Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) for Insomnia and Anxiety

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and its potential to be utilized for insomnia, anxiety and other medical conditions. He discusses that diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter sleep aids (like unisom) and it may be preferred to controlled medications like benzodiazepines, as it does not have the same level of abuse potential. With that said, many individuals fail to recognize the possible side effects of using over-the-counter medications like benadry, which include dry mouth, constipation and bowl obstruction, urinary retention, cardiac arrhythmias (like torsades de points and QT prolongation), seizure, renal failure and others. Finally, benadryl DOES have abuse potential (every medication that causes sedation has abuse potential) and it is recommended that taking any medication (even over-the-counter) is under the direction and supervision of a medical professional.
Dr. Pagnani is the founder and medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital, he serves on the Young Professional Board of Uplift, the Center for Grieving Children and he maintains a private practice of Psychiatry in Philadelphia where he sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations and second opinions. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, FL and CA and can provide consultations to individuals via HIPAA compliant Telehealth visits living in these locations.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of psychiatry consisting of about 25 psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists with physical locations in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA and serving all of PA, NJ, NY and FL virtually via HIPAA compliant tele-psychiatry. Individuals seeking not only evaluations but long-term psychiatric care, can contact Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates directly.
These videos aim to increase awareness and discussion of mental health topics and to encourage struggling individuals to schedule an appointment directly with a mental health provider. Mental health needs to be normalized, and simply speaking about mental health topics openly, is an important first step.
Dr. Pagnani and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications for any specific individual. Additionally, any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects or contraindications to taking any mentioned medications, and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.
This video is INFORMATIVE ONLY - NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
If you are researching a specific topic, please view our KZbin channel, click all videos and use the search function. Please also visit and follow us on instagram and FB: @RittenhousePsych.
www.RittenhousePA.com
www.ChrisPagnaniMD.com

[@DanMorgan-bh5fv]

I'm one week cold turkey I might look for a playlist of city council meetings and listen to them on a loop to pass out.

[@waldagagnon7903]

Good laugh !

[@CindiP-nm6mb]

I have terrible insomnia, and was taking diphenhydramine on a fairly regular basis for a number of years. Then my endocrinologist told me that it can cause memory loss, if taken for too long. That scared me quite a bit, so I am still searching for insomnia relief with more natural products. It’s very difficult finding something that works.😢

[@daniellevictoria4204]

Any luck?

[@MrStrocube]

Cannabis indica in gel caps, works like a charm.

[@rudestbeast4907]

@@MrStrocube yea edibles work on my anxiety and appetite without going to my head and i still dream at night- smoking weed totally trashes my energy these days. i take seroequel for 8 hours of sleep but i hate it, i hate having to take a pill every night a quack said i needed to be on, he had all kinds of astra zeneca paraphanelia plastered all over his office

[@jillmeader5882]

Valerian root might be good

[@Brosepha]

Try cbd and or magnesium glycinate

[@swangirl63]

I have to resort to Dipenhydramine and other antihistamines for sleep because my doctor won't prescribe something made for insomnia. Benzos and ambien and other insomnia medications are out of favor and the prevailing attitude of providers is "tough it out" I agree it isn't good to keep on these OTC pills but laying awake all night isn't a good option.

[@adamrobertson2048]

My provider gives me Alprazolam for general anxiety. I usually end up taking a small dose on my hardest nights usually in combination with melatonin or a natural blend of some kind. Maybe try a different provider

[@alexandercantu568]

Im right there with you. Im a veteran and I can't sleep to save my life. Benadryl stopped working. It only takes the edge off my anxiety now. Been up 24 hours and that's on 200 milligrams

[@greg9069]

Hydroxyzine is approved for long term use. It’s much less sedating as an antihistamine tho, me personally, I take Both and 30-60mg of oral morphine because I have a failed back surgery and severe nerve damage which flares up when I lay down… hell on earth when you don’t have a prescriber for something that you know will help you and be safer than “toughing it out” I almost killed myself and took an entire wall out of my parents house when I was denied pain meds for 18 months.. the medical system has been corrupted by the DEA and I’m sure other 3 letter agencies are involved, they want us dead. However, if your doctor doesn’t prescribe you something you ask for, they are not your doctor, keep shopping.

[@shinigami7997]

@@adamrobertson2048Alprazolam is literally xanax , its so addictive and is literally an opioid, i cant do that i’ll literally abuse it

[@asoncalledvoonch2210]

​@@greg9069 Cold Truth. I've been saying that for 20 years.and everyone thinks I'm crazy or have an axe to grind against doctors.

[@crystianmarenco7458]

I find that taking 8 seconds breath and release breath for 5 seconds for a period of 15 minutes helps relax, find peace, and makes me so sleepy.

[@rudestbeast4907]

if you tell the quacks this they will look at you with a blank stare before writing you a script for zyprexa

[@elizabethoverberg461]

That's great that you don't have insomnia. But for those that do, breathing does not shut your mind off so that you can rest. But thanks

[@maryann7619]

@@elizabethoverberg461 I don't know really what insomnia (a diagnosis or a description?). If your mind cannot shut down, might I suggest the technique military pilots use to get to sleep quickly. Just google it. There are also great meditation techniques that do the same. It all takes practice, though.

[@burrelsk]

I’ve had success reciting the Lord’s Prayer by memory, with one breath in/out for every word. Also, Psalm 23 and the confession. It works for me to sideline other intrusive thoughts while the sandman takes over.

[@marisawoods]

THANK GOD, I've only experienced a deep depression just a few times in my life. Everything was off, and even though I knew I was home, it felt unfamiliar to me, like darkness enveloping me. I didn't want to get up in the morning, and would feel that unfamiliar feeling start as soon as I saw the sun rising. I was so depressed, I wouldn't shower, it felt off. It's very hard to explain. I had the baby blues, and it was similar to that depression. I took Zoloft, and it helped. I went off of it, because the depression was gone. Several years later, I felt that unfamiliar feeling again, and read a story about Vistaril and Diphenhydramine helping depression. I decided to try it, and it worked EXACTLY as the Zoloft had. I was so thankful, because I HATE taking pills, and expensive doctor visits and prescriptions. It was like a miracle for me, truly. I hope someone else is helped by this. God bless!

[@RittenhousePsych]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. It's wonderful to hear that you are doing well. It's very important that if anyone is having difficulty with depression they seek medical treatment from a professional. Thank you again, - Dr. Pagnani

[@pcl...77]

​@@RittenhousePsych Thnk you. I take benadryl for sleep and during the day I take two for anxiety and your views on benadryl and anxiety were assuring. Paolo

[@brianc939]

Benadryl is fantastic for anxiety . Daily dose u need to play with but it's perfect

[@KodyBeld]

Unbeknownst to me, this works exactly the way you say it does. The first 3 days I wrote down everything that was bothered me, released All the hate inside depression, anxiety, OCD, etc. today is day four and depression is gone! I feel better but just overall an ordinary amount of climate change, storm anxiety, the storms that's been happening around the globe. And finance anxiety. Back in my psychedelic days I never would have pictured that a sensible amount of Benadryl a healthy sleeping dose would be what I needed. Never listen to your crazy psychedelic friends. Always take what's on the bottle and read about side effects toxicity possible genetic predispositions to diseases and seizures that can happen. When a medicine works for one it might kill the other. Just be careful. And the trip amount is the most unpleasant god-awful thing he'll ever experience compared to the sensible doctor approved amount, that is absolutely obliterated my insomnia. Be careful. Make sure your child is either close to 18 or an adolescent.

[@Simsane]

I have terrible insomnia since my husband died this last January. I now take one Benadryl tablet and that can knock me out after about 40 minutes. But I still don't take it every night, only about once every 3 or 4 nights. On the nights I don't take it, I usually fall asleep between 5:30 and 7:30 am then end up sleeping until 12:30 to 2:30 pm. It sucks as so much of the day is gone. At least I am retired though. I would be in trouble if I still worked.

[@Moonlightmoonlight39]

Try meditation and counseling.

[@aeanderson8491]

Ask your doctor for trazodone.

[@Moonlightmoonlight39]

@@Simsane Try this song to help to sleep at night Marconi Union " Weightless " 100 % . You can also try to do exercise. I love those stretching exercise, yoga is highly recommended too. The depression medication for me was very dangerous .

[@Simsane]

@@Moonlightmoonlight39 yeah, I don't want to be on antidepressants. I am going to try meditation and I will look into yoga, thank you.

[@lawnmowerman4040]

I moved and quit cold turkey theklonopin gabapetin that I taken for almost 20 years, have not slept 3-4 hours a night since last September I have tried ashwaganda, gaba, Tylenol pm, NyQuil, nothing works except the klonopins what else can I take? Help please

[@mistybailey]

TAKE BENADRYL OR NYQUILL 💤

[@RittenhousePsych]

Thank you for sharing and your comment. If someone takes medications like gabapentin and clonazepam for decades, it may take a lot longer than expected for them to establish a new baseline, and adjust to being off the medications. I typically recommend a slow titration off of those medications, allowing a patient's system to adjust to each incremental decrease, before making another. Sometimes compounding pharmacies can even be utilized, to make small drops. I do not know what the best approach would be for your specific care, but it may be helpful to discuss non-addictive medications for sleep that may be more potent than some of the supplements that you mention as well, but not have the same risk for significant dependence as the klonopin and even gabapentin. I hope that this is helpful, and wish you the best, - Dr. Pagnani

[@darryl163]

A bottle of scotch

[@kimmayer9007]

I can relate. I recently went on trazodone after some scary sleep deprivation. Sleeping longer 3+ hrs but still very inconsistent

[@lawnmowerman4040]

@@kimmayer9007 I’m scared of my health deteriorating mostly and it’s robbing me of my life, I don’t feel like doing anything after work or in the evening

[@hopedream637]

Sir !! My friend takes diphenhydramine everyday to fall asleep and if he doesn't take it he feels like he can't sleep I know it has become a habit of him Can you please tell me how to stop him from taking this medicine? He tried not taking it for a day but i guess it has become his mindset that he needs to take med to sleep. Please someone let me know how to help him

[@nunusthirst167]

Hello I have extreme flight anxiety & I fly in 3 weeks. Normally I drink (a lot) of hard liquor on the plane but that doesn’t even work anymore. Can you recommend anything?

[@RittenhousePsych]

I appreciate your sharing and honestly. I would highly recommend discussing other options with your provider. It may be best to avoid benzodiazepines (like xanax, ativan, valium and klonopin) if you tend to drink alcohol (particularly to excess). There are other options (such as benadryl, vistaril, gabapentin and others). I do not know what the best option is for you, but I'd highly recommend discussing all of this with your provider. I wish you a safe flight! - Dr. Pagnani

[@tracksdealer666]

Benzos

[@jackson505]

@@tracksdealer666 Benzos are horrible.

[@Moonflowers11]

I was taking Diphenhydramine for insomnia for over a decade. I was taking 50 mg at night. I was recently able to stop. The last dose I took was 10 days ago. I think the only reason I was able to stop taking it was because I gave up caffeine first. I cut down by 25% every month because I wanted to be successful and I thought a gradual weaning would be easier and less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms. I am not having anxiety or problems sleeping. I wonder if the caffeine was the major cause of those issues.

[@RittenhousePsych]

Thank you for your comment and watching our videos! Caffeine can be incredibly problematic when it comes to both sleep and anxiety levels. I want to commend you on cutting caffeine out of the picture, and it's wonderful that you were able to stop the benadryl (and after 10 years none-the-less). That's fantastic! - Dr. Pagnani

[@mistybailey]

My pharmacist told me I can take benadryl 25mg every night because I had a round with vertigo been taking it 3 months my pharmacist said 25 mg was safe.

[@kcfinnegan6160]

I’ve been taking two 50 milillgram diphenhydramine every night for I’d say 5 years now.

[@mjgrant1515]

i’m impressed that you were able to stop taking 50 mgs after such a long time. i’ve been taking 25 mgs for a couple of years & have tried several times to stop but always unsuccessfully. i never use caffeine because i am hypersensitive to it so stopped that many years ago. i really want to get off this stuff but haven’t found a way. if i don’t take it i get 4 or less hours of sleep but if i do take the 25 mgs i get 7 to 8 hrs of good quality sleep (my fitbit tells me how much deep & rem). after a few days of 4 hours of sleep i give up & start taking the nytol again.

[@Moonflowers11]

@@mjgrant1515 I thought I had eliminated all caffeine but recently I found that the decaf tea I was drinking was affecting my sleep. Chocolate also affects my sleep. Do you take Excedrine or other medicine with caffeine?

[@Kellz58]

I had no idea, or why this came up but I needed to see it. I'm not going to take it to sleep anymore! I do have year round allergies, but I will try not to use this on a daily basis. A Dr of mine yrs ago said this was the best allergy medicine, I just assumed it was safer to use daily. Ty.

[@Rick_Cleland]

'Ello there, greetings from Northern Ireland. One day I took one 50mg *_Nytol_* tablet that I had bought to help me sleep and I wanted to try it during the day to make sure I wouldn't have a bad reaction to it. Within an hour my decades long anxiety had went away. It was _not_ a placebo effect.

[@RittenhousePsych]

Very interesting, and hello from the US! Nytol (diphenhydramine or benadryl in the US) is an antihistamine that does have anxiolytic properties for many. It is not FDA approved for anxiety, but a very similar medication (chemically) called Vistaril (hydroxyzine) is. The very fact that diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine are so chemically similar, does suggest that benadryl could be helpful for anxiety. With that said, some have a "paradoxical" reaction to these medications (with them increasing wakefulness and anxiety). They also can have significant side effects, so be sure to discuss with your provider. Thanks again for commenting, - Dr. Pagnani

[@judygau7455]

I was on hydroxyzine after brain aneurysm coil and mild stroke. Went off as swollen eye every morning and trouble swallowing. Read the side effects on whatever you take.

[@ivanita7gg57]

WHAT MG??

[@DBronk22]

I used to have Benadryl prescribed for anxiety and because of how relaxing it is i would take it recreationally as means of staying away from alcohol/other drugs. Then i tried weed and found out green is the way to go for 2 reasons: 1. More relaxing 2. Doesn't make you tired

[@alixyxv]

I wish I was old enough to just smoke weed

[@thataintnomoonsucka]

I love green, but it does cause some anxiety/paranoia at times.

[@denisekay4292]

I have terrible restless legs, and Diphenhydramine scares me to a panic. If I *ever* take that medication, my legs keep me awake all night long. Its's truly horrible. Horrible.

[@ceramikxxx5882]

Perhaps lower the dosage?

[@FOB129]

A quick 2-3 mile run will fix those restless legs . Trust !

[@RittenhousePsych]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experience. Benadryl has a paradoxical effect in about 10 percent of individuals who take it. Meaning, instead of feeling drowsy and less anxious, it causes these individuals to feel more anxious, more awake and restless. I'm sorry to hear that you may have this reaction, and you'll certainly want to discuss this with your medical professionals, if they are considering writing you for a medication that is an anti-histamine in the future. You could also mention this to your local pharmacist, if you are buying medications for allergies or cold symptoms over the counter, and need help deciding what may be the best option. Sincerely, - Dr. Pagnani

[@queenicedcoffee4217]

I'd take that over trying to sleep with a tooth infection in a heartbeat, talk about god awful.

[@andrewbrandmusic0894]

Same. Can’t take Diphenhydramine in any amount. However, I can take doxylamine (unisom) with no issues except for the nasty hangover the next day.

[@rjrod1326]

Benadryl makes me twitch when I'm falling asleep and makes me sleepless at first

[@karlreinke9653]

I’ve taken Benadryl for years for sleep. My doctor said it helps and can be used for sleep deprivation.

[@curtisbischof3812]

I’m assuming it helps you sleep.

[@karlreinke9653]

@@curtisbischof3812 did you not read the post ?

[@thataintnomoonsucka]

Same. It works for me.

[@MBT372]

But try not using it everyday…I suffer from extreme insomnia also…😢

[@thataintnomoonsucka]

@@curtisbischof3812 Take it on a relatively empty stomach and have light snack about 40 minutes later. You will be sleepy.

[@ronaldmarcks1842]

It might be helpful to distinguish between usage modes: i.e., repeated usage vs. rare or infrequent administration.

[@Ginger315]

I read an article from the American Geriatric Society or something like that which stated seniors shouldn't take Benadryl because it can cause dementia. ?

[@CleofeSitchon-vp1ej]

Sir please help me my anxiety or panic attack was long over 2 years please how to do or what medicine can take

[@ManishKumar-dy7sx]

Sir does it helmfor REM sleep disorder... My non REM sleep is ok, only REM sleep is disturbed

[@Americanpatriot-zo2tk]

Why not prescribed them trazodone that way you don’t have to prescribe a control substance doc that’s what this is really all about.

[@curtisbischof3812]

Traz don't work for me. I even tried 100 mg at 1 time. Nothing. If you can get them, get Zanax. .5 mg. I take a half before bed and another half if I wake up. I usually get 5 hours. Still not great but it helps.

[@christopher-xi2ey]

It has made me shaky nervous and bad anxiety attacks

[@cammiefleming8822]

Me too

[@Oldmanyellsatcloud1985]

Same 😢

[@scottjohnson9225]

10% of people experience high heart rate and high blood pressure. I am one.

[@shanshan-wj7of]

I‘m took diphenhydramine some time for sleeping. the problem I found is that it works well on first night only. the sencond night not as good as first night. so I have to stop, take a break.

[@sheenabernett4472]

Hi, can you discuss the risks of using Dimenhydrinate (gravol) for anxiety disorders ? What are the long term use risks? Thanks!

[@RittenhousePsych]

Thank you for your question! Dimenhydrinate is an anti-nausea medication (Dramamine in the UK and US and Gravol in Canada) which is an anti-histamine. I have not used dimenhydrinate for the treatment of anxiety disorders in any of my patients (and I would certainly recommend that if someone did, it was only under the direct supervision of a medical provider). It is an interesting question though, as vistaril (hydroxyzine) is an anti-histamine that is FDA approved for anxiety and benadryl (diphenhydramine) is often used off label for anxiety. With all of this being said (to answer your question) side effects of anti-histamines (including dimenhydrinate) can include heart arrhythmia, urinary retention, dry eyes, constipation, dry mouth and others.

[@ivanita7gg57]

It doesn't work, it makes it worse. Dimenidrate is a compound of diphenhydramine and theophylline, a molecule of CAFFEINE, it is a stimulant.

[@michaelreale1847]

Very informative.

[@physics4290]

I applaud you for raising awareness of the dangers of OTC meds. I'm convinced my sister would still be alive if she hadn't used Alka Seltzer Cold and Cough, which contains dextromethorphan. It appeared to me that she dissociated and stopped taking her cardiac meds. I read that 10% of people can't metabolize this drug and that both the prodrug and first metabolite are active for cough suppression. I've read that it is the most abused drug by teenagers. I suspect that about 10% of people can use it to dissociate because they don't break it down. My sister was 70. She didn't want to miss work.

[@maglunsodmyraflor5880]

Good day I just want to ask is diphenhydramine can also be used for skin allergies? Thank you for the response

[@RittenhousePsych]

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be used for various types of allergies, including skin reactions. I could not know if it was a good or safe option for someone's condition without an evaluation, but it indeed can be used for some, for these conditions. Best, - Dr. Pagnani

[@Cokepencilpsd]

they make benadryl cream/gel you can rub on hives and bug bites

[@JohnLedbetter-cb9ep]

Makes me groggy in the morning and not want to get up but it's very effective for sleep

[@curtisbischof3812]

Can I ask how much and how often you take it?

[@JohnLedbetter-cb9ep]

@@curtisbischof3812 Very occasionally maybe once a month and 50mg

[@redemption8608]

Benadryl is great. It’s helped me with my not taking Benadryl allergy.

[@briansunday7099]

My husband, like others have mentioned here, has the opposite reaction to Benadryl - it wires him, like he’s overdosed on caffeine. I never take it. I am hypersensitive to it. And, like most sedatives/sleep aides - including things like Calm’s Forte or valerian root - it can trigger migraines. Kava kava works well for me, though it’s more of an anxiety herb and I only really take for panic attacks - it, too, can trigger a migraine.

[@williamwells1862]

Cream and tablets work on Shingles. Passed on by an excellent hospital.

[@jackrabbit4907]

Hello! Is diphenhydramine the same thing as diphenhydramine hydrochloride? thanks.

[@viper5559]

Yes exactly the same

[@WillyBluefield]

THC works pretty good taken orally, but no matter what you take, if it works it's going to have side effects because there's no free ride.

[@jaggass]

Whilst im not a doctor i'd advise people to avoid it. I've quit Benadryl because i became addicted to it and made me feel very sick.

[@marliesyanke4580]

Its not safe for me. It causes me to tremble and severe restless legs.

[@Iceland874]

I can’t take it- one little capsule makes me feel hung over the next day. In the past tried it for nocturnal itching.

[@Dom-pf8wd]

Thanks for the video.Curious (maybe another video?) to know your thoughts on taking melatonin short term and long term as I often switch it up between benadryl and melatonin or recently a combination of both.

[@RittenhousePsych]

Thanks for watching and the kind comment! There are different views on long-term use of melatonin (I am rather comfortable with most patients using it short-term at doses from about 0.5 - 5 mg at night, as long as they are not having concerning side effects, and under medical care). Long-term safety however is not clear. When this is the case, I'll often recommend that patients try to have a few nights a week without a sleep aid (or alternating with another aid as appropriate). While I cannot comment about your specific situation without an evaluation (and you'll want to discuss all of this with your providers) it is not uncommon to recommend that someone alternate. I appreciate the idea for a new video down the road as well! - Dr. Pagnani

[@mrssmith1691]

I don't know if this was recorded before it came out that benadryl has been related to dementia. Scary, I've taken it for years for allergies and sleep (like 30 years.)

[@humancapybaras1301]

How to take it for depression and anxiety morning shift?

[@edbrown5956]

Thanks I just heard about someone who was told to take 4 a day for anxiety. I figured there had to be some side effects. Plus I never heard it being used for this. Btw yeah BENZOs are CRAZY. I'd never want to be on them. High potential for addiction and crazy experience if you stop cold turkey. I'd rather take this than BENZOs although I'm guessing it isn't as powerful in effect as BENZOs.

[@RittenhousePsych]

Thank you very much for your comment, and I appreciate your perspectives. Best, - Dr. Pagnani

[@teresamcnulty8471]

It's actually in many of the sleep aides.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I can't use it. It makes me feel like I'm crawling out of my skin. It's like having Restless Leg Syndrome all over my body.

[@brianthebrian8335]

I take 100 mg melatonin, 300 mg of unisom (6 of the 50 mg), and then cbd, thc, valerian root, kava kava,kratom,etc with it from time to time.....I still have trouble relaxing to sleep. End up drinking a lot alcohol on top of that......if it is working then I have to sleep within a time or I miss the unisom effects. if I wake up theres no going back to sleep

[@doreenchambers9579]

Get a new mattress, black out curtains, and nasonex. Do not take more than 10 mg of melatonin

[@trumpocracy6592]

Unisom does not have diphenhydramine of any kind in it. Unisom uses doxylamine succinate exclusively! That’s a pretty big mistake, doc! You should be more careful!

[@bobsondugnut5985]

Actually, some Unisom does have diphenhydramine in it. Most of the unisom at the stores these days I’ve seen is just Benadryl. Sounds like you’re just getting your panties in a bunch over something that’s not a big deal.

[@JenA-dj3kf]

There are 2 kinds if unisom. Unisom sleep tabs has doxy.. blah blah. The others are all diphenhydramine. Sooo.. you're both right.

[@michaelplunkett5124]

@@bobsondugnut5985 online today it says doxylamine in Unisom. So whose knickers are in a knot? And does it matter? They’re both sedating antihistamines with all the same side effect

[@doriscarlson4423]

Yes unisom contains both the dip and the dox. My husband takes one and myself the other.

[@lanebashford3982]

Benadryl gives me a "hangover" the next day after I use it. It makes me drowsy for a good 24 hours even if it's only 25 mg. I have used it for severe chigger bites and mosquito bites but I would recommend only minimal use as a sleep aid. Just don't take it every night. Once in awhile would be ok. If you have trouble sleeping, buy an eye mask that keeps the light out and the darkness helps a lot. Keep your room cool and your bedlinens clean and comfortable. Turn off your phone and other devices. Don't use devices 4 hours before bedtime. Take up reading instead. Read some good books...reading helps to make you drowsy.

[@scottjohnson9225]

I discovered a while back, I am one of the 10% that Benadryl makes speed.

[@chrisdonnell2575]

Great video thank you. I like the liquid as I sometimes just take a tiny swig right before bed and found it helped me sleep an extra 20-30 mins with almost no side effects since dose so small and I'm a big 6'4" 230lb guy.

[@sugarfree8303]

My doctor used Benedryl to treat my anxiety a few years back. Now I cannot take it at all because it makes my arms and legs twitch

[@katereed4764]

It’s called Restless Legs Syndrome. I get it, too, if I use antihistamines for sleep.

[@katereed4764]

p.s. it also affects arms.

[@AmbivalentAlexthymic]

I use it. Instant sleepiness . But i wean myself off it because i need it for allergies. So i use it sparingly like if i cant sleep for 2 days then i use it. Otherwise i just put a fan in my face and it makes me sleepy.

[@geraldinekight7887]

Great for psoriasis too,helps with itching.

[@clairebear1808]

I take 2 Melatonin gummies and its good night 😴 for 6/7 hours also melatonin has other benefits

[@lindapestridge3073]

Today a well known Doctor on u tube has recommended this for a very fast heartbeat he said it would slow the heartbeat down would you agree.

[@RittenhousePsych]

Interesting question. While different individuals may have different reactions to medications, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can actually cause tachycardia (a faster heartbeat) or palpitations for some individuals. With that said, it can also decrease blood pressure in some, and if it is helpful for anxiety, one could argue that this would decrease their sympathetic ("fight or flight") tone, POSSIBLY resulting in a decreased heart rate. With that said, I have not heard of it being utilized to decrease someone's heart rate specifically. Regardless, it is very important that if someone is going to take this medication (for any purpose) that they discuss with their medical providers. Thank you for your question! - Dr. Pagnani

[@ithacacomments4811]

Makes me super hyper for about 3 hours then..I crash.

[@zolomon6933]

I bought doxylamine pills. I needed 4-6 per night to fall asleep. About 100-150mg.

[@globalheartwarming]

INCREASES RISK OF DEMENTIA. DON'T DO IT.

[@skatedd2451]

If I don't take those tablets I don't sleep at all. No sleep for maybe 2 or 3 weeks.. then maybe get a couple of hours and then back to no sleep for 2 or 3 weeks.. no doctor seems to have the answer empty words for an empty audience

[@MuneerBaloch]

Did you figure out how to quit? I am in the similar situation as you and I just want to STOP!

[@royrice8021]

Never worked for me! 😕

[@Seabasstien]

Benadryl gives me anxiety

[@davidrayl5428d]

It's high risk for Alzheimer's disease and dementia

[@Majorpain32677]

Just don't take morre than two a day

[@avagrego3195]

this can cause dementia

[@ithacacomments4811]

may increase the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease if taken long term

[@juliethompson8685]

Water has risks.

[@kyleheard8433]

I’ll take the risks if it means I’ll quit showing up at Buckys wearing nothing but my underwear

[@TheHunTwo]

Benzo withdrawals can last up to seven years folks. Do not take!’The VA hands this crap out like candy.

[@eileenhetherington3704]

Have to disagree there. I take klonopin at night as I developed sleep seizures. They can't cure them but klonopin allows me to sleep through them and they are much less severe. My dose was never more than 3 mg. I quit periodically when the seizures go away. I had no side effects even when going cold turkey other than feeling more alert. Different benzos, different people, different reactions.

[@utahboxergirl11]

Valerian root ❤

[@mariavalore6682]

Everything has side effects but safer than sleeping pills!

[@dblofresh]

Long term use Linked to dementia

[@williamwells1862]

Somehow benadryl attacks the shingles virus

[@lilolmejusayin8671]

L-Lysine. Look it up.

[@queenicedcoffee4217]

Helped me finally sleep without god awful ear and jaw aches anytime I laid down thanks to pollen..I finally could sleep without any pain and feel so cozy in bed

[@ryanlowe7315]

Hat man

[@laylahalgharib3150]

Drink herbal tea and save your liver. Meditate. Leave meds alone.

[@ajbravens20]

Tea is just as bad for your liver isn’t it?

[@temuxrobloxmethod]

@@ajbravens20no? 😂

[@gareth3857]

Took them withdrawal wos tribute

[@QwertyQwerty-hf7kv]

Just took 20😍🥰🥰🙏

[@Infinitruss]

Idk just smoke some weed and you will sleep well

[@DavidDietrich-z4m]

This guy puts me to sleep

[@RittenhousePsych]

Benadryl may be cheaper than an appointment, but if you’re still having difficulty with insomnia, give scheduling a call - happy to help.

[@Efcblues]

So many side effects . Diazepam is safer lol

[@ithacacomments4811]

dementia!

[@tonivaripati5951]

300 mg gets me off!

[@CMeadows-d3s]

CAVEAT: you DO NOT take this with high blood pressure!!!