Key takeaways
Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are both over-the-counter antihistamines, but they have several differences. Doxylamine is mainly used as a sleep aid for adults and children 12 years and older, taken once nightly, while diphenhydramine is used to treat allergies, common cold symptoms, and can also be used occasionally for sleep. Diphenhydramine comes in various forms like tablets, capsules, and liquid, and is taken every 4 to 6 hours for allergies or once at bedtime for sleep. Both medications can cause next-day drowsiness, but diphenhydramine is also known to cause dry mouth, dizziness, and other side effects like hyperactivity in children. Doxylamine and diphenhydramine should be avoided in adults 65 years and older and in people with certain health conditions due to the risk of falls and confusion. Both medications should not be mixed with alcohol or other antihistamines to avoid severe side effects.
