Miya Pearson
Excedrin PM is an over-the-counter medication that combines two pain relievers with a sleep aid to help individuals fall asleep faster and achieve a longer duration of uninterrupted sleep. The active ingredients in Excedrin PM are acetaminophen, aspirin, and diphenhydramine citrate, an antihistamine that promotes sleepiness. While Excedrin PM can be effective for sleep problems, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Additionally, it's crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure safe usage, especially when taking other medications that cause drowsiness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Excedrin PM |
| Drug Class | Antihistamine analgesic combination |
| Active Ingredients | Acetaminophen, aspirin, diphenhydramine citrate |
| Purpose | Pain reliever and sleep aid |
| Side Effects | Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, stomach upset, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine |
| Precautions | Do not take for pain for more than 10 days (adults) or 5 days (children) without a doctor's advice, do not take for fever for more than 3 days without a doctor's advice, do not give to children under 12 without a doctor's advice, do not take with other drugs containing acetaminophen, do not take if allergic to acetaminophen or aspirin, do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding without medical advice, do not take if recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms, seek medical advice if sleeplessness persists for more than 2 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Excedrin PM's side effects
Excedrin PM is a sleep aid that belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamine analgesic combinations. It contains two active ingredients: acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. While acetaminophen helps to reduce fever and pain, diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, induces drowsiness and promotes sleep.
The most commonly reported side effects of Excedrin PM include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. These side effects are typically mild and diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. However, caution must be exercised when performing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
Other possible side effects of Excedrin PM include constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, and a dry nose or throat. More serious side effects may include mental or mood changes, confusion, and trouble urinating. It is important to note that these side effects are rare, and many people using this medication do not experience them.
In rare cases, an overdose of acetaminophen can cause severe and potentially fatal liver damage. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed the maximum daily limit of 4,000 milligrams (4 grams) for adults. People with liver problems and children should take lower doses as advised by a doctor.
Excedrin PM may also interact with other medications that cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers, cough medicines, alcohol, marijuana, sleep aids, and muscle relaxants. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure safe use, especially when taking other medications.
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Safety considerations
Excedrin PM is a medication that combines two pain relievers with a sleep aid. It is used to relieve pain and reduce fever, while also promoting sleep. The active ingredients in Excedrin PM are acetaminophen, aspirin, and diphenhydramine citrate.
When considering taking Excedrin PM with a sleeping pill, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and safety considerations:
- Excedrin PM itself is a sleeping pill, containing the sedating antihistamine diphenhydramine, which can cause drowsiness. Therefore, taking it with another sleeping pill may increase the risk of excessive sleepiness and sedation.
- Excedrin PM can cause other side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and upset stomach. These side effects, combined with the effects of a sleeping pill, could be amplified and cause greater discomfort.
- Excedrin PM may interact with other medications that cause drowsiness, including opioid pain relievers, cough relievers, alcohol, marijuana, muscle relaxants, and certain antihistamines. These interactions could be dangerous and lead to enhanced sedation and impaired cognitive function.
- Excedrin PM contains acetaminophen, and taking it with another medication that contains acetaminophen may result in an overdose. It is crucial to check the labels of all medications and consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure safe use.
- Excedrin PM should not be used for pain relief for more than 10 days (adults) or 5 days (children) without medical advice. Prolonged use may lead to dependence and increased side effects.
- Excedrin PM should not be used to treat a fever for more than 3 days without consulting a doctor.
- Excedrin PM may interfere with certain medical or lab tests, such as urine 5-HIAA and allergy skin tests, potentially causing false results. It is important to inform healthcare providers about Excedrin PM usage before undergoing any tests.
- Excedrin PM is not suitable for children under 12 years of age unless directed by a doctor.
- Excedrin PM should not be used by individuals with liver problems without medical advice, as acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage.
- Excedrin PM contains an NSAID (aspirin), which may cause severe stomach bleeding. Individuals with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding disorders should exercise caution.
- Excedrin PM should not be used by pregnant women without medical advice, as aspirin can cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
It is always advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking Excedrin PM with a sleeping pill to ensure safe and appropriate use. They can provide personalized advice based on an individual's medical history, current medications, and health status.
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Dosage instructions
The dosage instructions for Excedrin vary depending on the type of Excedrin medication and the age of the person taking it. Here are the dosage instructions for different types of Excedrin products:
Excedrin Migraine
Excedrin Migraine is an over-the-counter medication that comes in the form of caplets taken by mouth. Each caplet contains 250 mg of acetaminophen, 250 mg of aspirin, and 65 mg of caffeine. The recommended dosage for adults aged 18 years and older is two caplets taken by mouth once a day with a glass of water. It is important not to exceed a maximum of two caplets in a 24-hour period unless directed by a healthcare provider. For people aged 12 to 17 years, the recommended dose is two caplets by mouth every six hours as needed, not exceeding eight tablets in a 24-hour period. Children aged 11 years and younger should consult their healthcare provider for dosage instructions.
Excedrin Extra Strength
Excedrin Extra Strength contains the same ingredients as Excedrin Migraine but is intended for minor aches and pains. The dosage for adults is two caplets every six hours, with a maximum of eight caplets in a 24-hour period. It is important to note that Excedrin Extra Strength should not be used for pain lasting longer than 10 days or fever lasting more than three days without consulting a doctor.
Excedrin PM Headache
Excedrin PM Headache is a combination of two pain relievers and a sleep aid, specifically designed for fast relief from nighttime headaches and minor aches and pains with accompanying sleeplessness. The recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older is two caplets at bedtime with a full glass of water. It is important not to exceed two caplets in a 24-hour period unless directed by a healthcare provider. Children under the age of 12 should consult a doctor before taking this medication.
General Considerations
It is important to note that Excedrin products should be taken with a full glass of water and used only as directed. The dosage instructions provided on the packaging or by a healthcare provider should be carefully followed to avoid the risk of overdose and serious side effects. Excedrin products containing caffeine should be used with caution, as excessive caffeine intake can lead to nervousness, trouble sleeping, and increased heart rate. Additionally, acetaminophen, one of the ingredients in Excedrin, can cause severe liver damage if taken in excess or by individuals with liver or kidney disease. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions about the dosage or potential interactions with other medications.
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Active ingredients
Excedrin PM is a sleep aid that belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamine analgesic combinations. It helps individuals fall asleep faster and promotes a longer duration of uninterrupted sleep. The medication combines two pain relievers with a sleep aid to help users get fast relief from nighttime headaches and minor aches and pains with accompanying sleeplessness.
The active ingredients in Excedrin PM are acetaminophen, aspirin, and diphenhydramine citrate. Acetaminophen and aspirin are responsible for relieving pain and reducing fever. Acetaminophen works by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and fever. Adults should not take more than 4000 milligrams (4 grams) of acetaminophen per day, and people with liver problems and children should take less. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause severe stomach bleeding.
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, helps to induce drowsiness and promote sleep. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical in the body that is involved in wakefulness. By reducing histamine activity, diphenhydramine helps users relax and fall asleep more easily. It also has anticholinergic properties, meaning it blocks the action of acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness. Drowsiness is a common side effect of diphenhydramine, which can be beneficial for those seeking relief from sleep problems but may interfere with daily activities requiring alertness.
Excedrin PM is available in tablet and liquid forms and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. The recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 and over is two caplets at bedtime with a full glass of water. It is important not to take more than two caplets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.
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User reviews
> I do have a sleep aid, trazadone, and it's quite effective at bringing me to sleep unless I have too much anxiety about something. I've tried melatonin, but I could have sworn that every time I've tried it, it makes me depressed or something. Melatonin does help make me drowsy, but not as well as trazadone. [...] I like the combo [of Tylenol and Aspirin], but I feel that I have to take at least two aspirins (maybe even three) and two Tylenols together for it to be effective, and I am weary of taking that much at once. I suppose that if it's "only" before bedtime, as needed, I could get away with it.
> I’m aware Excedrin Extra Strength has caffeine but is two pills enough caffeine to cause extreme insomnia for the whole night? [...] Depends on how sensitive you are to caffeine, but—if you have to ask... Do you have any Benadryl in the house? That'll put you to sleep and might even knock out the headache. Don't take any Tylenol PMs or anything like that, it's too much acetaminophen. [...] Took 2 pills at 9 pm which is equivalent to 130mg of Caffeine and it’s now 5 am and still can’t sleep.
> I only buy the one made for the nighttime so that I can take my aspirin and Benadryl all in one pill at the same time. [...] There’s a medication that is stocked in our first aid kit at work. It’s literally just labeled as “for aches and pains”. It has aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, and caffeine. I haven’t bought a single bottle of Excedrin anything since I found that amazing miracle drug. Anything hurts, it fixes it. It does make me ever so slightly nauseous, but worth it!
> I would then suggest taking it with food then! [...] The reason this came about was Excedrin not originally being approved for migraine treatment, and then Novartis completing the necessary clinical study/ies and seeking approval later on. As a result, they got approval for migraine, which carries separate requirements for FDA warnings/language.
> I take prescription stuff now including Botox and Emgality as preventatives, but I used to take a lot of Excedrin Migraine. When I needed to take it at night I always had to make sure to fall asleep quickly (within 20 minutes or so) or I would be up all night. [...] You may want to do Tylenol and aspirin and then a smaller amount of caffeine. That pill has 65 g of caffeine per pill. Perhaps one cup of caffeinated tea would be enough caffeine for the pain but not enough to keep you awake (especially bc warm drinks can make people sleepy).
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Excedrin PM is a combination of a pain reliever and a sleep aid. It is commonly used to treat insomnia and achieve a restful night's sleep.
The most commonly reported side effects of Excedrin PM include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, upset stomach, and constipation.
While Excedrin PM is generally safe, it is important to follow the recommended dosage. Taking too much acetaminophen, one of the active ingredients, may cause serious liver damage. It is also important to consult a doctor if you are taking other medications that cause drowsiness.
According to customer reviews, Excedrin PM takes about 15-20 minutes to take effect, providing fast relief from pain and sleeplessness.
Yes, Benadryl and Excedrin are considered safe to take together. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine that is also used as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects.
