Benadryl for Insomnia: Intake Recommendations and Side Effects

Benadryl for Insomnia: Intake
Recommendations and Side Effects

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16 December, 22

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Medications Benadryl for Insomnia: Intake Recommendations and Side Effects

Insomnia is quite a common disorder. The prevalence rate of chronic insomnia among adults is about 33%. Whether chronic or short-term, it can be stressful to deal with. And that’s why some people rely on over-the-counter medications for sleep to get much-needed rest. One of these meds is Benadryl.

Consult MEDvidi doctors to get the most suitable medications for insomnia prescribed online.

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What is Benadryl

Benadryl’s active ingredient is diphenhydramine, which is used in antihistamine drugs. Antihistamine is a drug that inhibits the production of histamine chemicals in the body. Histamine is responsible for causing the symptoms of allergies, like fever, itching, and sneezing. But it also provides immunity to the body and helps the brain to stay awake.

Considering the above, does Benadryl make you sleepy? Yes, since the work of an antihistamine is to block the activity of histamine. And without histamine, the brain becomes drowsy.

Benadryl Dosage for Adults

Benadryl for sleep brand name has been discontinued, but it is still available in generic and other brand forms (capsules, tablets, and liquid) that can be taken with or without food. If you take it at night to help you sleep, the normal dosage is 25 to 50 mg. But the dosage can vary depending on the person. For instance, older people may take a lower dosage to minimize side effects.

Note: Stick to the prescription given by your doctor or pharmacist. If you’re taking the liquid form, use the measuring syringe or the dosage spoon to avoid overdose.

MEDvidi doctors will determine a personalized approach for you, including the choice of suitable medication, its dosage, and treatment duration.

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How Long Does It Take for Benadryl to Work?

It usually takes 30 minutes for Benadryl to start working, but it reaches peak levels between 1 to 4 hours. The effects last for 4 to 6 hours. For these reasons, you should take the medication 30 minutes before bedtime. Notably, there’s no need to take it during the day if your primary purpose is to induce sleep.

The Duration of Treatment

Since Benadryl is an over-the-counter drug, it doesn’t have a strict dosage schedule. That said, most doctors don’t recommend taking it every night. One reason is that you can become dependent on the drug. When this happens, you won’t be able to sleep without it. Another reason is that you can develop tolerance. Once you become tolerant, you won’t get desired results after taking the drug.

One study showed that diphenhydramine induced sleep when taken on the first day. But on the fourth day, it didn’t make any difference. So, avoid taking Benadryl for longer durations (a week or more) without discussing it with your doctor. If your insomnia lasts longer than two weeks, talk to your doctor for an alternative treatment.

Side Effects of Benadryl

Benadryl is safe when you follow the instructions. But depending on the dosage and the individual, it can cause side effects. One of the main Benadryl side effects is dryness concerns in the body. That’s because it blocks a natural substance in the body called acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that increases body secretion. Once blocked, the body reduces glandular secretion. As a result, you may experience dryness in the eyes, mouth, nose, and throat.

Additionally, you may experience dizziness or drowsiness the next day after taking Benadryl. Sometimes you can get blurred vision, feel confused, or feel as if you are going to pass out.

Other side effects of Benadryl include:

Difficulty passing urine
Pounding heartbeats
Stomach upset and constipation
Agitation

An overdose of diphenhydramine can cause convulsions, hallucinations, and even death.

Contact your doctor if you experience any side effects to get your treatment adjusted.

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Precautions Before Taking Benadryl

Benadryl can help induce sleep in adults struggling with insomnia but is not used for children. After taking this medicine, you might feel dizzy the next day. If this happens, take caution when driving or operating machinery. You should also avoid alcohol as it can make drowsiness worse. In addition, Benadryl can react with drugs like benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, so inform your doctor or pharmacist about other medications you might be taking.

If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this sleep aid pill. Some health problems that raise concerns include:

Kidney or liver diseases
Problems with the digestive and cardiovascular system
Breathing disorders like asthma
Thyroid problems
Glaucoma

It’s not clear how Benadryl affects an unborn child. But the drug can slow milk production for nursing mothers. It can also get into breast milk and affect the child. As such, consult with your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

The Bottom Line

Benadryl is the brand name of the antihistamine diphenhydramine. It’s an over-the-counter drug for dealing with short-term insomnia. If you have chronic insomnia, it might not be the best solution because it can cause dependence and tolerance. But you can still take it occasionally without making it a habit.

Avoid giving this drug to children to help them sleep. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying medical condition, consult your doctor before taking Benadryl. To know if this drug will help you manage insomnia or if you need another option, book an appointment with MEDvidi doctors today.