Max Strength Sleep Aid 50mg - 20 Tablets

What is this Max Strength Sleep Aid?

Max Strength Sleep Aid tablets are a treatment for short term insomnia, helping you to drop off for a good night’s sleep. It’s perfect for adults who are struggling to sleep because of jet lag, or if you’re worried about your work or an exam that’s coming up. If you’re looking for a reliable way to get some quality sleep when your insomnia is making you cranky, just one of these diphenhydramine tablets before you go to bed could be the perfect solution for you.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia means that you can’t fall asleep or struggle to sleep throughout the night. When you’re suffering from insomnia, it can make you feel tired or grumpy and can make it more difficult for you to concentrate. Most people experience insomnia at one point or another and it usually isn’t anything to worry about, but if you’re struggling to sleep for longer periods of time then you may want to try a sleep aid to help you get the rest you need. There are lots of reasons why you may find it difficult to fall asleep, with some of the most common causes of insomnia including:

• Jet lag

• Stress, anxiety, or depression

• Shift work, which can interrupt your sleep pattern

• A noisy environment

• A room that’s too hot or cold

• An uncomfortable bed

• Drinking alcohol

• Caffeine

• Nicotine

• Recreational drugs

• Some medications or medical conditions

How can I use diphenhydramine for sleep?

Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in this Max Strength Sleep Aid, with 50mg of this ingredient in every tablet. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine which also works as a sedative, which means it will make you feel drowsy or sleepy. This helps to reduce the amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep at night, helping you to drop off into a deeper, better quality sleep.

Can I use this product if I’m taking other medication?

If you’re taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or medicines obtained without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Diphenhydramine Sleep Aid. This especially applies if you are already taking:

• Other antihistamines, including those used on your skin, in hay fever and allergy treatments, or in cough and cold medicines

• Tranquillisers or sedatives, which are used to treat anxiety, e.g. diazepam

• Hypnotics, which are used to help you sleep better, e.g. nitrazepam

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), which are used for depression, e.g. phenelzine. Do not take this product if you’ve taken MAOIs within the past 2 weeks

• Metoprolol, which is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina, irregular heartbeats, or an overactive thyroid

• Venlafaxine, which is used to treat depression

• Antimuscarinics, which are used for Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and incontinence, e.g. procyclidine, trihexyphenidyl, atropine, oxybutynin, fesoterodine

• Tricyclic antidepressants, e.g. imipramine, amitriptyline

Will I be able to drive after using this diphenhydramine sleep aid?

Diphenhydramine is meant to make you feel sleepy or drowsy, as it’s a sleep aid. With this in mind, you should not attempt to drive or use any tools or machinery after taking this product, as these effects can reduce your attention and reaction times. You should only attempt to drive again once these effects have passed and you’re sure you can do so safely.

Can I drink alcohol while I’m taking these tablets?

You should not drink alcohol while taking diphenhydramine tablets. Alcohol can make the effects of this product more likely or more extreme than they would be otherwise. For example, you may find that you’re more likely to become tired or drowsy. 

Can I take diphenhydramine for sleep during my pregnancy?

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking diphenhydramine sleep aid if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Some medications won’t be right for you or your baby at this time, but a medical professional can help you to choose a suitable treatment or recommend some other ways you can improve your sleep hygiene and ease your insomnia.

How to take this sleep aid

Take one tablet around 20 minutes before you go to bed. Swallow the tablet with a sip of water. Do not take for more than 2 weeks without speaking to your doctor, especially if your insomnia has not improved within this time.

When should this product not be used?

Max Strength Sleep Aid tablets are not suitable for children under the age of 16. Do not take this product if you are allergic to diphenhydramine hydrochloride or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not take this product if you have a peptic ulcer or a blockage between your stomach and small intestine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have:

• Myasthenia gravis (abnormal muscle function)

• Seizures or epilepsy

• Asthma, bronchitis, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Narrow-angle glaucoma

• An enlarged prostate

• Difficulty urinating

• Moderate to severe liver or kidney problems

• Are elderly, especially if you suffer from confusion

Does Diphenhydramine Max Strength Sleep Aid have any side effects?

Like all medications, Diphenhydramine Max Strength Sleep Aid can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following serious side effects you should stop use and seek immediate medical attention:

• Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, e.g. difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat, a rash or hives

• Signs of a potential blood disorder, e.g. fever, chills, sore throat, infections

• Faster heartbeat, irregular heartbeat

• Fits, difficulty making or controlling movements

Other side effects you may experience include:

• Sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, disturbance in attention

• Dry mouth

• Fatigue

• Feeling your heartbeat

• Headaches, tingling, numbness, pins and needles

• Depression, sleep disturbances

• Confusion, excitation, e.g. increased energy, restlessness, nervousness, especially elderly people

• Difficulty peeing or being unable to pee

• Thicker bronchial mucus or phlegm

• Blurred vision

• Feeling or being sick, stomach problems

• Muscle twitching

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place which is out of direct sunlight. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?

You do not need a prescription for Diphenhydramine sleep aids, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist4U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that this product is the best choice for you.

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support