Why does benadryl help anxiety
Benadryl for Anxiety: Does It Work?
If you’re reluctant to take prescription medication for anxiety, Benadryl may sound like an easy, inexpensive solution. But it’s not a good idea. Here’s why.
Anxiety doesn’t have a schedule. You may wake up with the tell-tale feeling of constriction in your chest, or it may hit you during an important work meeting.
This is why you may be looking for go-to ways to manage your symptoms. You may wonder whether over-the-counter medications may be an option.
Benadryl is a common allergy medication found in many households around the country. It can make some people drowsy and sleepy.
So, could it be used for anxiety, too? It’s not a good idea. Here’s why.
Benadryl is not an anxiety medication. It’s an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine.
Its primary purpose is to provide temporary relief from hay fever and upper respiratory allergy symptoms. Benadryl’s generic name is diphenhydramine.
It works by blocking histamines in your central nervous system (CNS) and other parts of the body.
Histamines, the chemical messengers in your body that help with daily function, are also a part of your immune response.
When a foreign molecule enters your body and is seen as a threat, histamines encourage the inflammatory response that results in allergy symptoms.
Benadryl blocks histamine signals and acts as an CNS depressant. This helps provide allergy symptom relief. It may also cause other sensations, such as drowsiness and sedation.
This is why some people may believe that Benadryl can help relieve anxiety, but research is far from reassuring when it comes to this effect and many experts advise against it.
Benadryl and sleep
The ability of Benadryl to cause sedation is one reason you may look to it for anxiety relief. But drowsiness doesn’t translate to anxiety relief.
You may feel sedated or tired when you take Benadryl, but the anxiety and its effects on your body can still be there.
If your anxiety stems from sleep disturbances, Benadryl may indirectly affect symptoms if it helps you get to sleep faster.
However, keep in mind that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) advises against taking Benadryl for sleep.
According to the AASM, long-term use of antihistamines for sleep regulation purposes is understudied. This means that there may be serious side effects when taking the drug for reasons other than allergies.
In sum, taking Benadryl to sleep better is not recommended.
Benadryl and h2 receptors
Many theories into how Benadryl may affect anxiety exist but have yet to be backed up by research.
One of the most popular schools of thought is that Benadryl may improve anxiety symptoms through its affinity for h2 receptors in the body.
The h2 receptor is directly involved with the body’s inflammatory response. Preliminary animal studies suggest that it might also have an impact on anxiety symptoms, but these results have yet to be demonstrated in human studies.
One 2007 study demonstrated h2 receptor activation in mice resulted in symptoms of anxiety.
These symptoms weren’t observed during the activation of other receptor sites.
Those findings support earlier research in animals from 1996, 1998, and 1999 that showed stimulating or deactivating the h2 receptor could increase or decrease symptoms of anxiety.
But again, this is only seen in animals, and the research is older. Newer studies with actual people are needed, so we don’t know whether the process would replicate in humans.
Benadryl is not approved for anxiety treatment and has no safety trials to support that use.
Only a healthcare professional may determine if the short-term use of Benadryl may be a part of your treatment plan.
Using Benadryl for anxiety is off-label. Only a healthcare professional can determine its potential benefits for a particular case.
Additionally, if you experience a serious side effect during off-label use, the drug manufacturer may not offer you any compensation.
Without significant research or proven long-term clinical use, there’s no way to know all the potential complications from using Benadryl to treat anxiety.
This is why it’s highly advisable to use Benadryl only for allergies and as directed by your healthcare team.
There’s no research that supports using Benadryl for managing panic attacks, or research that shows you will see an improvement in your symptoms.
If you experience panic attacks, your healthcare professional can prescribe a proven and safe medication specifically for them.
Long-term unsupervised Benadryl use may also lead to tolerance and dependence. It may take more and more of the medication for you to feel the same effects.
High doses of Benadryl can also be fatal in some cases.
Side effects of Benadryl
Using Benadryl for anxiety is not backed up by scientific evidence.
The use of Benadryl for allergies has shown some potential side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- headache
- impaired coordination
- abdominal discomfort
- thickened bronchial mucus
- dry mucous membranes
- euphoria
- constipation
- urinary retention
- low blood pressure
- uncontrollable bodily movements
- difficulty urinating
- blurred vision
- double vision
- light sensitivity
- sweating
- sexual dysfunction
- reproductive changes
- loss of appetite
- paradoxical CNS stimulation
Serious and rare reactions of Benadryl may include:
- anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
- heatstroke
- anemia
- QT prolongation
- thrombocytopenia
- agranulocytosis
- pancytopenia
- leukopenia
- irregular heartbeat
- seizures
- labyrinthitis
- toxic psychosis
Taking too much Benadryl
You can experience side effects even while using Benadryl as recommended.
Taking too much can result in toxicity, and it may be lethal.
Overdosing on Benadryl may lead to:
- delirium
- hallucinations
- tremors
- seizures
- confusion
- agitation
- loss of muscle coordination or control
- dry sweat glands and mucous membranes
- flushed skin
- racing heart rate
- breakdown of skeletal muscle fibers
- urinary retention
Benadryl in children and teens
Benadryl is not approved for anxiety treatment in people of any age.
As an antihistamine, it can be used in children over the age of 6.
A pediatrician can help you decide whether your child has a unique need for off-label Benadryl use. Administering the medication without approval from a healthcare professional could result in severe reactions.
One of the possible side effects of Benadryl is called paradoxical CNS stimulation. It’s a condition where you experience the opposite drug reaction to what’s expected.
Most people experience side effects of drowsiness and sedation on Benadryl. For some people, Benadryl can have the opposite effect.
Instead of feeling sleepy, you may experience excitation and agitation, which might make anxiety symptoms feel worse.
There’s no way to predict who will have a paradoxical reaction.
There are no studies linking Benadryl, or its active ingredient diphenhydramine, directly to the symptoms of clinical depression.
Feeling tired, lethargic, or mentally foggy on Benadryl is often from the drug’s CNS depressant effects.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression while taking Benadryl, your mental healthcare team can evaluate your symptoms and check for co-occurring conditions.
Benadryl is an antihistamine that may cause you to feel sedated and drowsy. This doesn’t mean it calms anxiety symptoms, though. There’s simply no scientific evidence to support its use for anxiety. In fact, it’s not recommended for this purpose.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, a healthcare professional can help you find the right medication for your symptoms. There may be some over-the-counter options, but Benadryl is not one of them.
Consulting with your healthcare team before starting Benadryl treatment for any reason can help you avoid health complications.
They can also help you determine the right treatment for your symptoms. Anxiety can be managed, and there are proven ways to feel better.
Benadryl For Anxiety: What You Need to Know
You’ve probably heard of Benadryl. It’s a common over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that’s often used to manage allergies. It also has a sedative effect, which means it can make you sleepy.
Because of this, some people use it for the short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms.
However, it’s not a long-term solution, and it doesn’t have FDA approval for the treatment of anxiety.
In this article, I’ll talk about what Benadryl is, how it may help anxiety, its side effects and risks, and other anxiety treatment options that may be safer and more effective.
What Is Benadryl?
Benadryl is a name brand for the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
Typically, Benadryl is used to relieve allergy symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose and throat
It can also be used to help manage symptoms of the common cold by reducing nasal congestion.
Benadryl risk factors
While Benadryl is safe for most people to take, you should avoid it if you have certain health conditions, including:
- Glaucoma
- Breathing problems
- Trouble urinating
You also shouldn’t use Benadryl:
- As a sleep aid for children
- With other products containing diphenhydramine
Though everyone reacts differently, Benadryl typically makes people drowsy.
Avoid driving, drinking alcoholic beverages, and taking any other type of sedative or sleeping pill after taking Benadryl.
Feeling Down?
Take our free assessment and learn about your options.
Get Started
Does Benadryl Help Anxiety?
Although some people say that Benadryl helps their anxiety, it is not approved by the FDA for anxiety symptoms.
Therefore, do not take it for anxiety unless your healthcare provider specifically recommends it.
The only FDA-approved antihistamine for anxiety is hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril).
For some people, this can be an effective alternative to benzodiazepines.
Although benzodiazepines can treat anxiety, they can also be addictive and have significant side effects.
According to research, hydroxyzine can treat anxiety symptoms, insomnia, and panic attacks. It’s safe for children and pregnant individuals, and it carries few side effects.
In contrast, Benadryl has not been extensively studied and is thought to be less effective for treating anxiety overall.
Benadryl and sleep
Antihistamines such as Benadryl make you feel sleepy by blocking excess production of histamine and histamine release in the brain.
Among other things, histamines (natural chemicals produced by the body) affect your sleep and wake cycles.
Typically, your brain’s histamine levels naturally decrease before you go to sleep. When antihistamines block histamine production, your brain thinks it’s time to sleep.
Some people take Benadryl as a sleep aid.
However, medical providers don’t recommend this because it hasn’t been tested and approved as a sleep aid.
Additionally, Benadryl may make you feel groggy and drowsy, may not help you fall asleep faster, and may do more harm by disturbing your normal sleep/wake cycle.
Since Benadryl isn’t recommended for anxiety, there is no suggested dose for this purpose.
If you’re using Benadryl for hay fever or allergies, the typical dosage is 25 or 50 milligrams (mg) every 4–6 hours for anyone 12 and older.
In children aged 6–11, the recommended dosage is 12.5 or 25 mg every 4–6 hours. Children under six should only take Benadryl if recommended by their pediatrician.
Side Effects
Most antihistamines, including Benadryl, are generally well-tolerated. They don’t have many significant side effects, but you can develop a tolerance over time.
Some common side effects of Benadryl include:
- Sleepiness
- Grogginess
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
Risks and Warnings
Although it’s generally safe for most healthy individuals, Benadryl comes with some warnings.
Overdose
Taking too much Benadryl can cause an overdose.
This can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening symptoms such as:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Seizures
- Heart problems
In very severe cases, a Benadryl overdose can cause coma and death.
If you or a loved one may have overdosed on Benadryl, seek immediate medical attention.
Call the poison control helpline at 800-222-1222 or, if someone is unconscious, having a seizure, or is having trouble breathing, call 911.
Interactions
Benadryl can interact with other medications and substances.
One common interaction is alcohol. If you’re taking Benadryl, consuming alcohol can exacerbate the sedation effect and make you very dizzy, drowsy, and sluggish.
Additionally, Benadryl can interact with some medications, including:
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Tramadol (Ultram)
- Lisinopril (Zestril)
- Melatonin
- Trazodone
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec
Do not take Benadryl if you take any of these medications.
If you aren’t sure if a medication you’re taking interacts with Benadryl, contact your healthcare provider.
Anxiety Treatment Options
If you have anxiety, your doctor can work with you to create a treatment plan, which usually consists of a combination of medication and talk therapy.
Medications that can treat anxiety include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These are often used to treat depression and anxiety.
SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft).
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These are used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mood disorders. They include desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and levomilnacipran (Fetzima).
- Benzodiazepines: These sedative medications treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. They include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium). Benzodiazepines have serious side effects and can be habit-forming, so they are generally not used long term.
- Antipsychotics: Also called neuroleptics, these medications treat schizophrenia, psychosis, and anxiety. Antipsychotics include aripiprazole (Abilify), asenapine (Saphris), and cariprazine (Vraylar).
Your provider may also recommend psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Therapy can help you understand your thoughts and provide you with additional tools to work through and manage anxiety symptoms when they arise.
Feeling Down?
Take our free assessment and learn about your options.
Get Started
Seeking Help for Anxiety
If you have anxiety that’s affecting your life, contact your doctor.
They can evaluate your symptoms, help make the right diagnosis, and recommend treatments that can help you manage your anxiety.
How K Health Can Help
Did you know you can get affordable mental healthcare with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benadryl good for anxiety?
Do not take Benadryl for anxiety without a provider’s recommendation.
While some people say Benadryl helps their anxiety, it is not tested or approved for treating anxiety. Other medications, like SSRIs and SNRIs, can effectively treat anxiety symptoms.
What kind of Benadryl helps with anxiety?
Benadryl is the brand name for diphenhydramine. All forms of diphenhydramine can treat allergies, hay fever, and common cold symptoms. None of them are approved to treat anxiety.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.
We avoid using tertiary references.
-
Anxiety Disorders. (2022).
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders -
Benadryl. (2022).
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=702f9786-7ce9-43e4-921d-e1db09612127 -
Diphenhydramine Toxicity.
(2022).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557578/ -
New guideline provides clinical recommendations for specific insomnia drugs. (2017).
https://aasm.org/new-guideline-provides-clinical-recommendations-for-specific-insomnia-drugs/ -
Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options.
(2020).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7786299/ -
Treatment of anxiety disorders. (2017).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573566/
Will Benadryl help your anxiety?
admin
Table of contents
- Risks of taking diphenhydramine
Periodic anxiety is a normal reaction we all experience to certain stressful situations that happen in our lives. For most people, this is a fleeting feeling. This may be due to a new or unfamiliar event, such as a public speaking event. Temporary anxiety happens to everyone and does not interfere with daily life.
However, anxiety disorders (AD) are more serious and can prevent a person from enjoying life.
Scientists believe that along with other individual factors, there may be genetic and environmental causes.
Anxiety disorders are complex and may include other mood or emotional disorders. It is important to talk to a mental health professional if your anxiety is not accidental, but more serious and disturbing your life.
Benadryl is one of the products that contains diphenhydramine. It is an over-the-counter antihistamine that is used for allergies. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, which can cause drowsiness and some people find it helps them fall asleep.
General anxiety can cause restlessness, nervousness and difficulty falling asleep. Some people with these symptoms may use diphenhydramine due to its sedative effect. But diphenhydramine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an anxiety medication. There are better options.
Let's take a closer look at the uses, side effects, and effectiveness of diphenhydramine.
What is diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine is an old antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. During an allergic reaction, your body releases histamine, a substance that certain cells in the body make in response to allergens. Diphenhydramine works to limit the effects of histamine.
It helps with symptoms of allergic reactions such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and coughing caused by various conditions such as seasonal allergies, colds, hives and other allergic type reactions.
Diphenhydramine is also used in other OTC drugs to treat motion sickness and temporary insomnia.
Is there a risk from taking diphenhydramine?
The drug has been around for many years and is considered a first generation (older) antihistamine. It does not selectively block histamine receptors in the body. This means that diphenhydramine causes certain side effects such as drowsiness or drowsiness. Newer antihistamines may have fewer of these side effects.
Risks of taking diphenhydramine
If you have certain health problems, diphenhydramine may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor before taking diphenhydramine if you have:
- enlarged prostate
- glaucoma
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which may be caused by emphysema or chronic bronchitis
- asthma
- seizures
- thyroid problems
- liver problems
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the safety of using diphenhydramine. They can tell you more about the risks.
One 2015 study found that long-term and frequent use of diphenhydramine in people over 65 increases the risk of dementia.
Diphenhydramine is not recommended for use in people 65 years of age and older because it may:
- increase liver and kidney problems
- cause adverse reactions such as dizziness and falls
- worsen certain health conditions
How do people say that diphenhydramine helps with anxiety?
Diphenhydramine is widely used as a temporary sleep aid due to its sedative effect.
For some people who occasionally experience insomnia due to anxiety, diphenhydramine may provide short-term relief. But studies show that it has limited benefits as a sleep aid.
A 2017 study comparing benzodiazepine (alprazolam), the anticonvulsant pregabalin, and diphenhydramine for anxiety symptoms found that diphenhydramine was not effective for sedation compared to other medications.
What is the recommended dose of diphenhydramine?
The dosage of diphenhydramine may depend on various factors, such as:
- reason for use
- dosage form (oral, topical)
- your age
- your health condition
- other medicines you are taking
It is important to use the lowest dose of diphenhydramine for the shortest period of time to provide relief from symptoms and minimize side effects. Diphenhydramine is not intended for continuous regular use.
Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor about all your medicines to find out if diphenhydramine is right for you and if it is safe.
Typical doses of oral diphenhydramine for allergic conditions (seasonal allergies):
- For adults and children 12 years of age and older, dose is 25 to 50 milligrams (mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- For children 6 to 11 years of age, dose is 12.5 to 25 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- For children under 6, You should always talk to your child's doctor.
Typical doses of topical diphenhydramine (cream, gel, spray):
- For adults and children 2 years and older, it can be applied to the affected area 3-4 times to relieve itching, rashes and other skin conditions.
- For children under 2, You should always talk to your child's doctor.
Do not use more diphenhydramine than your doctor recommends. Using too much diphenhydramine can cause serious side effects.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Benadryl.
What are the possible side effects of taking diphenhydramine?
Difenhydramin has some general side effects, such as:
- Driving
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Serious side effects include:
- Hyperactivity, irritability (especially with irritability (especially with irritability (especially children)
- restlessness, agitation
- muscle spasms
- problems with thinking
- nausea
- nervousness
- memory problems
- increased heart rate
- urinary problems
- seizures
- restless legs syndrome (may get worse in some people with this condition)
Diphenhydramine is approved for short-term use only. Using the medicine for a long period of time may cause other side effects, including:
- constipation
- restlessness
- blurred vision0009 memory problems
Before self-medicating with diphenhydramine, it is important to talk to your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.
Is it possible to overdose with Diphenhydramine?
Yes, you can overdose diphenhydramine. Taking too much can be life-threatening.
Always check with your doctor and pharmacist before taking over-the-counter drugs.
Overdose symptoms may include:
- Time of vague vision
- Consecration
- Decrease in sweating
- Hallucinations
- Problems of heart (arrhythmia)
- involuntary movements
- COMPLY
- 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000
- difficulty breathing
- death
Call poison control centers at 800-222-1222 if you think you have taken too much Benadryl or other products containing diphenhydramine.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, call 911 or go to an urgent care center right away.
Can diphenhydramine interact with other medicines?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of diphenhydramine with other medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter products (vitamins, herbs, supplements, medicines).
Diphenhydramine may interact with other medicines that cause drowsiness, dizziness, or drowsiness. Ask your doctor for more information.
- Alcohol. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness and cause other serious side effects.
- Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Librium, Valium, Ativan) can cause serious side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and difficulty concentrating. Elderly people may experience impaired thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.
- Antidepressants. Antidepressants (paroxetine, zoloft, Prozac, and others) can cause serious side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Elderly people may experience impaired thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.
- Antipsychotics. Antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, haloperidol, fluphenazine, risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole, paliperidone, and others) may cause bladder problems, fever, dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, or decreased heart rate.
Be careful with any mentally active task, such as operating machinery or driving, if you experience drowsiness or dizziness while taking Benadryl.
If you have a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction to Benadryl, call 911 or go to an emergency medical center right away.
Seeking help for anxiety
Anxiety can be a temporary reaction to a stressful situation or a longer term condition known as an anxiety disorder. There are many types of anxiety disorders, so making an accurate diagnosis is the first step to treatment.
Alarm symptoms may include:
- Fast heartbeat and breathing
- Problems with focusing or concentration of attention
- Swall problems or insomnia
- Fear or unreasonable anxiety
- Muscle concern, irritability
Find out, know what causes your anxiety symptoms and see your doctor if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life.
You can find a mental health professional or support group online at the following organizations:
- American Psychological Association
- LGBTQ+ Psychiatric Association
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- National Mental Health Alliance (NAMI)
How is anxiety treated?
Treatment depends on the type of anxiety, symptoms, and the presence of other comorbid conditions such as depression.
Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and other types of anxiety disorders includes:
- pharmacotherapy (drugs)
- psychotherapy
- other lifestyle interventions to manage anxiety
Some drugs that may be prescribed to treat anxiety include:
Psychotherapy options that help to cope with anxiety include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Psychoanalysis
of the way of life to manage anxiety include:
- Regular exercise 9000 9000 Meditation, Meditation.
- stress management
- good sleep habits
- healthy eating
- avoid excessive alcohol consumption
deep breathing, yoga Bottom line
Benadryl is a popular antihistamine that has been used for many years to relieve colds and allergies.
Benadryl is not intended for long-term use and although it may reduce anxiety symptoms in some people, the risks outweigh the benefits. Although it may cause temporary drowsiness, these effects do not persist with regular use.
If you are experiencing anxiety symptoms, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.
HealthWill Benadryl help your anxiety?
Period anxiety is a normal reaction that we all experience to certain stressful situations that happen in our lives. For most people, this is a fleeting feeling. This may be due to a new or unfamiliar event, such as a public speaking event. Temporary anxiety happens to everyone and does not interfere with daily life.
However, anxiety disorders (AD) are more serious and can prevent a person from enjoying life. Scientists believe that along with other individual factors, there may be genetic and environmental causes.
Anxiety disorders are complex and may include other mood or emotional disorders. It is important to talk to a mental health professional if your anxiety is not accidental, but more serious and disturbing your life.
Benadryl is one of the products that contains diphenhydramine. It is an over-the-counter antihistamine that is used for allergies. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, which can cause drowsiness and some people find it helps them fall asleep.
General anxiety can cause restlessness, nervousness and difficulty falling asleep. Some people with these symptoms may use diphenhydramine due to its sedative effect. But diphenhydramine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an anxiety medication. There are better options.
Let's take a closer look at the uses, side effects, and effectiveness of diphenhydramine.
ADVERTISEMENT
Explore new calming exercises with Calm
Manage your anxiety with the award-winning Calm app. Try guided meditation, dream storytelling, or stretching exercises designed by experts to help you focus and relax. Start your free trial today.
START TRIAL
Diphenhydramine is an old antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. During an allergic reaction, your body releases histamine, a substance that certain cells in the body make in response to allergens. Diphenhydramine works to limit the effects of histamine.
It helps with symptoms of allergic reactions such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and coughing caused by various conditions such as seasonal allergies, colds, hives and other allergic type reactions.
Diphenhydramine is also used in other over-the-counter drugs to treat motion sickness and temporary insomnia.
The drug has been around for many years and is considered a first generation (older) antihistamine. It does not selectively block histamine receptors in the body. This means that diphenhydramine causes certain side effects such as drowsiness or drowsiness. Newer antihistamines may have fewer of these side effects.
Risks of taking diphenhydramine
If you have certain health problems, diphenhydramine may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor before taking diphenhydramine if you have:
- enlarged prostate
- glaucoma
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which may be due to chronic bronchitis or chronic bronchitis
- asthma
- seizures
- thyroid problems
- liver problems
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the safety of using diphenhydramine. They can tell you more about the risks.
One 2015 studyReliable sourceLong-term and frequent use of diphenhydramine in people over 65 has been found to increase the risk of dementia.
Diphenhydramine Reliable source Not recommended for use in people 65 and older because it may:
- increase liver and kidney problems
- cause adverse reactions such as dizziness and falls
- worsen certain health conditions
Diphenhydramine is widely used as a temporary sleep aid due to its sedative effect. For some people who occasionally experience insomnia due to anxiety, diphenhydramine may provide short-term relief. But studies from a reliable source show that it has limited benefits as a sleep aid.
A 2017 Reliable Source study comparing benzodiazepine (alprazolam), the anticonvulsant pregabalin, and diphenhydramine for anxiety symptoms found that diphenhydramine was not effective for calming symptoms compared to other medications.
The dosage of diphenhydramine may depend on various factors such as:
- reason for use
- dosage form (oral, topical)
- your age
- your health condition
- other medicines you are taking
It is important to use the lowest dose of diphenhydramine for the shortest period of time to get relief from symptoms and minimize side effects.
Diphenhydramine is not intended for continuous regular use.
Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor about all your medicines to find out if diphenhydramine is right for you and if it is safe.
Typical doses of oral diphenhydramine for allergic conditions (seasonal allergies):
- For adults and children 12 years of age and older , the dose is 25 to 50 milligrams (mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- For children 6 to 11 years of age the dose is 12.5 to 25 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- For children under 6 you should always talk to your child's doctor.
Typical doses of topical diphenhydramine (cream, gel, spray):
- Adults and children 2 years of age and older may be applied to the affected area 3-4 times to relieve itching, rashes and other skin conditions.
- For children under 2 years of age you should always talk to your child's doctor.
Do not use more diphenhydramine than your doctor recommends. Using too much diphenhydramine can cause serious side effects.
Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Benadryl.
Difenhydramin has some general side effects, such as:
- drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
The serious side effects include:
- Confusion, Hyperactivity, irritability (especially in children )
- anxiety, agitation
- muscle spasms
- thinking problems
- nausea
- nervousness
- memory problems
- increased heart rate
- urinary problems
- seizures
- restless legs syndrome (may get worse in some people with this condition)
Diphenhydramine is approved for short-term use only. Using the medicine for a long period of time may cause other side effects, including:
- constipation
- restlessness
- blurred visionmemory problems
Before self-medicating with diphenhydramine, it is important to talk to your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.
Yes, you can overdose diphenhydramine. Taking too much can be life-threatening.
Always check with your doctor and pharmacist before taking over-the-counter drugs.
Overdose symptoms may include:
- blurred vision
- confusion
- decrease in sweating
- hallucinations
- Problems of heart (arrhythmia)
- involuntary movements
- heat
- dry eyes, mouth
- nervousness and anxiety
- capture
Call poison control centers at 800-222-1222 if you think you have taken too much Benadryl or other products containing diphenhydramine.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, call 911 or go to an urgent care center right away.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of diphenhydramine with other medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter products (vitamins, herbs, supplements, medicines).
Diphenhydramine may interact with other medicines that cause drowsiness, dizziness, or drowsiness. Ask your doctor for more information.
- Alcohol. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness and cause other serious side effects.
- Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Librium, Valium, Ativan) can cause serious side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and difficulty concentrating. Elderly people may experience impaired thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.
- Antidepressants. Antidepressants (paroxetine, zoloft, prozac, and others) can cause serious side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Elderly people may experience impaired thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.
- Antipsychotics. Antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, haloperidol, fluphenazine, risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole, paliperidone, and others) may cause bladder problems, fever, dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, or decreased heart rate.
Be careful with any mentally active task, such as operating machinery or driving, if you experience drowsiness or dizziness while taking Benadryl.
If you have a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction to Benadryl, call 911 right away or go to an emergency medical center.
Anxiety can be a temporary reaction to a stressful situation or a longer term condition known as an anxiety disorder. There are many types of anxiety disorders, so making an accurate diagnosis is the first step to treatment.
Alarm symptoms may include:
- Fast heartbeat and breathing
- Problems with focusing or concentration of attention
- Swall problems or insomnia
- Fear or unreasonable anxiety
- Muscle concern, irritability
Find out, know what causes your anxiety symptoms and see your doctor if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life.
You can find a mental health professional or support group online at the following organizations:
- American Psychological Association
- LGBTQ+ Psychiatric Association
- American Anxiety and Depression Association
- National Mental Health Alliance (NAMI)
Treatment depends on the type of anxiety, symptoms, and the presence of other comorbid conditions such as depression.
Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and other types of anxiety disorders includes:
- pharmacotherapy Reliable source (drugs)
- psychotherapy
- other lifestyle measures to manage anxiety
Some medications that may be prescribed to treat anxiety include:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (paroxetine and escitalopram) serotonin reuptake inhibitors serotonin reuptake inhibitors and norepinephrine (SNRIs) (venlafaxine)
- tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine)
- benzodiazepines (alprazolam), for short-term use only, as there is a serious risk of dependence and misuse
Psychotherapy options that help to cope with anxiety include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Psychoanalysis
of the way of life to manage anxiety include:
- Regular exercise 9000 9000 Mediation, deep breathing, yoga
- stress management
- good sleep habits
- Healthy diet
- avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Benadryl is a popular antihistamine that has been used for many years to relieve colds and allergies.
