Advil PM Versus Excedrin PM: Which One is Better?

From time to time, I suffer from migraine headaches, and one of the symptoms of my migraine headaches is the inability to fall asleep quickly. There are two medications I take on a regular basis to treat my migraine headaches: Advil PM and Excedrin PM. I like taking Advil PM and Excedrin PM because they both contain a sleep aid to help me fall asleep quickly while the pain relievers work on controlling the pain. I have taken both drugs for many years, and feel confident both work well. Both drugs each have their benefits, and I will list them below so you can make an educated decision on which will may work better for you.

As far as ingredients, Advil PM contains 38 mg Diphenhydramine citrate (sleep aid) and 200 mg Ibuprofen (pain reliever), whereas Excedrin PM contains 38 mg Diphenhydramine citrate and 500 mg of Acetaminophen (Pain reliever). Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen are two different types of pain relievers. Advil PM has an allergy alert that ibuprofen may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Excedrin PM is better for people with allergies, as there are no allergy warnings on its label. The dosage amounts (as far as caplets go) are the same for each product. For adults and children 12 years and older, take two caplets of Advil PM at bedtime. For Excedrin PM, take 2 caplets at bedtime as well for adults and children 12 years and older.

With both products, do not drink alcohol while taking them. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please do not take either Advil PM or Excedrin PM before consulting your doctor. Drowsiness will occur as a result of taking these drugs. If your pain lasts more than 10 days, please see a doctor. There are a few precautions you should heed before starting either of these drugs. Advil PM has more warnings for people taking other medications; for instance, if you are taking a blood thinner, antihistamine, sedative, a drug containing NSAID, aspirin, or any other drug, consult your doctor first. With Excedrin PM, you only need to ask your doctor if you are taking a sedative or tranquilizer. If you have glaucoma, a breathing problem, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate, ask a doctor before use of Excedrin PM. Make sure you take the medication with food or milk if you have a sensitive stomach. Excedrin PM is my drug of choice for headaches or migraines because it seems a little safer to me than Advil PM.