Benedryl is safe, too! It is one of the ones I will take...... and I don't do drugs, even OTC, unless I feel I absolutely have to. I know this because my OBGYN told me to take one at bedtime during my pregnancies to aid sleep. He was quite strict about what he would and wouldn't let me take. If he said it was safe, it must be.
I try not to take drugs for their side effects. Benadryl messes up my next day.
The only time I hit the prescription bottles is in flight. Its not falling to sleep thats my issue, its falling back to sleep. I am captive for 12-14 hours so a a milligram of xanax with a double scotch will get me 3 hours, then after a seat adjustment I can go back to sleep.