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Can Diphenhydramine HCL Be Taken To Induce Sleep When Mentally Disturbed?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Feb 2017
Question: My 18 year old daughter had an anxiety attack leading to a manic episode with psychotic features, i.e. mild paranoia and delusions. She is on 10m abilify and to get her to calm down and sleep I gave her diphenhydramine hydrochloride 50mg. She is not falling asleep. What should I try next?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Give her one mg ativan if available

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

I have reviewed the current post along with other query which was posted to me around Christmas time.

With available options I feel using one of Ativan will be best option if there are some tablets lying in house as they were prescribed in the past.

In case the Ativan is not available you can add another 25 mg of Diphenhydramine to make her sleep.

In addition it is important to keep the principles of sleep hygiene in order such as preventing all kinds of sound and light in her bed room. In case she feels scary it will be appropriate to make her sleep in your room or you can accompany her in your daughter's bed room.

I also feel that if the deficiency of sleep is routine phenomenon, than she may need different dose of ability or different medication for control of her psychopathology.

I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (7 minutes later)
We do not have any Adivan and we are traveling in NYC. I only have 50 mg gel caps which I can't cut in half so if I give her another dose it will be 50m
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is again within the safe limits and can be given

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

Even if you give her another 50 mg, it is within the safe dose range and can be given.

I hope this clarifies.
Thanks again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (3 hours later)
She hasn't slept yet.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Repeat another 50 mg

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for follow up.

I am sorry to know that even 100 mg of dose was inadequate to make her sleep.

Since it is more than three hours from the last dose, the another dose of 50 mg can be repeated.


I hope this assists her to get sleep.
Thanks again.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (49 minutes later)
She has been complaining about headaches.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Tylenol can be used

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

I am really sorry to know that despite all efforts with available option her sleep remained a problem through out your journey.

The onset of headache could be due to multiple factors such as
lack of sleep
travelling
Extra dose of diphenhydramine among others.

For the management the best way and safe way is to use Tylenol 500 mg for a adult person.

I understand that the answer is delayed considering urgency but sometime it is difficult to get access to internet.

I hope my assistance during last six hours was of some use to you and the little girl.
In future if you need to ask any questions use my url (provided above) so the query gets delivered directly to me for immediate answer.

Thanks again.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3354 Questions

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Can Diphenhydramine HCL Be Taken To Induce Sleep When Mentally Disturbed?

Brief Answer: Give her one mg ativan if available Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. I have reviewed the current post along with other query which was posted to me around Christmas time. With available options I feel using one of Ativan will be best option if there are some tablets lying in house as they were prescribed in the past. In case the Ativan is not available you can add another 25 mg of Diphenhydramine to make her sleep. In addition it is important to keep the principles of sleep hygiene in order such as preventing all kinds of sound and light in her bed room. In case she feels scary it will be appropriate to make her sleep in your room or you can accompany her in your daughter's bed room. I also feel that if the deficiency of sleep is routine phenomenon, than she may need different dose of ability or different medication for control of her psychopathology. I hope this helps you. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386 Thanks and regards.