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Global Patient Feedback for Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
How does benadryl affect my thyroid problem? I am taking synthetic thyroid because mine was removed.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-27 00:55:08
Question/Comment:
I have been using benadry 50mg every night for 6 months to help me get a sleep. But suddenly, I became concerned of being dependent on it so i tried to stop taking benadryl. On the next day, i started feeling itchy all over my body (but no mark of alergy - rash, red mark, or anything) and it getting worst when the day passes by; i can't even sleep because it's getting worst at night. Until now, i still don't take benadryl unless i have found out why i'm having this situation. Does anyone had experienced this? Please help me. I'm still young at 23, male.
23 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-24 14:33:24
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Benadryl itself has an uncommon side effect of causing itchiness - less than 1% of iGuard members taking Benadryl reported skin and or nail problems. Since there are other things that can cause your itching, it is best to contact your physician and discuss the symptoms you are experiencing as well as discuss a sleep management plan.
Posted: 2009-05-25 22:52:21
Answer/Reply:
I have taken benadryl for over 20 years. I still take one 25 mg tablet at a time (for the most part) and I do not feel I am addicted -- I don't take every day -- nor do I feel that I have built up a tolerance.
I have psoriasis and use it for itching. I have used it for insomnia (will take 2) and for allergies.
Taking more than 50 mg a dose is just not good for you.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-26 00:00:03
Answer/Reply:
Please get your friend to a doctor, before she dies.It is so hard to loose a loved one. I have lost several. We can't save them once they are gone. That is way too much bebadryl for anyone. Bu tfor some one who is only 100 pounds!!!! Please get her there even if it means enlisting help to ge ther to go. Let her be mad, it i sbetter than dead.And the DR. can probaly get her somethign that will wlrk better for her.
Billi
47 years old
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-02 00:05:30
Question/Comment:
I have a friend that takes 12-15 benadryl a night to sleep. for a while 2 worked ano she is adding more and more to that to get them to work. What can happen to her if this isn't stopped ? She is 55 and only weighs 100 lbs.
56 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-15 15:19:58
Answer/Reply:
i am 63 and i have trouble with numbness in my feet and toes they sting and hurt i went to foot dr he says i nurophy but i dont think that is my problem. if anyone knows what could be problem let me know..thanks kay
64 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-20 16:36:32
Answer/Reply:
Kay - I don't mean to alarm you, but I had numbness, tingling and pain in my arm several months ago and it ended up being Multiple Sclerosis. I would have never thought of this, had it not been accompanied by some tremors in my movement. All the Docs, including the initial ER Dr. we saw were not very concerned, and seemed to think it was a pinched nerve. My point being that if I hadn't listened to my body and demanded answers my condition would be much worse today. PLEASE seek a second and possibly 3rd opinion. Perhaps see a neurologist instead of a foot doctor. Best of luck - Anna
30 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-07 00:16:44
Answer/Reply:
Have you been checked for diabetes?
78 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-14 19:28:36
Answer/Reply:
She really needs to go talk to a dr and see if he can help her with something to sleep instead of that. She will really need benadryl one day and it wont work for what she needs it too. She needs to see a Dr.
37 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-21 16:36:04
Answer/Reply:
I take 1 benadryl at night to help me sleep, and I worry about that sometimes. Your friend may have become dependent on benadryl - I don't think it's addictive, but you can build up a tolerance to lots of drugs. Get her to go to her doctor and see if a real sleep aid would be better.
If she's only 100 pounds, I hope she's about 4'10", otherwise, she may have an eating/oral disorder. Sounds definitely like it's doctor time.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-22 17:20:07
Answer/Reply:
Her heart can stop for one. Another is that she could take so many she'll have herself where she goes into resp. arrest and die. My suggestion is that she come off the benadryl for at least 2 weeks so she won't have to worry about anything else.
34 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-26 15:46:25
Answer/Reply:
You can take up to 300 mg per day of benadryl. While they are not intended for the 300mg to be taken all at once it will probably not cause her to overdose. But taking more than 12 is exceeding the maximum daily dosage and the liver cannot continue to be abused like this. I have taken up to 6 at a time for sleep so I can sympathize with her frustration at not being able to sleep. But she must reduce the number of pills she is taking because liver damage is serious business and inevitable at her rate of consumption. The liver filters toxins from the blood and when it can't effectively do that anymore then serious illness results, like hepatitis. It's not a good outcome and often means a transplant will be needed at some future point.
Hope this helps.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-04 07:37:36
Answer/Reply:
Benadryl has an incredient in it called Diphenhydramine. It is almost like a sleeping medicine, because it calms you. It is just like getting hooked on sleeping pills. Alot of people who take the same medicines for long periods of time, their bodies get use to it, so they need a higher dose. I'm not sure if you can get withdraws from stopping the Benadryl, but I think you can. It can probablly cause more medical problems. SEVERE ONES, like seizures, or maybe even death. Anyone who uses Benadryl for reasons other than what it is for should see a doctor. I have concern for anyone who uses it like a sleeping aide. Especially continually. It is also a Anthistamine, which is dangerous to take with some different kinds of medicines. Try to talk to anyone you know that is using it for a sleeping aide, or any other kind of relief other than what is suppose to be used for. Their life could depend on it.I will pray for all of you. God Bless You All, and I pray that you seek medical advice before it is too late. Vanilla R.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-07 18:30:07
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in Benadryl. It comes supplied in a few different strengths, the most common is 25 mg as an over the counter medication. It is primarily indicated for use in controlling allergies or itching from hives or rashes. Like any medication there are risks associated with taking it and you should always consult your doctor if you are experiencing side effects so that the best as well as a safe decision can be made concerning continuing treatment with diphenhydramine.
Posted: 2009-06-25 12:55:15
Answer/Reply:
I WAS TOLD BY MY DR TO TAKE IT TO HELP ME SLEEP, AND AT FIRST IT DID WORK BUT NOT ANY MORE, TO MUCH OF ANY MED IS NOT GOOD.
28 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-08 17:47:21
Question/Comment:
minty taste
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-10 16:26:24
Answer/Reply:
Have you been taking a generic or name brand benadryl?
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-22 16:39:36
Answer/Reply:
Yes, I have taken a generic benadryl for several years. It ususally works as well ......as any of the other prescription drugs. All of us have the capability of being allergic to some ingredients listed on OTC or prescriptiion drugs. I am close to lactose intolerant and MSG. (Definately) Since MSG comes...... in several forms and restaurant do not always understand MSG? I always tell my Physician, ask waitress if it has lactose or MSG? Please check all seasonings and pre-mixed products such as breadings. Monosodium gluamate (MSG), Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Autolyzed Yeast, Sodium Casenate and Calcium Casenate. Generic Benadryl also helps me to sleep. I was a severe acute asthma patient until...I learned? It is what you eat, smell, drink and take for medication that makes life healthier. I am seventy-one and still play tennis, golf, love dancing and very careful re:seasons and food. You are responsible for your life----YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR SHIP.
72 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-28 18:36:49
Question/Comment:
Occasionally used for sleep, as a retired RN is was often used as a sleeping aid for elderly patients in preference to a stronger opiate that left clouded memory, confusion, and daytime sleep problems. I use it for allergies but not on a daily basis. One 25 mg pill is enough to last me for a few days.
76 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-23 10:12:58
Answer/Reply:
I am 77 yrs of age and also occasionally use this to help me sleep and also for allergies.I had much rather take this than sleeping pills. The only problem I have had is if I take them too many nights in a row they seem to cause an increase in my bloodpressure.
78 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-20 18:30:05
Answer/Reply:
I have been using half of a 25mg Bynadryl as a sleeping pill (only as needed 2-3 times a week) for almost 10 years and am guaranteed a good nite's sleep.
86 year old male
87 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-15 23:14:01
Question/Comment:
My question is can it be taken while on HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE medication? Amplodipine is my medication. Amplodipine is Generic name for Norvasc.
55 year old Male
Posted: 2009-02-03 08:05:32
Answer/Reply:
Yes you can take benadryl while on norvasc. I am on the same drugs and have never had any problem.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 15:13:13
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Benedryl for about 5 years @ 50 mg. every night. At first, I was taking it due to my allegies being so bad during the night. After about a year, I quit taking the Benedryl and I suddenly started experiencing Vertigo. It got so bad that I couldn't move my head w/o everything spinning. I could only sleep on my left side and if I rolled over, it woke me during the night with the spinning. The dr. said I had positional vertigo and prescribed Meclizine, which did help a bit. Finally, the vertigo stopped after about 3 months..it was horrible and I went back to taking the Benedryl every night. The doctor said that stopping the Benedryl caused my inner ears to fill with liquid due to allergies so I have to continue on it..probably forever! Anyone else experience something like this?
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-22 09:22:38
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yes, I have. I have bad allergies and I often used to get fluid in my ears. Once I was deaf in my left ear for about a month. I had several vertigo episodes because of it. I take 2 benadryl every night and every since I have not had any vertigo episodes. I have not had any other side effects on it. My allergies are better and I will probably have to keep using it forever.
Posted: 2009-02-28 18:18:42
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yes, I have almost the same exact thing. It is awful. Even taking the Benadryl at times my ears still feel so full.
Posted: 2009-03-08 22:50:54
Answer/Reply:
I started using Benedryl (and now a generic) several years ago for sleep. I didn't notice that it affected my blood pressure for which I take Lisinopril. However, I have had complaints of dizziness for a number of years...and possibly even before I started using the diphenhydramine (the ingredient in Benedryl).I no longrt use it on a regular basis, as I use other herbal products to help me sleep. Whenever I now use diphenhydramine on occasion, I notice that after an hour or two I begin itching...sometimes quite severe, and consequently cannot sleep. This seems unusual since Benedryl is used for allergies...so why should I show allergies from using it? It may be just a coincidence...but don't believe I will use it again. I am a 79 year old female.
80 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-01 19:29:44
Answer/Reply:
I started on Wellbutrin and Buspar a year ago, and started experiencing what you described - a few minutes of lying on my back, and I'd feel like I was falling backwards, and forgetting to breathe. It happens on my side, too, so I sleep on my stomach (which I always do anyway). It's odd, and quite scary. I didn't start using benadryl to help me sleep 'til last fall, so I don't know if it's related or not - but it's good to know someone else has this subtle but upsetting symptom!
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-22 17:23:41
Question/Comment:
beware long term usage! I have taken 2- 20mg pills daily through the summer and some winter days too for over 5yrs . prior to that on Dimetap for 20 yrs.....
now my eye doctor recommended getting off it NOW! I have glaucoma and the start of cataracs in both eyes! I am only 46yr old.
There has been no glaucoma in family history for 5 generations..... I have never taken any other meds, make your own call!
48 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-16 22:56:32
Answer/Reply:
I think you should try marijuana. It is used to treat Glaucoma so it makes sense that it would prevent it.
I just read here on this website that DH will damage your kidneys with long term use.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-14 10:23:19
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
actually marijuana isn't used to treat glaucoma,(it is used for the pain associated with it) and it will not prevent it.
Posted: 2009-03-14 03:32:38
Question/Comment:
51 yo man: I have Unipolar depression/melancholia, lifetime duration. My father, who is a retired psychologist, has been giving me benadryl since the age of 13. I take 1 30mg tablet every 4 waking hours(4 per day). Today, It's very rare that i have even minor episodes of depression. Given that this hs been a 39year continuous regemin, what are my medical risks in continuation.How have i been harming my health? Or is this medically ok?
52 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-24 16:41:24
Answer/Reply:
Have you ever tried marijuana to treat your depression? Ask a medical marijuana facility doctor if it could treat it. It's effects make you relaxed, therefore relieving stress and slightly euphoric....or simply a little bit happy. It is not addictive to most people.
However, I have read here that using DH over a long period of time can cause kidney disfunction. Marijuana won't do that.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-14 10:26:43
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Using marijuana might be good if you don't need to use your brain or don't ever plan to do anything that requires motivation. Try working as an engineer designing complex circuits and smoking marijuana. I've never come across anyone who fit that profile who didn't just get laid off for being an airhead.
Posted: 2009-02-28 00:37:23
Question/Comment:
How does it work for patients with parkinsons.
46 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-02 15:14:07
Answer/Reply:
How does Benadryl help people with parkinsons?Can it be taken while on high blood preasure medication?
66 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-18 14:06:16
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Good post..
Posted: 2009-03-20 10:23:13
Question/Comment:
I highly reccomend Benadryl to those who can take it for your allergies that are keeping you from getting any rest.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2008-09-17 17:37:11
Question/Comment:
Our Vet told us to give it to our beagles for their ear infections thru the summer months. I give to them 1 a day at night and no red ears if I give it to them every day. The other med they gave me at the Vets cost over $35. and the Benendryl cost about $6. for 48! Good deal for us!
63 year old Female
Posted: 2008-08-09 21:52:34
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I'm glad this is helping your beagle, but for anyone reading this, PLEASE check with YOUR vet before giving any kritter people medicine.
Posted: 2008-11-20 04:56:04
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have a mixed breed chi/pom who is around 25 lbs. He has had bad skin allergies and I shelled out big bucks for the prescribed meds. The vet also recommended switching to benedryl. I have been giving him one in the morning and one in the evening with his meals. Any idea if there is long term effects to worry about if I have him on a regular benedryl routine?
Posted: 2008-12-24 14:06:21
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Hey that is a lot cheaper than buying marijuana for your beagles! And it is LEGAL! Anyway. I have heard that most beagles are allergic to marijuana and have trouble inhaling. So, Benadryl wins over THC on this one ... besides who wants a poor beagle with throat cancer??
Posted: 2009-03-02 01:03:45
Question/Comment:
What are the potential interactions with bendadryl and topamax? Can you elaborate on that? Thanks.
34 year old Female
Posted: 2008-07-16 12:07:52
Question/Comment:
Does Benadryl often have an counterreact w/methadone? Can it cause a false/positive on a drug screen and show up as a benzodiazipine? Im on Methadone maitenance and have failed three drug tests having benzodiazipines in my system when I haven't taken any. How accurate is a lab drug test?
26 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-26 07:56:40
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am on Methadone for pain and diazepam.One Dr. tried to take me off the diazepam using Visterol which is an allergy medication that he told me was slightly stronger than benadryl. I have also been told that if a person runs out of diazepam (valuim) to use benadryl if the anxiety gets bad,so I would say it is very possible to pop positive for benzo's if you take benadryl amd methadone together. Also can make you very,very sleepy.
Posted: 2008-11-20 08:41:24
Answer/Reply:
Ask the people at the methadone center. I wonder what other things might be causing the false positives. Ask them to test the hair and see if they get a different result.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-22 15:56:46
Question/Comment:
can you take benadryl while taking pennacilin
36 year old Male
Posted: 2008-06-22 15:56:56
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I dont know why not. Im an RN and have never heard of any contradiction to this.
Posted: 2008-06-23 08:54:44
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
There are no drug interactions between Benadryl and penicillin found in the iGuard database. However, please be sure to check for drug interactions for ALL of your medications by entering all of your medications you are currently taking into your iGuard medication profile.
Posted: 2008-07-07 21:51:15
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
yes
Posted: 2008-07-24 13:33:48
Question/Comment:
DOES IT CAUSE CONSTIPATION IF USED DAILY?
52 year old Female
Posted: 2008-06-14 11:34:01
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Constipation is not a common side effect of Benadryl.
Posted: 2008-06-18 15:48:47
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I found that it did cause mild constipation, but a tall glass of water in the morning re-hydrated me.
Posted: 2008-07-29 14:33:56
Question/Comment:
I use it only occasionally for sinus headache/congestion/itchy allergies, etc. I make a point of taking my benadryl 12 hours before I want to wake up. Any later and I have trouble getting up in the morning. And if I take ambien that night as well, the next day I will be too sleepy to do ANYTHING--I had to write on the ambien bottle to remind myself! I usally have dry mouth the next day from benadryl. Not my favorite.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2008-05-22 09:26:23
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I used to use Benedryl nightly for help with sleep. I found it effective, especially in preventing obsessive worrying at night. However, if I took 2 before bed, often I felt spacey in the morning, and I found that even taking one Benedryl after drinking a few glasses of wine made me so spacely I was afraid to drive. I quit my stressful job and now sleep well without it!
Posted: 2008-07-29 14:38:08
Question/Comment:
My Dr. recommended it for sleep. Says it is not habit forming. It works great, I do have to take two caps. Age 74
76 year old Female
Posted: 2008-05-19 17:48:33
Question/Comment:
Start with the smallest dose you can, because it definitely can make you extremely drowsy.
28 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
that there could be long term effects
36 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
Take more than the recommended dosage! Just taking 1 has little to no effect on me. But taking 2 at a time is extremely effective.
28 year old Male
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
I believe it is the strongest thing out there to treat allergies, stronger than prescriptions. The drowsiness symptoms lessen as you take the drug longer.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
Ask for ambien
42 year old Male
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
Follow instructions-some people are more sensitive to its effects than others.
41 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
Benadryl is wonderful for allergy relief or insomnia. For allergies you have to weigh out the good and bad. Bad being tiredness. Good is that it relieves itchy nose and eyes, runny nose, sneezing and sinus drainage. I also suggest along with the Benadryl using a poduct with an expectorant such as Robutussin DM or Musinex Dm because a lot of times antihistimes can cause thickening of the mucus making it want to stick in your lungs. But I've found the mix of the two work EXTREEMLY well.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
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