
Took 100mg Of Diphenhydramine And Nyquil. What Are The Complications?

I took 100 mg of an over the counter sleeping aid that contained diphenhydramine and then used a little nyquil on top of that. Is this really bad for my health and would that cause me to overdose? I really needed to get some sleep, and I know this wasn't the best idea. At the moment I don't feel terrible. Just wondering, thank you for your help.
Usually, most of the over-the-counter sleeping aids do not contain any potent sedatives. They usually contain anti-histamines (like diphenhydramine). Even NyQuil contains an anti-histamine called doxylamine, which is responsible for the sedative effects.
Now, you have not mentioned the exact constituents or dosages of the OTC sleeping aid. But anyway, it is unlikely that the combination which you have taken will cause you any significant adverse effects or overdose. It is still better to be cautious and watch for any unusual symptoms. Avoid driving or climbing stairs alone or doing any risky work for about 24 hours.
Most importantly, please be cautious that you don't repeat this again. It is better to avoid self-medicating especially for sleep problems, as it can unknowingly become habituating.
I see that you have recently stopped Zoloft and it is possible that this could be causing you the sleep disturbance. Following strict "sleep hygiene" will soon put back your natural sleep rythms in place. Some suggestions for this are:
- following specific timings for going to bed and waking up
- avoiding 'snoozing' after the wake-up time
- avoiding daytime naps
- avoiding large meals, coffee, alcohol, etc. before going to bed
- arranging a sleep evironment that is dark, quiet and free of disturbance
- avoiding the use of your bed for any other activities like watching tv, reading, etc.
- having a daily exercise routine in the evenings
- avoiding psychological stress and trying relaxation techniques
Wish you all the best.
- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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