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Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids

More over-the-counter sleep aids are purchased than any other OTC drug, and 25% of Americans take some type of medication every year to help them sleep. Popular OTC brands include Benadryl, Nytol, Sominex, Tylenol PM, Advil PM and Nyquil. Their main ingredient is an antihistamine named diphenhydramine and in some case (Nyquil), alcohol.

Common Brand Names     Generic Name of Main Ingredient

Benadryl                            diphenhydramine

Nytol                                 diphenhydramine

Sominex                            diphenhydramine

Tylenol PM                         diphenhydramine

Advil PM                            diphenhydramine

Simply Sleep                     diphenhydramine

Nyquil                               diphenhydramine and alcohol

Not all sleep medications are prescription. FDA has approved over-the-counter (OTC) medications for use up to two weeks to help relieve occasional sleepiness in people ages 12 and older. "If you continue to have sleeping problems beyond two weeks, you should see a doctor," says Marina Chang, R.Ph., pharmacist and team leader in FDA's Division of Nonprescription Regulation Development.

OTC sleep aids are non-habit-forming and do not present the risk of allergic reactions and complex sleep-related behaviors that are known to occur with sedative-hypnotic drugs.

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