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Unisom vs. Mucinex DM

Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be taken by adults and children ages 12 years and older who are having trouble falling asleep. It's a sleep aid that works by blocking certain chemicals (histamine) in your body. Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is taken by mouth once a day, about 30 minutes before bedtime. The most common side effect of this medication is next-day sleepiness.

• Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)

• Sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness

• Extreme sleepiness
• Worsening of medical conditions
• Accidental overdose

Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) is an over-the-counter medication that's used to relieve cough and loosen mucus. It has two active ingredients: guaifenesin (an expectorant that clears chest congestion) and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant that relieves cough). The medication is available as tablets, dissolvable granules, and liquid that are taken by mouth, each with different dosages, directions, and age limits. Extended-release tablets are taken every 12 hours, while the other forms are usually taken every 4 hours. Most people have few to no side effects when used as directed, but it can sometimes cause stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness.

• Short-term relief of coughs caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
• Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)

• Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

• Risk of overdose and misuse
• Interactions with certain medications for Parkinson's disease and depression
• Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - dissolvable granules only