ZzzQuil is generally considered safe for short-term use when taken as directed. But taking it every night can cause problems, so it’s not recommended as a way to treat ongoing sleep issues.
Here is a list of reasons to avoid taking ZzzQuil more than once in a while:
1. You Could Develop a Tolerance
Over time, you’ll build a tolerance to the med, so it becomes less effective.
“Medications like diphenhydramine are notorious for inducing tolerance,” Tallavajhula says. “Unfortunately, it results in patients taking increasingly higher doses, which, after a point, are also no longer effective.”
2. You Might Feel Dizzy or Groggy
Taking higher doses can raise your risk of negative side effects, Tallavajhula says. These can include dry mouth, dizziness, and daytime grogginess.
3. You Could Have Rebound Insomnia
If you take ZzzQuil for a while and then stop suddenly, your sleep problems will likely come back even worse than before.
4. It Could Keep You From Getting Treated for a Real Sleep Issue
These problems “can cause downstream consequences and can effectively be treated by evidence-based methods under the guidance of a physician,” Tallavajhula says.
“If you feel the need to take it every day, it is time to visit a sleep-medicine physician to evaluate the underlying sleep disorder and start targeted treatment,” she says.
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