Expert: Eric Brandt - 7/25/2006

Question
Hi, I have a question. I have a really hard time sleeping at night,
we have a lot of stuff going on in our life with my husband job
hunting, family trips, job stress...when I lay down my mind is
racing and so is my heart. I sometimes won't fall asleep till 3am.
So what I have been doing is taking 2 tylenol PM's every night to
fall asleep by midnight, but it gives me horrible dry mouth. My
cousin has raised concerns about this as he thinks that it might
not be a good idea. Do you have any recommendations, and is
Tyelnol PM that bad for me? Thank you in advance for any advice
you can offer me!

Melinda

Answer
Hi Melinda,
Tylenol PM ontains 2 ingredients; acetaminophen whic is a pain reliver and diphenhydramine which is an antihistamine. It is the drowsiness caused by the antihistamine which helps with sleep. The ieffect wears off with continued use so it is only useful if used occasionally. Tylenol PM is not habit forming and from that point of view it is safe.
The dry mouth is caused by the antihistamine.
There is a naturopathic preparation called Calms Forte which is available from the healthfood store. I have had other people use is successfult in similar situations. Give it a try.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm