What is the most common side effect of Benadryl?

Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
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What organ is Benadryl bad for?

In the most severe causes, too much Benadryl can lead to life-threatening heart arrhythmias or kidney damage. For people ages 65 and over, there's a higher risk for confusion, falls, and kidney damage when taking Benadryl. So it's best to avoid taking it if you're in this age group.
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Why is Benadryl not recommended for over 65?

Be aware, too, that first-generation antihistamines typically are not recommended for adults 65 and older. That's because they have something called anticholinergic properties. Research suggests those properties might raise the risk of dementia.
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Why is Benadryl not recommended anymore?

Benadryl has poor specificity for its targets, and can therefore affect many different body systems. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is why it is known to cause such significant sedation. While you will likely fall asleep if you take Benadryl, it does not lead to quality sleep.
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Why is it bad to take Benadryl every night?

Side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion can be especially problematic for older adults, as they can raise the risk of falls. Research has also linked overusing medications like Benadryl to an increased risk of dementia, but this hasn't been proven.
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Benadryl long term side effects! I WISH I had KNOWN!

What is the safest sleep aid to take every night?

Melatonin: Melatonin is considered one of the safest over-the-counter sleep aids, with few side effects. A prescription drug called ramelteon is designed to mimic the effects of melatonin. Like melatonin, it is not considered habit-forming and it does not affect balance.
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What is a safer alternative to Benadryl?

Other Alternative Allergy Treatments
  • Allegra (fexofenadine)
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • Chlorpheniramine.
  • Claritin (loratadine)
  • Dimetapp (brompheniramine)
  • Clemastine.
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine)
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What medications cannot be taken with Benadryl?

Blood pressure medications, other antihistamines, antidepressants, sleeping pills, bowel disease medications, seizure medications, and cannabis products can have interactions when combined with Benadryl. Alcohol can increase the sedating effect of Benadryl, thus worsening drowsiness.
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What are the new warnings for Benadryl?

09-24-2020 FDA Drug Safety Communication

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that taking higher than recommended doses of the common over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death.
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What are the negative effects of Benadryl?

Common Adverse Effects
  • Drowsiness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Impaired coordination.
  • Headache.
  • Epigastric discomfort.
  • Thickened bronchial secretions.
  • Dry mucous membranes.
  • CNS stimulation, paradoxical.
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What is the safest antihistamine for seniors?

Astepro (azelastine) nasal spray, and non-drowsy oral antihistamines, such as Allegra (fexofenadine) are also first-choice options. All of these allergy medications are safe for older adults. Nasalcrom (cromolyn) and antihistamine eye drops, such as Zatidor (ketotifen), are also safe but may be less effective.
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What happens if you take Benadryl everyday for years?

In one study , people over the age of 65 years who took medications such as Benadryl daily for 3 years or longer had an increased risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. To prevent this possible side effect, it is important to use the lowest effective dose of Benadryl for the shortest time possible.
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What is the strongest antihistamine for sleep?

About diphenhydramine

It's known as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine and is more likely to make you feel sleepy than other antihistamines. It's used for: short-term sleep problems (insomnia), including when a cough, cold or itching is keeping you awake at night.
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What are the 10 worst medications for your liver?

Prescription drugs:
  • Statins.
  • Antibiotics like amoxicillin-clavulanate or erythromycin.
  • Arthritis drugs like methotrexate or azathioprine.
  • Antifungal drugs.
  • Niacin.
  • Steroids.
  • Allopurinol for gout.
  • Antiviral drugs for HIV infection.
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Is it safe to take 25mg of Benadryl daily?

Yes, you can take 2 Benadryl a day. Most adult formulations contain 25 mg to 50 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (the main ingredient in Benadryl). You can take 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as long as it does not exceed 6 doses of Benadryl in a 24-hour period.
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What is the controversy with Benadryl?

We are aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the “Benadryl Challenge” encouraged in videos posted on the social media application TikTok. We are investigating these reports and conducting a review to determine if additional cases have been reported.
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Why is Benadryl not recommended for older adults?

But first-generation antihistamines should be avoided in older adults in many cases. Because as we age, it's harder for our bodies to properly get rid of them. And higher doses may be needed for them to work. That can greatly raise your risk of side effects, including confusion.
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When should you avoid Benadryl?

Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
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Does Benadryl raise blood pressure?

Benadryl is the best-known brand name for the drug diphenhydramine. Normally, Benadryl does not cause high blood pressure when taken in standalone form. However, the combination drug Benadryl D can increase blood pressure because it contains diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine.
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Can Benadryl help with 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).
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What is the safest antihistamine for long-term use?

Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).
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What is a natural Benadryl?

A natural antihistamine is a substance found in certain foods, herbs, and supplements that can help reduce allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine in the body. Examples include quercetin, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and stinging nettle.
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