Unisom is an over-the-counter sleep aid by Chattem Inc., using either doxylamine succinate or diphenhydramine HCl as its active ingredient depending on the product. The brand holds the #1 Pharmacist Recommended OTC Sleep-Aid title from the 2019 Pharmacy Times Survey conducted among pharmacists nationwide.
Unisom SleepTabs help users fall asleep 33% faster versus placebo in clinical studies. The doxylamine formula blocks histamine and acetylcholine receptors, producing sedation within 30 minutes. Multiple product types address different needs. User reviews on WebMD give the brand a 4.0 out of 5 rating, with 82% of reviewers reporting a positive effect on their sleep.
This review covers active ingredients, correct dosage, known side effects, real user feedback, pricing at major retailers, and a direct comparison with ZzzQuil. The goal is a clear picture of what Unisom does well and where it falls short, so buyers can decide with confidence before purchasing.
What Is Unisom Sleep Aid?
Unisom is an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aid brand manufactured by Chattem Inc., designed to help adults fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night. The brand has been sold in the United States for decades and is recognized as the #1 Pharmacist Recommended OTC Sleep-Aid Brand according to the 2019 Pharmacy Times Survey of Pharmacists’ OTC Recommendations.
Here’s the thing: Unisom belongs to a category of sleep aids known as antihistamines. These drugs cause drowsiness as a primary effect. The brand targets adults and adolescents aged 12 and older who experience occasional sleeplessness.
Chattem Inc. produces multiple Unisom formulations to suit different preferences. Each product differs in its active ingredient, dosage form, and onset speed. So if one formula doesn’t work for you, there’s likely another that will.
What Are the Different Unisom Products Available?
Unisom offers five main product lines, each formulated with a different delivery method or active ingredient to address distinct sleep preferences. The core medicinal products include SleepTabs (doxylamine succinate tablets), SleepGels (diphenhydramine HCl softgels), SleepMinis (diphenhydramine HCl mini-capsules), and SleepMelts (dissolvable strips).
The brand also includes Unisom PM Pain, which combines diphenhydramine with acetaminophen. In fact, this formulation specifically targets adults dealing with mild pain alongside sleep difficulties. It’s a two-in-one solution for restless, uncomfortable nights.
And then there’s Unisom Simple Slumbers, which uses melatonin rather than antihistamines. Some variants include Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803, passionflower, lemon balm, and vitamin B6. That’s for users who prefer a hormone-based approach over traditional OTC antihistamines.
Unisom Product Comparison:
| Product | Active Ingredient | Form |
|---|---|---|
| SleepTabs | Doxylamine Succinate 25mg | Tablet |
| SleepGels | Diphenhydramine HCl 50mg | Softgel |
| SleepMinis | Diphenhydramine HCl 25mg | Mini-capsule |
| SleepMelts | Diphenhydramine HCl 25mg | Dissolvable strip |
| PM Pain | Diphenhydramine HCl + Acetaminophen | Tablet |
| Simple Slumbers | Melatonin | Gummy/Supplement |
Who Should Use Unisom Sleep Aid?
Unisom is intended for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older who experience occasional or short-term sleeplessness. The product is not designed for chronic insomnia or as a long-term nightly solution. Users experiencing persistent sleep problems should consult a healthcare provider for a more appropriate treatment plan.
Children under 12 should not use Unisom. The reason is simple: antihistamines can cause irritability or hyperactivity in younger children rather than the intended sedating effect. Parents seeking sleep support for young children should speak with a pediatrician first.
To be clear, Unisom is also commonly used by pregnant women experiencing nausea alongside sleeplessness. The doxylamine formulation has a long history of use during pregnancy. That said, expectant mothers should always consult a physician before starting any sleep medication.
What Are the Active Ingredients in Unisom?
Unisom products rely on two distinct antihistamine active ingredients: doxylamine succinate (25mg in SleepTabs) and diphenhydramine HCl (50mg in SleepGels, 25mg in SleepMinis and SleepMelts). Both compounds work by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, producing drowsiness as a direct pharmacological effect.
Doxylamine succinate is a first-generation antihistamine with a half-life of approximately 10 hours. Here’s what that means in practice: the sedating effect can last well into the following morning for some users. The compound also blocks acetylcholine, which adds to its sedative properties.
Diphenhydramine HCl is another first-generation antihistamine, most widely recognized as the active ingredient in Benadryl. It has a shorter half-life than doxylamine. That difference matters: it can mean slightly less next-day grogginess for users who are sensitive to antihistamines.
Does Doxylamine Succinate Work for Sleep?
Yes. Doxylamine succinate is clinically recognized as one of the most effective OTC sleep-inducing antihistamines available without a prescription. According to GoodRx pharmacists Dima Cheetany and Joshua Murdock, the compound blocks histamine and acetylcholine, producing rapid-onset sedation that helps users fall asleep within 30 minutes of ingestion.
And the clinical data backs this up. Unisom SleepTabs, which contain doxylamine succinate 25mg per tablet, help users fall asleep 33% faster versus placebo. Users also reported waking significantly fewer times during the night in the same study.
Here’s a fact most people don’t know: doxylamine succinate is also the active ingredient in Diclegis, an FDA-approved prescription medication for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. That regulatory history confirms a well-documented safety profile. The longer half-life does mean some users experience residual drowsiness the following morning.
Diphenhydramine differs from doxylamine primarily in potency, half-life, and how quickly the body clears it from the system. Diphenhydramine HCl has a half-life of roughly 4 to 8 hours, shorter than doxylamine’s 10 hours. In fact, this difference is the main reason some users prefer SleepGels for early-morning wake times.
Doxylamine is generally considered the stronger of the two antihistamines for sleep purposes. Pharmacists often describe it as ‘fast-acting and strong’ while noting it may cause more next-day sedation. Diphenhydramine, while slightly milder, remains effective for most users seeking short-term sleep support.
Bottom line: both ingredients work through the same basic mechanism of histamine receptor blockade. The practical difference is in which product they’re in. SleepTabs use doxylamine; SleepGels, SleepMinis, and SleepMelts use diphenhydramine. If one formula feels too mild or too strong, the other is worth trying.
How Does Unisom Sleep Aid Work?
Unisom works by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the central nervous system, which reduces neurological arousal and promotes the onset of sleep. The active ingredients also block muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, contributing to sedation through a second pharmacological pathway. This dual-receptor mechanism is what makes Unisom more reliably sedating than simple melatonin supplements.
Think of it this way: histamine is a neurotransmitter that keeps the brain alert and awake. When Unisom’s active ingredients block these receptors, the brain’s wakefulness signals are suppressed. The result is a natural drift toward sleep rather than a forced sedative knockout.
The onset of action for Unisom products is approximately 30 minutes after ingestion. So users should take it 30 minutes before their intended bedtime. The full sedative effect typically peaks within 1 to 2 hours of taking the dose.
Does Unisom Help You Fall Asleep Faster?
Yes. Unisom SleepTabs help users fall asleep 33% faster compared to placebo, according to a clinical study cited by the manufacturer. This reduction in sleep onset latency is the core clinical claim behind the brand and the primary reason pharmacists consistently recommend the product for short-term sleeplessness.
The clinical study measured sleep onset in adults with occasional sleeplessness. Participants taking doxylamine succinate fell asleep significantly faster than the placebo group. And the effect was consistent across the full study population, not just outliers.
User reviews from WebMD and CVS back this up. A 21-year-old reviewer on WebMD described falling asleep within 90 minutes of taking one SleepTab after previously lying awake until 5:30 AM. The ease of returning to sleep after waking was consistently praised as a key benefit.
Yes. Unisom SleepTabs help users awaken significantly fewer times during the night compared to placebo, according to the same clinical study cited by the manufacturer. This improvement in sleep continuity is particularly relevant for users who fall asleep easily but wake repeatedly throughout the night.
Here’s why: the doxylamine formulation’s 10-hour half-life means sedation persists through most of a standard 7 to 8-hour sleep period. The prolonged effect contributes to fewer nighttime awakenings. This is one reason SleepTabs are considered stronger for sleep maintenance than SleepGels.
The bad news? Some users report that tolerance builds with consistent nightly use. A WebMD reviewer described diminished effectiveness after taking the product for several consecutive nights. That’s why Unisom is recommended for occasional use rather than as a nightly habit.
What Are the Benefits of Unisom Sleep Aid?
Unisom offers several key advantages over prescription sleep aids and other OTC options, including no prescription requirement, proven clinical effectiveness, and an accessible price point. The brand’s consistent recommendation from pharmacists over multiple survey cycles reflects strong professional confidence in the product’s safety and efficacy profile.
The product is available in multiple formulations. Users who dislike swallowing tablets can choose softgels, mini-capsules, or dissolvable strips. This flexibility makes Unisom accessible to people with different medication preferences.
And here is the best part: Unisom products are HSA and FSA eligible under the CARES Act. That effectively reduces the out-of-pocket cost for users with qualifying health accounts. Generic doxylamine succinate and diphenhydramine are also available at significantly lower prices than the branded Unisom line.
Key Benefits:
- Falls asleep 33% faster versus placebo in clinical trials
- No prescription required for adults and adolescents 12 and older
- Multiple formulations available to match user preferences
- HSA and FSA eligible under the CARES Act
- Generic versions available at lower cost
- Recognized as the #1 Pharmacist Recommended OTC Sleep-Aid Brand
Is Unisom Non-Habit Forming?
Yes. Unisom products are classified as non-habit forming when used as directed, meaning the ingredients do not cause the physical dependence or withdrawal effects associated with prescription sleep medications. This classification applies to both doxylamine and diphenhydramine formulations within the product line.
Here’s the thing though: non-habit forming does not mean tolerance-free. Some users report the product becomes less effective after several consecutive nights. One WebMD reviewer noted that after 6 weeks of use, the product stopped working reliably and mild withdrawal-like symptoms appeared after stopping.
Healthcare providers advise against using Unisom for more than 2 consecutive weeks without medical guidance. Continued use beyond that window raises the tolerance risk. So what should you do if sleep is still an issue? See a physician. Underlying causes need to be identified, not just masked with antihistamines.
Is Unisom Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes. Unisom SleepTabs with doxylamine succinate have a well-established safety record during pregnancy and are commonly used to manage nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), also known as morning sickness. Doxylamine is the active ingredient in Diclegis, an FDA-approved prescription medication specifically indicated for NVP in pregnant women.
Multiple WebMD reviewers reported using Unisom during pregnancy for both nausea and sleep. One described taking half a tablet (12.5mg) rather than the full 25mg dose to minimize next-day grogginess. This dose adjustment is common among pregnant users who are sensitive to the sedative effect.
To be clear, Unisom labels advise pregnant or breastfeeding individuals to consult a health professional before use. Doxylamine has decades of clinical data supporting its pregnancy safety profile. But all medication decisions during pregnancy carry individual risk factors, and a healthcare provider is the right person to make that call.
What Do Unisom Reviews Say?
Unisom holds an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars from 288 reviews on WebMD, with approximately 82% of reviewers reporting a positive effect. On CVS.com, the SleepTabs 48-count product carries a 4.3-star rating from 675 reviews, reflecting strong consumer satisfaction across multiple retail platforms.
Review patterns consistently show most users find Unisom effective for falling asleep quickly. Speed of onset and staying asleep through the night are the two most praised aspects. In fact, these findings align closely with the clinical study data cited by the manufacturer.
But not everyone is happy. The most common negative feedback centers on next-day grogginess, reduced effectiveness with consecutive use, and a subset of users who find the product ineffective at the standard dose. Individual responses to antihistamines vary based on body weight, sensitivity, and medication history.
What Are the Positive Experiences with Unisom?
Most positive Unisom reviewers report falling asleep noticeably faster and waking fewer times during the night, with effects consistent with the manufacturer’s clinical claims. A WebMD user described taking one tablet at 10 PM and being asleep by 11:30 PM after previously struggling to fall asleep at all. The same user noted easy return to sleep after any nighttime awakenings.
Pregnancy users represent a significant positive review segment. Multiple reviewers noted SleepTabs helped with both nausea and insomnia during pregnancy. Several described starting with half a tablet and finding it effective without causing excessive next-day sedation.
Reliability is another recurring theme. Reviewers who use Unisom occasionally for travel, shift changes, or stress-related insomnia consistently report satisfactory results. The OTC accessibility without a prescription is frequently cited as a major practical advantage.
What Are the Common Complaints About Unisom?
The most frequently reported complaint about Unisom is next-day grogginess or ‘hangover’ sedation that impairs morning alertness and daytime functioning. One WebMD reviewer described waking with dizziness, body aches, and cognitive fog after taking a full 25mg doxylamine dose. Another described feeling ‘drugged up and lightheaded’ after only a half-tablet.
Reduced effectiveness over time is the second most common complaint. Does this mean Unisom stops working? Not exactly. It means the body adjusts to the antihistamine, requiring progressively larger doses to produce the same effect. This tolerance development explains why healthcare providers recommend short-term use only.
A smaller group of users found the product entirely ineffective at the labeled dose. One reviewer described lying awake for hours after taking the tablet, then waking with only residual side effects. The truth is, individual variation in drug metabolism means antihistamine-based sleep aids don’t produce consistent results for everyone.
Common Complaints:
- Next-day grogginess or ‘hangover’ sedation
- Dizziness and balance issues with consecutive use
- Tolerance building after repeated nightly use
- Ineffectiveness in a subset of users
- Difficulty functioning during the day after a full dose
What Are the Side Effects of Unisom?
Unisom can cause a range of side effects associated with first-generation antihistamines, the most common being daytime drowsiness or residual sedation that extends past the sleep period. Both doxylamine and diphenhydramine share a class-related side effect profile that includes dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and constipation due to anticholinergic activity.
Dizziness and balance disturbance are also reported, particularly with consecutive nightly use. A WebMD reviewer described mild balance issues and headache after taking doxylamine 3 to 4 days in a row. These effects resolved after stopping, but took approximately 2 days to clear completely.
More serious side effects are rare but possible, particularly in older adults who are more sensitive to anticholinergic drugs. Confusion, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty urinating may occur. In case of overdose, contact the Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
Who Should Avoid Unisom Sleep Aid?
Unisom is not suitable for children under 12 years old, as antihistamines can cause paradoxical excitement and hyperactivity in young children rather than sedation. The product should also be avoided by individuals with certain medical conditions including glaucoma, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Older adults should use particular caution. The American Geriatrics Society includes diphenhydramine and doxylamine on the Beers Criteria list of medications potentially inappropriate for adults over 65. The anticholinergic effects pose elevated risks of cognitive impairment and falls in elderly users.
And here’s a practical point: anyone who needs morning alertness for work, driving, or operating machinery should assess their individual response before relying on Unisom. The 10-hour half-life of doxylamine means residual sedation is a real risk for those sleeping fewer than 7 to 8 hours. The product label clearly states nighttime use only.
Unisom interacts with any central nervous system depressant, including alcohol, prescription sedatives, benzodiazepines, opioid pain medications, and other antihistamines, increasing the risk of dangerous sedation. Combining Unisom with alcohol is explicitly warned against on all product labels, as the combination amplifies drowsiness unpredictably.
MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) represent a particularly serious interaction risk. Taking Unisom within 14 days of stopping MAOI therapy can cause severe adverse reactions. So what should you do? Review your full medication list with a pharmacist before starting any Unisom product, especially if you’re on antidepressants.
Other anticholinergic medications, including certain antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, and bladder medications, can compound Unisom’s anticholinergic side effects. This combination may worsen dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and cognitive effects. A pharmacist review of the full medication list is advisable before starting.
How Do You Use Unisom Correctly?
Unisom should be taken approximately 30 minutes before the intended bedtime to allow the active ingredient time to reach peak effect as the user settles into sleep. This timing recommendation appears consistently across all Unisom product lines and aligns with the pharmacokinetics of both doxylamine and diphenhydramine.
The method of use differs slightly by product. SleepTabs are swallowed whole with water. SleepGels are liquid-filled softgels, also swallowed whole. SleepMelts dissolve on or under the tongue without water. Always read the product-specific label for exact dosage instructions before using any formulation.
This is important: Unisom is recommended for occasional use only. Healthcare providers advise against taking it every night without medical guidance. The product is not a substitute for addressing the underlying causes of chronic insomnia, whether that’s sleep hygiene, anxiety, or another medical condition.
How to Use Unisom SleepTabs:
- Check that you can allocate at least 7 to 8 hours for sleep before taking the dose.
- Take 1 tablet (25mg) approximately 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
- Do not exceed 1 tablet per 24-hour period.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedating substances on the same night.
- Store at 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 degrees Celsius) in the original packaging.
How Much Unisom Should You Take?
The standard adult dose for Unisom SleepTabs is 1 tablet containing 25mg of doxylamine succinate, taken 30 minutes before bedtime, with a maximum of 1 tablet per 24-hour period. For SleepGels, the labeled dose is 1 softgel containing 50mg of diphenhydramine HCl. SleepMinis and SleepMelts contain 25mg of diphenhydramine per dose.
Some users, particularly those sensitive to antihistamines, report better tolerability at half the standard dose. A WebMD reviewer started at 12.5mg of doxylamine (half a SleepTab) and found it effective without significant next-day sedation. This approach isn’t officially labeled but reflects common practice among sensitive users.
Do not exceed the labeled dose in an attempt to speed up or strengthen the effect. Taking more product doesn’t accelerate onset. It significantly increases the risk of next-day impairment. If the standard dose is consistently ineffective, a healthcare provider should be consulted to explore alternative sleep strategies.
Can You Take Unisom Every Night?
No. Unisom is not recommended for nightly use beyond 2 consecutive weeks without consultation with a healthcare provider, as tolerance to antihistamine sedation develops with regular use. The manufacturer’s labeling and pharmacy guidance consistently characterize Unisom as a short-term solution for occasional sleeplessness rather than a maintenance sleep medication.
Tolerance to antihistamine sedation typically develops within 4 to 7 days of consecutive use. Once it sets in, progressively larger doses are needed to achieve the same effect. And stopping after tolerance develops can cause a rebound in wakefulness, making sleep even harder temporarily.
GoodRx pharmacists advise consulting a healthcare provider if sleeplessness persists beyond 2 weeks despite OTC use. Chronic insomnia often has underlying causes: anxiety, depression, poor sleep hygiene, or medical conditions. These require targeted intervention, not continued antihistamine use.
How Much Does Unisom Cost?
Unisom SleepTabs are priced between approximately $8 (USD) for a 16-count pack and $16 (USD) for a 48-count pack at major retailers including CVS, Target, Walgreens, and Amazon. The 80-count two-pack available on Amazon is sold for roughly $28 to $32 (USD), offering the best per-tablet value among the standard retail configurations.
Generic doxylamine succinate tablets contain the same 25mg active ingredient as Unisom SleepTabs at substantially lower prices. And if a healthcare provider writes a prescription, GoodRx can reduce the cost by over 50% at participating pharmacies. That’s worth checking for regular users.
Unisom products are HSA and FSA eligible under the CARES Act, which allows purchase with pre-tax dollars. This effectively reduces the real cost by the user’s marginal tax rate. For most middle-to-high income earners in the United States, that’s a 22% to 37% discount on every purchase.
Unisom Pricing by Pack Size:
| Product | Pack Size | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| SleepTabs | 16 count | $8 – $10 |
| SleepTabs | 32 count | $10 – $13 |
| SleepTabs | 48 count | $14 – $16 |
| SleepTabs 2-pack | 80 count x2 | $28 – $32 |
| SleepGels | 32 count | $10 – $13 |
Is Unisom Worth the Price?
Yes. For occasional sleeplessness, Unisom delivers clinically-supported sleep improvement at a cost per dose of roughly $0.33 to $0.55 (USD) per tablet. That places Unisom among the most affordable effective OTC sleep options available. The generic equivalent (doxylamine succinate) brings the per-dose cost even lower, often under $0.15 (USD) per tablet at discount retailers.
But the value calculation changes for users who need nightly sleep support. Because tolerance develops with antihistamines after a few days, the effective cost per night of quality sleep increases as more doses are needed. For long-term use, prescription sleep aids or behavioral interventions like CBTi may provide better value.
For the specific use case Unisom targets, short-term occasional sleeplessness, the price-to-effectiveness ratio is strong. The clinical evidence, pharmacist endorsement, and broad retail availability all support Unisom as a cost-effective first-line OTC sleep option for adults without contraindications.
Unisom vs ZzzQuil: Which Sleep Aid Is Better?
Unisom SleepTabs differ from ZzzQuil primarily in active ingredient: SleepTabs use doxylamine succinate (25mg), while ZzzQuil uses diphenhydramine HCl (25mg), making Unisom the stronger option for sleep duration based on half-life pharmacokinetics. Both products are antihistamine-based OTC sleep aids positioned for occasional use, but the choice between them depends on individual response and desired effect duration.
ZzzQuil, manufactured by Vicks, uses the same active ingredient as Unisom SleepGels and Benadryl. Diphenhydramine’s shorter 4 to 8-hour half-life means users who need early morning alertness may prefer ZzzQuil over SleepTabs. But if sleep maintenance is the priority, Unisom’s 10-hour doxylamine half-life is the stronger choice.
Price parity between the two brands is generally close at major retailers. The real differentiator is individual pharmacological response. Some users tolerate doxylamine better than diphenhydramine, and vice versa. If one product fails, pharmacists often advise trying the alternative active ingredient before abandoning antihistamine-based sleep aids entirely.
Unisom SleepTabs vs ZzzQuil Comparison:
| Feature | Unisom SleepTabs | ZzzQuil |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Doxylamine Succinate 25mg | Diphenhydramine HCl 25mg |
| Half-Life | ~10 hours | 4 to 8 hours |
| Sleep Onset | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Sleep Maintenance | Stronger | Moderate |
| Next-Day Grogginess Risk | Higher | Lower |
| Pregnancy Use | Common (doxylamine) | Less common |
| Pharmacist Recommended | #1 OTC Sleep Aid Brand | Not ranked #1 |
Where Can You Buy Unisom Sleep Aid?
Unisom is available without a prescription at virtually every major pharmacy, grocery chain, and mass-market retailer in the United States, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Rite Aid. The product is also sold on Amazon with Prime delivery, and directly through the official Unisom website at unisom.com, which includes a store locator tool for finding nearby retail stockists.
Online purchase through Amazon or retailer websites offers bulk pricing and subscription discounts. Amazon’s ‘Subscribe and Save’ program can reduce per-unit cost by 5% to 15% depending on subscription volume. And HSA and FSA debit cards are accepted at most retail pharmacy checkouts and major online retailers.
Generic versions of doxylamine succinate and diphenhydramine HCl are widely available under store-brand names. These generics contain identical active ingredients at the same doses as Unisom but at lower prices. A pharmacist can confirm which store-brand generics are therapeutically equivalent substitutes.
Where to Buy Unisom:
- CVS Pharmacy (in-store and CVS.com)
- Walgreens (in-store and Walgreens.com)
- Walmart (in-store and Walmart.com)
- Target (in-store and Target.com)
- Amazon.com (Prime eligible)
- Rite Aid (in-store)
- Official Unisom website (unisom.com)
Is Unisom Sleep Aid Worth It?
Unisom is worth it for adults experiencing occasional or short-term sleeplessness who want a clinically-tested, pharmacist-recommended OTC solution without a prescription. The 82% positive review rate on WebMD, the clinical study showing 33% faster sleep onset, and the #1 pharmacist recommendation status all support the product’s effectiveness for its intended use case.
The good news? For occasional use, it delivers. The bad news? It’s not worth it as a long-term nightly solution. Tolerance develops within a week of consecutive use, and the anticholinergic side effects, including next-day grogginess, dry mouth, and dizziness, become more burdensome with extended use. Users with chronic insomnia need a different approach, such as CBTi or prescription medication.
The bottom line: for the occasional sleepless night, Unisom delivers real clinical results at an affordable price with no prescription barrier. Its limitations are well-documented and align with its positioning as a short-term aid. Users who approach it with realistic expectations are likely to find it effective and well worth the cost.