Feb 7, - Will this have an adverse effects on my health? Scheduled medications that are controlled, like ambien or any of the other medications You should not use OTC sleep aids for long term therapy - it is only indicated for short I have very bad insomnia, ambien doesnt work, can. Nov 7, - What are the best sleep aids for chronic insomnia? My sister takes Ambien every night; my husband takes Benadryl and I get good results with Unisom. Can they be taken. Most use a form of antihistamine to help you sleep. Oct 27, - Ambien · Ativan · Buprenorphine · Hydrocodone · Methadone If you take Benadryl and drink alcohol, the sleepy, drowsy, . The short term side effects of diphenhydramine include agitation, dry mouth, confusion, . To be honest: I do not know if long term diphenhydramine affects the stomach lining, or not.