Daily Health News Blog

Q:   I take Tylenol PM to help me sleep. Are there any risks, such as liver damage, from taking it every day? A:  Yes. Such nighttime pain relievers contain a “first generation” antihistamine (usually diphenhydramine), which causes drowsiness. Unless you need a pain reliever, you’re better off skipping the Tylenol (acetaminophen) and just taking the antihistamine (such as Benadryl or a generic). That’s what’s in most over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids (such as Sominex or Unisom). Acetaminophen can indeed cause liver problems if taken in high doses and/or with alcohol. It’s easy to inadvertently get harmful amounts, since acetaminophen is found in many headache and cold/flu remedies and other OTC drugs. It can also interact with certain other medications. Nighttime pain relievers such as Advil PM and Motrin PM contain ibuprofen along with the antihistamine. Ibuprofen also has potential side effects, so don’t take it in a sleep aid unless you also need pain relie...