Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb which can be used as a sedative.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) root extract – Valerian is a perennial plant and the National Institute of Health tells us that it is yet another herb that can be used as a natural sedative [7]. In relation to sleep disorders, valerian has been tested in nine randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical studies. Results of the studies were mixed but promising.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf extract – Lemon balm is known to be a calming herb. Some studies suggest that lemon balm can help relieve stressful and anxious feelings [8].

Pricing

This product is available for the price of $10.99 for a bottle of 488 tablets on popular retail sites.

Directions

The user is to take 1-2 tablets a half an hour before they go to sleep.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) discourages the use of the medication as a sleep aid because its benefits are approximately equal to the potential for harms.

ZzzQuil Customer Reviews

There are many customer reviews on sites that sell ZzzQuil.

Reviews are generally positive for ZzzQuil products. Some people say they work wonders, while others report that they did nothing for them. Some complain that the liquid syrup tastes bad while others praise the De-stress and Sleep Melatonin tablets for helping them get the best sleep of their lives. And there are many people who say ZzzQuil worked, but they also had a hangover effect.

SEE ALSOStasis Sleep Enhancer and Luna Sleep Aid

ZzzQuil Alternatives

As far as sleeping aids go there are many options available to you besides the ZzzQuil line of products. Here are just a few examples:

Brand Price Active Ingredients
Dream Well $24.26 GABA, Suan Zao Ren, Fu Ling, Wu Wei Zi
Sleep Support Plus $27.95 Melatolin, Goji Berry, Lemon Balm, Chamomile
Avinol PM $49.99 Melatonin, Calcium, Magnesium, GABA, Hops Flower Powder
Natrol Melatonin $7.47 Pectin, Sodium citrate, Organic tapioca syrup, Organic cane sugar
ZZZleepy $24.26 Melatonin, GABA, 5-HTP
Relief Factor Calm $21.95 Passionflower, Phosphatidylserine
Som Sleep $59.98 GABA, L-Theanine, Melatonin, Magnesium, Vitamin B6
Somnapure $29.99 Melatonin, Chamomile, Valerian, Lemon Balm, Hops, Passion Flower, L-Theanine
Power to Sleep PM $15.99 Calcium, Magnesium, Flaxseed, Melatonin, GABA, Passion Flower, Hops, Lemon Balm, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, Bioperine
Relaxium Sleep $39.99 GABA, L-Tryptophan, Magnesium, Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ashwagandha

The Bottom Line on ZzzQuil

Overall ZzzQuil seems like a pretty good brand if you are in need of a sleeping aid and don’t mind taking an antihistamine to help you sleep. The truth is that a lot of people shy away from antihistamine sleep aids because there is concern over the long-term effects of drugs in this class, particularly in light of this recent research [10]. But if you are going to go that route, ZzzQuil is one of the most trusted over the counter sleeping pills available.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

The bottom line is that it works for helping people sleep. We don’t like some of the side effects it may cause like headaches, daytime sleepiness, and dry mouth – but those can be overlooked when weighed against the negative effects of extreme sleeplessness. And you can always choose one of the non-drug options such as the De-Stress and Sleep Melatonin tablets.

You should know that there are less expensive alternatives out there, but these may not be as effective or safe. You should also be careful when taking products like ZzzQuil because even though they are non-habit forming, they can still be abused and may prevent you from investigating the possible underlying causes of your sleep problems.

Furthermore, the side effects that come from antihistamines don’t affect the young as much as they do the elderly. Keep in mind that ZzzQuil should not be used if you are suffering from long-term insomnia. If this is the case you should talk to your physician as opposed to taking over-the-counter medication.

ZzzQuil – Questions and Answers

Q: What we Like About ZzzQuil?

  • Does not require a prescription
  • Works effectively
  • Generally positive reviews
  • Non-drug and alcohol-free formulas available

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can take ZzzQuil and at what dosage.

Q: What we Don’t Like About ZzzQuil?

  • The use of antihistamines for sleeping can lead to sleep walking and other sleep problems
  • The liquid form contains artificial colors and flavorings
  • The liquid form can also cause grogginess in the morning

Q: What are the Side Effects of ZzzQuil?

A: There are certain side effects and interactions that you should absolutely be aware of before taking any of ZzzQuil’s products. They include:

  • Dry mouth and blurred vision, according to the Mayo Clinic [9].
  • Headache
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Urinary retention

*The non-drug ZzzQuil products such as De-Stress and Sleep Melatonin tables are associated with a lower risk of side effects

Contraindications/Cautions

  • You should not take with alcohol.
  • You should not take with any other sedatives.
  • You should not take with any other product containing Diphenhydramine.
  • You should not take melatonin containing products if you have an autoimmune disease.
  • Additional medications, supplements, or disease states may interact with the ingredients in ZzzQuil products (including the herbal products), so always check with your doctor before starting a new medication or supplement.

Q: Who should avoid ZzzQuil?

A: Not everyone can take ZzzQuil. People should not give ZzzQuil to children under the age of 12 years. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Pregnant women should also seek medical advice before using this medication. Those who have an allergic reaction to ZzzQuil or medicines containing diphenhydramine should avoid taking it.

Q: What is ZzzQuil’s Return & Refund Policy?

A: We recommend checking to see what the refund policy is wherever to decide to purchase your ZzzQuil products, as they are sold on many different online platforms and physical stores; policies may vary accordingly.

Your experience of ZzzQuil

Have you tried ZzzQuil? Did it work for you, or give any side effects? Please share your experience in the comments below.

Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

10 Sources

Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

[1] The Importance of Taking a History of Over-the-Counter Medication Use: A Brief Review and Case Illustration of ‘‘PRN’’ Antihistamine Dependence in a Hospitalized Adolescent https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3025184/pdf/cap.2010.0031.pdf

[2] Yang Y, Zhang Z, Li S, Ye X, Li X, He K. Synergy effects of herb extracts: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic basis. Fitoterapia. 2014 Jan;92:133-47. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2013.10.010. Epub 2013 Oct 28. PMID: 24177191.

[3] Srinivasan V, Pandi-Perumal SR, Trahkt I, Spence DW, Poeggeler B, Hardeland R, Cardinali DP. Melatonin and melatonergic drugs on sleep: possible mechanisms of action. Int J Neurosci. 2009;119(6):821-46. doi: 10.1080/00207450802328607. PMID: 19326288.

[4] Melatonin https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071

[5] The Role of Melatonin in the Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Cycle https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/role-melatonin-circadian-rhythm-sleep-wake-cycle

[6] Ashwagandha https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ashwagandha

[7] Valerian https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Valerian-HealthProfessional/

[8] Farokhnezhad Afshar P, Bahramnezhad F, Asgari P, Shiri M. Effect of White Noise on Sleep in Patients Admitted to a Coronary Care. J Caring Sci. 2016;5(2):103-109. Published 2016 Jun 1. doi:10.15171/jcs.2016.011

[9] Adult health https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep-aids/art-20047860

[10] Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-anticholinergic-drugs-like-benadryl-linked-increased-dementia-risk-201501287667

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