Tylenol PM

Tylenol PM is the trademark for a mixture of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and diphenhydramine, distributed by Johnson & Johnson. It is marketed as a combined analgesic and sedative, or more simply, pain reliever and sleep aid, intended to treat occasional headaches and minor aches and pains with accompanying sleeplessness. It is listed as non-habit forming.

Acetaminophen alone is sold as simply Tylenol, while diphenhydramine alone is marketed as Simply Sleep.

Diphenhydramine is an anti-histamine and is also the active ingredient in Benadryl(allergies) and Benylin which is used in cough and cold therapy as an anti-cough (anti-tussive) with the drying effect of the anti-histamine. The drowsiness is caused by the anti-histamine.

Recently, a disturbing trend has developed in major US cities where drug users have begun to mix crushed Tylenol PM with black tar heroin to create a new substance which is known on the street as "Cheese" or cheese heroin. This highly addictive drug is snorted, like cocaine, and has enhanced euphoric and sedative effects. It is a very dangerous combination with a very high risk of overdose and, when combined with alcohol or other drugs, can easily cause respiratory arrest and death. Police are particularly concerned because of the popularity of this drug among teenagers due to its powerful effect and relatively low cost, averaging only $2.00 per dose commonly referred to as a "bump".