ZzzQuil and Alcohol: A Dangerous Duo with Serious Side Effects

Is there anything more frustrating than tossing and turning throughout the night? Unable to fall asleep, staring at the clock, growing increasingly frustrated and stressed—you just know tomorrow is going to be a living nightmare. 

While reaching for a sleep aid might seem like the perfect quick fix, it’s not so great when combined with a night of drinking alcohol. It can turn dangerous quickly. 

But why does this combination have such dangerous results? This article will discuss what happens when these two substances mix, what makes this combination so harmful, and how you can help someone who is misusing them. 

Table of Contents

• What Is ZzzQuil?
• Can You Drink Alcohol With ZzzQuil Sleep Aid?
• 6 Dangers of Combining Alcohol and ZzzQuil
• How To Help Someone Who Is Mixing ZzzQuil and Alcohol
• If You’re Struggling With Alcohol and ZzzQuil Misuse, Contact Dove Recovery

ZzzQuil, also known as diphenhydramine HCl, is an over-the-counter sleep aid that can help individuals fall asleep faster and get more restful sleep. It is an antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamines in the body. Because it crosses the blood-brain barrier, one of the significant side effects is drowsiness, which makes it a good sleep aid. The main ingredient, diphenhydramine HCL, is also found in:  

• Benadryl
• Nytol
• Unisom
• Sominex
• Simply Sleep

These products are used for various purposes such as:

• Sleep aids
• Allergies
• Motion sickness
• And Parkinson’s Disease

Although Zzzquil can cause drowsiness, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine discourages its use as a sleep aid because its benefits do not outweigh the potential harm that can occur when dependence develops or when it is combined with other substances. 

Because of the increased risk of severe side effects, it is not advised to drink alcohol while taking Zzzquil. Not only can it impact your body directly, but the increased drowsiness can cause more damage than if it were taken alone. Let’s discuss the health risks of combining Zzzquil and Alcohol. 

#1: Increased Drowsiness and Sedation

While sleep might be the end goal when it comes to taking Zzzquil, mixing alcohol and Zzzquil can intensify the sedative effects of each substance, which can increase the dangers as well. When these substances are combined, it may lead to:

• Impaired coordination and motor skills 
• Increased risk of injury and accidents
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Inability to stay awake and perform daily tasks

Given that both of the substances are depressants, the double effect can lead to loss of consciousness. This can be particularly hazardous when engaging in daily activities, as it may lead to falls, accidents, or injuries. 

#2: Cognitive Impairment

Due to the sedative effects of Zzzquil and alcohol, cognitive function can become impaired. As mentioned above, both substances are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants, meaning they slow down brain activity and its functions. This combination can impact:

• Memory
• Attention
• Problem-solving

Some side effects of cognitive impairment with Zzzqiil and alcohol are:

• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Poor decision-making
• Decrease in mental performance
• And more

#3: Respiratory Depression

Respiratory depression is when the body’s ability to breathe decreases or becomes impaired. In severe cases, hypoxia, brain damage, and death can occur. When combined, both substances can directly cause a slow breathing rate and reduce the body's ability to absorb oxygen. 

If taking these substances, especially together, becomes a habit, help is possible before physical dangers like respiratory depression start to occur. Our team at Dove Recovery understands the importance of good sleep, but it shouldn't come at the cost of your health or your life. Contact us today to get the help you need.

#4: Cardiovascular Issues

When taken together, Zzzquil and alcohol can have negative impacts on the heart. Some side effects include: 

• Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
• Impaired abilities to regulate cardiovascular function
• Increased chance of irregular heartbeats
• Potential for hypertension and cardiac stress
• Impaired oxygen delivery

When alcohol and Zzzquil are taken for long-term use, side effects include:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Chronic high blood pressure
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke

#5: Risk of Overdose

Many of the side effects listed above can cause health problems that can potentially lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or death. If you or a loved one has taken Zzzquil and alcohol together, it is vital to keep an eye on the following symptoms:

• Confusion
• Inability to stay awake
• Shallow breathing
• Cold or blue skin
• Vomiting while unconscious 
• Irregular heartbeat

If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for care.

#6: Higher Likelihood of Dependency and Misuse

Zzzquil can lead to dependence if used incorrectly or too often. It is always best to follow the instructions on the label and consult your doctor if you have concerns about using Zzzquil. It is important to recognize symptoms of dependence, such as:

• Compulsive use
• Physical symptoms
• Behavioral changes 
• And more

If abstaining from alcohol is proving to be difficult while taking certain medications such as Zzzquil, Dove Recovery’s Alcohol Addiction Rehab Program might be precisely what is needed to find a healthy relationship with alcohol. 

If you or someone you know is combining Zzzquil and alcohol, it is vital to make sure they are not currently a danger to themselves or others. Ensure they are not operating motor vehicles, are in a safe location where they can be closely monitored, and initiate emergency services as needed.

If the individual is awake:

1. Call emergency services
2. Keep them upright 
3. Keep them alert

If the individual is unconscious:

1. Call emergency services
2. Roll the individual to their side (this can prevent any complications from vomiting or restrictive breathing) 

Alcohol is known for its addictive properties, but Zzzquil can also be addictive. It is recommended not to take Zzzquil for more than two weeks, or withdrawal side effects may occur. If you are combining the two, withdrawal symptoms may worsen.

Some withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Worsened sleep
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Upset stomach
• Sweating
• Diaherra
• Runny nose

The symptoms of withdrawal can be challenging to cope with, but you or your loved one do not have to face them alone. Reaching out to a rehabilitation facility, such as Dove Recovery, can help provide safety and support throughout the withdrawal process and beyond. Our supportive and educated team can help individuals regain a healthy sleep pattern without relying on Zzzquil or alcohol.

If cutting back on drinking or the dependence on sleep aids is becoming more and more challenging, Dove Recovery is here for you. At Dove Recovery, we work hard to ensure we are the last call you will need to make when looking for a supportive, flexible, and dedicated recovery center. 

We offer customized treatment plans to support our clients throughout the entire recovery process. We use evidence-based techniques such as:

• Psychotherapy sessions
• Dual diagnosis therapy
• Relapse prevention techniques
• Counseling and therapy
• Inpatient programs
• Outpatient programs
• Partial hospitalization programs

Call us or schedule an appointment online, and we will take it from there. Work together with seasoned staff to begin your road to recovery today.