Understanding Zzzquil Addiction

Even though you can purchase Zzzquil without a prescription, that doesn’t mean you can use it without risk of side effects or even addiction. When you get the facts about this medication, you’ll be better prepared to decide if it’s appropriate for you.

What is Zzzquil?

Zzzquil is the brand name of an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medication that is owned by Procter & Gamble. It has been sold in the United States since 2012.

Zzzquil is marketed as an aid for occasional sleepiness. It is designed to be taken once per day, about 30 minutes before bedtime. 

Though Zzzquil can be safe and effective when used on a short-term basis, reputable sources such as Harvard Medical School and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine advise against using it to treat chronic (long-term) insomnia.

Of course, as is the case with virtually any substance that can have mind-, mood-, or energy-altering effects, some people may choose to abuse Zzzquil for recreational purposes, either alone or in combination with other substances. This is a highly dangerous behavior that can have catastrophic outcomes.

Ingredients of Zzzquil

The primary active ingredient in Zzzquil is diphenhydramine hydrochloride. 

Commonly referred to as diphenhydramine HCL or simply diphenhydramine, this substance is an antihistamine that is also used to treat the symptoms of several conditions, including hay fever, allergies, and poison oak. 

Examples of the composition of various Zzzquil-branded products include:

• Zzzquil tablets each contain 25mg of diphenhydramine. 
• The liquid version of Zzzquil contains 50mg of diphenhydramine per recommended dose of 30mL. Liquid Zzzquil also contains about 10% alcohol, though there is an alcohol-free version.
• Zzzquil Night Pain tablets contain a combination of diphenhydramine and acetaminophen. 
• Zzzquil ULTRA tablets each contain 25mg of doxylamine succinate.

The Zzzquil brand also includes a line called Pure Zzzs that does not contain diphenhydramine. Products in the Pure Zzzs line, which the manufacturer refers to as “sleep supplements,” contain ingredients such as melatonin, ashwagandha, lavender, valerian root, and magnesium.

Is Zzzquil Addictive?

Zzzquil’s marketing includes statements that the medication is not habit-forming. However, in October 2023, that claim was challenged in a class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs in that suit contend that diphenhydramine HCL use can lead to psychological dependence. 

An October 2017 case report in the journal Neurology Clinical Practice indicated that abruptly quitting diphenhydramine after abusing it for an extended period can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which are classic signs of addiction. 

The patient whose case was discussed in the 2017 report experienced the following symptoms after trying to end their diphenhydramine use:

• Tachycardia (racing heart rate)
• Excessive sweating and salivation
• Dilated (wide open) pupils
• Difficulty making facial expressions
• Disrupted speech

Zzzquil does not pose the same risk of addiction that alcohol, opioids, and other more powerful substances do. And the symptoms listed above are not as severe as what occurs during withdrawal from these other drugs. But the presence of any withdrawal symptoms indicates that Zzzquil and other meds that contain diphenhydramine could be addictive.

The risk of Zzzquil addiction is highest among people who misuse or abuse it. Failing to adhere to dosage guidance or taking the medication for longer than advised could increase a person’s risk of addiction and other adverse effects.

Signs of Zzzquil Addiction

If you are concerned that you or someone you care about may have developed an addiction to Zzzquil, keep an eye out for signs such as:

• Using Zzzquil in greater amounts or for a longer time than intended
• Failing to meet responsibilities at home, in school, or at work due to Zzzquil use
• Using Zzzquil in ways that are clearly hazardous, such as taking it while drinking alcohol or consuming other drugs
• Continuing to use Zzzquil even after incurring physical, psychological, or social damage as a result of prior use
• Becoming agitated or irritated when unable to use Zzzquil
• Needing to use larger doses of Zzzquil to experience effects that could previously be achieved after ingesting smaller amounts of the medication
• Developing urges, compulsions, or cravings for Zzzquil
• Wanting to stop using Zzzquil, but being unable to do so

Anyone who exhibits the signs of addiction to Zzzquil or any other substance should be evaluated by a qualified expert. Receiving an accurate diagnosis can be a valuable precursor to finding the most appropriate treatment.

Other Side Effects of Zzzquil

Zzzquil’s more common side effects include:

• Mild dizziness
• Stomach ache
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

More serious, but less common, side effects include:

• Intense dizziness
• Rash and itchiness
• Swelling in the face, tongue, and/or throat
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Breathing problems
• Disrupted appetite
• Difficulty urinating
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Confusion
• Depression
• Mood swings

Is There Treatment for Zzzquil Addiction?

Addictions to Zzzquil and other over-the-counter medications are treatable conditions. Personalization is a key element of effective treatment for all forms of addiction, so the type of care a person receives for Zzzquil dependence can be influenced by factors such as:

• Their age and gender
• Their treatment history
• How long they have been abusing Zzzquil
• How much Zzzquil they have been using
• If they are abusing or addicted to any other substances
• If they have any co-occurring mental or medical health concerns
• How they have been affected by their substance abuse

Depending on these and other relevant factors, a person’s customized treatment for Zzzquil addiction may include various forms of therapy and related support services. These elements of care can help people to: 

• Gain valuable information about the disease of addiction and the process of recovery
• Identify their triggers, which are events or circumstances that could push them back into active Zzzquil abuse
• Develop more effective stress management and conflict resolution skills
• Manage unhealthy urges without engaging in self-defeating behaviors
• Replace negative thought patterns with more productive ways of viewing the world
• Get help for anxiety, depression, or other co-occurring mental health concerns
• Build a reliable personal support network
• Connect with the resources and services that can support them after they have completed treatment

Contact Phoenix Rising for Zzzquil Addiction Treatment

Phoenix Rising Recovery offers a full continuum of life-affirming care for adults who have become addicted to Zzzquil and other substances.

When you choose our rehab center in Palm Desert, California, you will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with a team of experienced and compassionate professionals. We will take the time to get to know you as a unique individual, so that we can develop a customized treatment plan just for you.

Don’t let compulsive substance abuse rob you of another day. To learn more about how we can help you, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.