Melatonin vs Tylenol PM Summary:
After a thorough comparison, Melatonin emerges as the simpler, more natural sleep aid, ideal for those adjusting to a new time zone or dealing with minor sleep disruptions. Its affordability and lower side effect profile are additional benefits. However, Tylenol PM, with its dual-action formula, shines for those struggling with sleep due to pain or discomfort. Its strength lies in addressing both sleep and pain, although it comes with a slightly higher cost and potential side effects. Both have their place depending on individual needs, so consider your specific circumstances when deciding between these two sleep aids.
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About the Products
When it comes to improving your sleep, both melatonin and Tylenol PM are popular choices. Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body, is often taken in supplement form to help regulate sleep cycles. Tylenol PM, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter medication combining the pain relief of Acetaminophen with the sleep-inducing effects of Diphenhydramine HCl.
About Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone your body makes to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. As a supplement, it’s popular for managing jet lag or short-term sleep disturbances. It’s often sold in 1mg to 10mg doses, and some versions include timed release for sustained effects.
About Tylenol PM
Tylenol PM is a dual-purpose product. It contains Acetaminophen for pain relief and Diphenhydramine HCl to promote sleep. It’s a go-to for folks who are dealing with sleep disturbances due to discomfort or pain.
Melatonin vs Tylenol PM: Ingredients
The primary ingredient in melatonin supplements is melatonin itself. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the body, and it’s one of the best natural ways to improve your sleep when taken as a supplement. [1]
Tylenol PM contains two active ingredients: acetaminophen (500 mg) and diphenhydramine HCl (25 mg). Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer, while diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that also has sedative properties. [2, 3]
However, be aware that exceeding the recommended doses of these ingredients can result in serious side effects, such as liver damage from excessive acetaminophen or symptoms like dry mouth and difficulty urinating from excessive diphenhydramine. Always ensure you’re not taking other medications that contain these ingredients to avoid accidental overdose.
The dosages in Tylenol PM align with established guidelines for these ingredients.
Melatonin vs Tylenol PM: Safety & Quality
Both melatonin and Tylenol PM are generally considered safe for short-term use. However, like all medications, they may have side effects. Melatonin can cause headache and dizziness, while Tylenol PM can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement.
Melatonin vs Tylenol PM: Customer Reviews
Customer reviews for both melatonin and Tylenol PM are generally positive. People appreciate the natural approach of melatonin, while Tylenol PM users often value its dual-action formula that addresses both pain and sleep issues.
Based on reviews from Drugs.com, melatonin has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10, with 44% of users reporting a positive experience and 36% reporting a negative experience. Tylenol PM has a slightly lower average rating of 5.4 out of 10, with 49% of users reporting a positive experience and 43% having a negative experience.
Price & Where to Buy
Melatonin is a budget-friendly sleep aid, with prices ranging from $0.07 to $0.20 per serving, making it an affordable option for many people. Tylenol PM, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive, with prices ranging from approximately $0.13 per tablet to $10 for a 24-tablet supply, depending on where you purchase it.
Melatonin and Tylenol PM are both available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online. Prices can vary based on location, retailer, and dosage, but both are usually affordable options.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a natural route to better sleep or dealing with jet lag, melatonin could be the right choice for you. But if you’re experiencing sleep disturbances due to pain, the dual-action of Tylenol PM might be more helpful. As always, consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement. And here’s to a good night’s sleep!
FAQs
- Can you take Melatonin and Tylenol PM together?
Taking Melatonin and Tylenol PM together may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also, activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery should be avoided until you know how the medications affect you. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining these medications. - What are the side effects of Melatonin and Tylenol PM?
The side effects of Melatonin and Diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Tylenol PM) can vary. For Diphenhydramine, side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. For Melatonin, common side effects in general can include drowsiness, headache, and nausea. It’s also important to note that the combination of the two may increase the likelihood of these side effects. - Are Melatonin and Tylenol PM the same thing?
No, Melatonin and Tylenol PM are not the same thing. Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally produces, and it helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. It’s often used as a supplement to help treat issues like insomnia and jet lag. On the other hand, Tylenol PM is a combination of acetaminophen (a pain reliever) and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine that also has sedative properties). - Can you take Melatonin and Tylenol PM to sleep?
Both Melatonin and Tylenol PM can be used to aid sleep. Melatonin is commonly used for treating sleep disorders like insomnia and helping with jet lag. Tylenol PM, which contains Diphenhydramine, can also be used as a sleep aid. However, using them together may increase the likelihood of side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider before combining these medications for sleep.
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Further Reading:
References
- Zisapel N. New perspectives on the role of melatonin in human sleep, circadian rhythms and their regulation. Br J Pharmacol. 2018 Aug;175(16):3190-3199. doi: 10.1111/bph.14116. Epub 2018 Jan 15. PMID: 29318587; PMCID: PMC6057895.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6057895/ - Gerriets V, Anderson J, Nappe TM. Acetaminophen. [Updated 2022 Sep 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369/
- Culpepper L, Wingertzahn MA. Over-the-Counter Agents for the Treatment of Occasional Disturbed Sleep or Transient Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2015 Dec 31;17(6):10.4088/PCC.15r01798. doi: 10.4088/PCC.15r01798. PMID: 27057416; PMCID: PMC4805417.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4805417/#:~:text=Diphenhydramine%20was%20associated%20with%20a,latency%2C%20and%20sleep%20quality).
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