Samm asked
What is the difference between Benadryl and Unisom? Can they both be used to help sleep at night?
Answer
Benadryl and Unisom should not be taken together. In fact, Unisom SleepGels and Benadryl contain the same active ingredient (diphenhydramine). Taking both together would result in an overdose of diphenhydramine, which can increase the side effects such as:
- Sedation
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Constipation
- Palpitations
- Respiratory depression (rare)
In addition to Unisom SleepGels, Benadryl should also not be taken with any other Unisom product as they all contain either diphenhydramine or doxylamine, another sedating "first-generation" antihistamine. Below is a list of Unisom products:
- Unisom SleepGels (Diphenhydramine 50mg)
- Unisom SleepTabs (Doxylamine 25mg)
- Unisome SleepMinis (Diphenhydramine 25mg)
- Unisom Liquid (Diphenhydramine 50mg/30mL)
- Unisom SleepMelts (Diphenhydramine 25mg)
- Unisom PM Pain (Acetaminophen 325mg/Diphenhydramine 50mg)
Taking Benadryl with any Unisom product isn't recommended as you will either be taking an extra dose of diphenhydramine or taking an extra dose of a similar antihistamine (doxylamine). In both cases, the risk of side effects increases.
