Gina Johnson
Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that is commonly used to treat allergies and cold symptoms. Due to its drowsy side effects, it is also sometimes used as a short-term sleep aid for insomnia. While Benadryl can help with occasional sleep problems, it is not recommended for long-term use as a sleep aid. This is because it can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, and seizures if overused, and it may also prevent the brain from achieving restorative deep REM sleep. Additionally, Benadryl should not be given to children to help them sleep and should be used with caution in older adults. When used as a sleep aid, it is typically recommended to take 50 mg of Benadryl by mouth 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime. However, it is important to read and follow the instructions on the product and consult with a healthcare professional before taking Benadryl for sleep.
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What You'll Learn
Benadryl dosage for sleep
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine medication that can be used as a sleep aid due to its side effect of drowsiness. It is available in several forms, including oral tablets, capsules, liquids, chewable tablets, and dissolvable tablets. It is important to note that Benadryl is only recommended for short-term use as a sleep aid and should not be used for more than two weeks at a time.
The recommended dosage of Benadryl for sleep in adults and children aged 12 years and older is 50 mg taken by mouth 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime. It is important to follow the directions on the package or prescription label and not to exceed the recommended dosage. Taking too much Benadryl can increase the risk of side effects, such as nausea and agitation, and may lead to an overdose.
For children under the age of 12, the use of Benadryl as a sleep aid is generally not recommended unless directed by a physician. Older adults, pregnant women, and children under the age of 16 are also advised to avoid taking Benadryl due to potential risks and increased susceptibility to side effects.
Before taking Benadryl, it is important to read the "Drug Facts" label and check for any other medications or supplements that may contain diphenhydramine to avoid doubling up on doses. Additionally, individuals should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure that Benadryl is safe for them and does not interact with any current medications or health conditions.
It is worth noting that Benadryl is not the only option for those struggling with sleep. There are several OTC alternatives available, and improving sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding electronics before bedtime, can also help cure insomnia without medication.
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Side effects and risks
Benadryl is not recommended for long-term use. It is advised that you consult a healthcare professional if you have been taking it for two weeks or more. Benadryl is not a cure for insomnia, and it is not recommended for use in treating sleep problems over the long term.
The medication is not suitable for children under 12, older adults, or pregnant women, as the side effects can be longer-lasting and more harmful in these groups. It is also advised that you do not drive or do other activities that require alertness, coordination, or clear vision until you know how Benadryl affects you, as it can cause blurred vision, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Benadryl can also cause serious side effects like vomiting, seizures, and constipation if overused. It is one of the most abused medications in the United States, and overdose deaths have occurred. An overdose can be fatal, especially for children under six. It is important not to exceed the recommended dosage of 50 mg for adults, taken 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime. Taking too much Benadryl can increase the risk of side effects like nausea, agitation, and paradoxical excitation, which can make insomnia worse.
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Benadryl alternatives
While Benadryl can be effective in aiding sleep in the short term, it is not recommended for long-term use. There are several over-the-counter alternatives to Benadryl that may be safer and more effective.
Firstly, it is important to address any underlying sleep issues. This can be done by improving your sleep hygiene, which may cure insomnia without the need for medication. This involves keeping to a regular sleep schedule, maintaining a dark and cool bedroom, and avoiding electronics, food, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime.
If you are taking certain medications, these could be keeping you awake at night. For example, if you are taking a decongestant like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine), especially later in the evening, this could be causing your sleep problems. A pharmacist can check your current medication list to see if any could be the culprit.
If all else fails, your healthcare provider may recommend a prescription sleep aid to be taken as needed. These could include medications such as Ambien (zolpidem) or Belsomra (suvorexant).
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Precautions and interactions
Benadryl is not recommended for long-term use. It should be taken for no longer than 14 days at a time and not more than once every two weeks. If you have been taking Benadryl consistently for two weeks or more, reach out to a healthcare professional.
Benadryl is not suitable for children under 12, older adults, pregnant women, or people who are 60 and older or younger than 18, as the risks to these groups may outweigh the benefits. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, consult your doctor before taking Benadryl.
Benadryl may not be safe to take in combination with other medications, including certain pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety. Always check the "Drug Facts" label on over-the-counter medications to ensure you are not doubling up on diphenhydramine from multiple sources. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Benadryl may cause side effects such as nausea, agitation, trouble urinating, constipation, dizziness, stomach upset, and blurred vision. In some cases, it may have the opposite of the intended effect, causing excitation or insomnia. If you experience any unusual problems while taking Benadryl, contact your doctor.
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When to reach out for help
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that can cause drowsiness as a side effect. While it is not recommended for long-term use, some people take Benadryl as a short-term sleep aid.
- Before you start taking Benadryl: It is important to consult your prescriber and pharmacist before trying Benadryl for sleep. They can advise on appropriate dosages and check for any potential interactions with your current medications.
- If you are experiencing side effects: Benadryl can cause serious side effects, including nausea, agitation, vomiting, seizures, trouble urinating, constipation, and blurred vision. If you experience any unusual problems while taking this medication, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical help immediately.
- If you have been taking Benadryl for two weeks or more: Benadryl is intended for short-term use only and should not be taken for longer than two weeks at a time. If you have been taking Benadryl consistently for this duration, reach out to a healthcare professional. They can assess whether there is an underlying medical condition causing your sleep problems and advise on alternative treatments.
- If you are in a high-risk group: Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people under 18 may be at greater risk of side effects from Benadryl. Consult your healthcare provider about your risks and suitability for taking Benadryl if you belong to any of these groups.
- If you are taking other medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are using. This includes any cough and cold medications, as they may contain the same active ingredients as Benadryl, leading to an overdose.
- If you are unsure about dosage or instructions: Always follow the directions on the package or prescription label. If you have any questions or uncertainties, ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.
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