ZzzQuil Sleep Aids and Supplements FAQs | ZzzQuil (2024)

How does ZzzQuil help you fall asleep?

ZzzQuil helps you fall asleep by introducing the ingredient Diphenhydramine HCL into your system. Diphenhydramine HCL is an antihistamine that has been shown to make you feel sleepy and help you relax with no lasting side effects. Unlike a more powerful prescription sleep aid, ZzzQuil is gentle and won’t force you to fall asleep; it will only help calm, soothe and guide you into sleep.

What are the common side effects of ZzzQuil?

Most side effects of ZzzQuil are mild and will go away on their own. They include headaches, nausea and sleeplessness. While serious symptoms are extremely rare and usually the result of an overdose, if you experience seizures, extreme confusion or hallucinations, discontinue use and get help immediately. Click HERE for a complete list of possible side effects.

How is your ZzzQuil line different from PURE Zzzs?

Our ZzzQuil line uses the active ingredient Diphenhydramine HCL. Our PURE Zzzs line uses the active ingredient melatonin, which is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body. While each have been shown to be safe and effective, you should choose the product that works best for you and your body. Click HERE to learn more about our PURE Zzzs line.

Why do I have strange dreams on ZzzQuil?

Both ZzzQuil and PURE Zzzs help your body move from light sleep into the REM sleep cycle, which is your deepest and most restorative sleep, and also where you dream. The longer you stay in the REM sleep cycle, the more you’ll dream, and the more you’ll remember those dreams. However, while your dreams will likely be more vivid, you should not have terrifying dreams on ZzzQuil. If you do experience unwanted, frightening dreams, try practicing calming techniques before bed. If you still experience unpleasant dreams, discontinue ZzzQuil use and talk to your health care provider about a sleep aid that will work for you.

How much ZzzQuil should I be taking?

For our liquid products, adults and children over 12 years of age should take a single dose of 30 mL (measured in our provided cup) before bed. You should not have more than one dose in 24 hours. For our liquicaps, adults and children over 12 years of age should take two capules at bedtime and take only one dose in 24 hours. Children under 12 should not use any ZzzQuil product, but our PURE Zzzs Kidz product may be right for them. Click HERE to learn more.

Why do you have alcohol in your sleep aid liquids?

Some ingredients in our sleep aids don’t dissolve in water, but do dissolve in alcohol, so we formulate our products with it to keep the liquid smooth and consistent. The alcohol also helps keep the ZzzQuil formula stable, so it can last longer in your cabinet. There is minimal alcohol content in our ZzzQuil, so it’s safe for children over 12 to take, but if you would like an alcohol-free sleep aid, both our ZzzQuil Alcohol Free Liquid and ZzzQuil Liquicaps is are great options.

How are your ZzzQuil liquicaps different from your ZzzQuil liquid?

Both our ZzzQuil Liquicaps and our ZzzQuil liquids use the same active ingredient with different formulas, so you can choose how to take your sleep aid. They have exactly the same effect; we formulate them both ways so you can choose which one suits your taste and texture preference.

Is ZzzQuil safe for children?

Yes, ZzzQuil is safe for children over 12 years of age. For children under 12 years of age, check with your health care provider or try our melatonin-based PURE Zzzs Kidz Melatonin Gummies.

Is ZzzQuil safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?

You should not take ZzzQuil while pregnant or breastfeeding without first talking to your health care provider. While no serious side effects have been shown, there have been no long-term studies on the potential impact.

Is there anyone else who shouldn't take ZzzQuil?

Children under 12 should not take ZzzQuil unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider because the medication may be too powerful for them. The very elderly or those with neurologic disorders also should not take ZzzQuil because they are at a higher risk for confusion or other unwanted neurologic side effects.

How do I maximize the effects of ZzzQuil?

Unlike powerful prescription medications, ZzzQuil will only help you get to sleep, it won’t force you to. To maximize your chance of getting a great night’s sleep with ZzzQuil, practice good sleep hygiene by removing all screens from your bedroom, getting light-blocking curtains, and turning on soothing ambient noise, like a fan or relaxing music. If you often feel stressed or anxious while falling asleep, try meditation techniques to help your ZzzQuil give you the most calming effect possible.

What is PURE Zzzs? How is it different from ZzzQuil?

The sleep experts at Vicks ZzzQuil created PURE Zzzs to give you a drug free alternative to our bestselling ZzzQuil sleep aid. Our original ZzzQuil formula has the active ingredient Diphenhydramine HCL, an antihistamine, while our PURE Zzzs formula has the hormone melatonin. While both lines help you fall asleep, we’ve provided this drug free alternative to our proven sleep aids line so that you can choose the product that works best for you.

Do I have to take PURE Zzzs every night?

PURE Zzzs is drug-free & non-habit-forming, and you can take it every night, but you don’t have to. Because it can be taken as needed, PURE Zzzs is a great choice for people who travel across time zones often or have occasional sleepless nights.

Can I get addicted to ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs?

No. Unlike more powerful, prescription sleep aids, melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that works with your body’s circadian rhythm. You cannot get addicted to melatonin gummies and will not suffer adverse effects when you discontinue use. You may take it as needed and stop when you feel it is no longer needed.

Will ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs make me feel groggy in the morning?

Data shows that when you take the recommended dose of melatonin, next day grogginess is not expected. However there are many factors that could influence how rested you feel. This could include the number of hours you sleep. We recommend you take ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs when you can allow more than 6 hours of sleep, and that you practice excellent sleep hygiene habits.

Is ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs safe for children?

This product is for ages 18 and up. However, we do have a melatonin product made for kids (ages 4+). Vicks PURE Zzzs Kidz melatonin gummies are a great choice for parents who have a child struggling to fall or stay asleep. They are a great natural-acting alternative to prescription sleep aids and have been specially crafted for children.

Can I take ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs while pregnant or breast feeding?

Consult with a health care professional before taking ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are nursing.

What ingredient in ZzzQuil makes you sleep?

In some of our medicinal sleep aids we use Diphenhydramine HCL 50 Mg, a nighttime sleep-aid that relieves occasional sleeplessness

Do PURE Zzzs gummies contain soy?

Yes, PURE Zzzs Melatonin gummies do contain soy.

Is there any wheat or gluten in ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs gummies?

No. We specially made our gummies without any wheat or gluten.

Is there gelatin in ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Gummies?

No. Our gummies do not contain gelatin.

How should I store ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Melatonin Gummies?

You should store ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Gummies in a dry, cool place.

Where is ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs made?

ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Melatonin Gummies are manufactured in the USA.

Are ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs approved by the Food and Drug Administration?

Our product is regulated under the Federal Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. The FDA is authorized to investigate and monitor the safety of our products.