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Compare Nyquil vs. Melatonin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine (Vicks Nyquil Cold and Flu) and melatonin are both over-the-counter medications that can make you sleepy. But they have some important differences. Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication that treats symptoms of the common cold and flu, such as cough, sore throat, and fever, while melatonin is a dietary supplement used to help with sleep problems like insomnia and jet lag. Nyquil Cold and Flu contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine, which work together to relieve pain, suppress cough, and reduce allergy symptoms. In contrast, melatonin is a synthetic version of a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available in liquid and capsule forms, whereas melatonin comes in various forms, including pills, sprays, patches, and topical creams. Nyquil Cold and Flu can cause side effects like sleepiness and dizziness and should not be taken with other medications containing acetaminophen (Tylenol). Melatonin is generally well-tolerated but can cause daytime drowsiness and headaches. Additionally, melatonin can interact with medications like oral contraceptives, so it's important to check with your provider or pharmacist before starting it.

  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Melatonin
  • Nyquil cold and flu
    Melatonin

  • Summary of Nyquil vs. Melatonin

    Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine

    Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication containing acetaminophen (a pain reliever), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and doxylamine (an antihistamine). It's used to treat cold and flu symptoms, like sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and aches, in adults and children. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available as pills and a liquid. This medication can make you feel sleepy and dizzy as side effects.

    Summary for Dietary supplement

    Melatonin is a supplement that's taken to help with sleep problems due to conditions like insomnia or jet lag. It's available over-the-counter and comes in many different formulations, including oral pills and sprays, skin patches, and topical creams. Various melatonin products have different instructions and age recommendations, so speak with your provider or pharmacist to check if it's safe for children. Melatonin is pretty well tolerated, but possible side effects include daytime sleepiness, headaches, and nausea.

  • Indications of Nyquil vs. Melatonin

    Indications for

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Headache
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Fever
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    Indications for
    •Short-term insomnia
    •Delayed sleep-wake disorder
    •Jet lag
    •Anxiety around surgery
    •Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Nyquil vs. Melatonin

    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Works within 30 minutes to relieve cold and flu symptoms
    •Available in capsules and a liquid
    •Combines three medications in one product for convenience
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause extreme sleepiness
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of three medications
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Not meant for long-term use
    Pros and Const for Dietary supplement
    Pros
    •Generally well tolerated with very few side effects
    •Usually not habit-forming like some other sleep aids
    •Available over the counter (OTC) in many different dosage forms and strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might not contain the correct amount of active ingredient since it's not as regulated by the FDA
    •Can cause daytime drowsiness in older adults
    •Unknown whether it's safe for long-term use
    •Shouldn't be used as a first-choice option to treat insomnia

  • Common Side Effects of Nyquil vs. Melatonin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Daytime sleepiness

  • Warnings of Nyquil vs. Melatonin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Overdose in children
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Nyquil vs. Melatonin

    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Melatonin

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