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Article: Sleep aids might contain unneeded medicine
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- October 29, 2004
CopyrightCopyright 2004 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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Q. I've been taking over-the-counter sleep aids (Excedrin PM and
Tylenol PM) the past couple of years, and they seem to bring a
restful sleep. I take them only on days when I have to get up early
for work. Is there any chance of becoming addicted to these over-the-
counter remedies?
A. The sleep aid in the two drugs you mention is actually a common
antihistamine -- diphenhydramine. One side effect of diphenhydramine
is sleepiness, but it isn't addictive, which is why the Food and Drug
Administration has approved it for over-the-counter use.
The bigger issue is that you likely are taking ...