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Can One Get Addicted To Benadryl?
Question: Found out my mother has been taking large amounts of Benadryl. From what my brother and I can figure she is taking about 12 pills a day... At least...
When we asked her she said for pain in her neck and to sleep. What are the symptoms or any danger if she stops taking the drug? This would be about 300 mg a day as she takes two 25 mg tablets at a time. Thank You!
When we asked her she said for pain in her neck and to sleep. What are the symptoms or any danger if she stops taking the drug? This would be about 300 mg a day as she takes two 25 mg tablets at a time. Thank You!
Brief Answer:
taper gradually, no significant danger
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern for your mother.
Benadryl contains the chemical substance called diphenhydramine, which is an anti-histamine. Long-term use of Benadryl can be associated with physiological as well as psychological dependence and hence, there can be withdrawal symptoms while stopping.
The physiological withdrawal symptoms are mostly due to a 'rebound' effect from the body which has gotten used to the continuously high levels of anti-histamines. So, there can be symptoms such as generalized itching, watering of the eyes, nasal stuffiness and most importantly, sleeplessness. The psychological symptoms of withdrawal can be 'craving' for the substance, anxiety and restlessness.
However good part is that these symptoms are not severe and subside within a few days and no medication is particularly necessary to counter these withdrawal symptoms.
In her case I recommend to reduce 25 mg every third day until 100 mg. Then onward reduce 12.5 mg every third day. With this slow tapering she would not have any significant withdrawal likely. Anytime during reduction if she feels more discomfort consult a doctor without hesitation.
Still if she will have sleep disturbance after stopping Benadryl, consulting doctor will help to get melatonin or zolpidem for sleep.
She can follow some measures called 'sleep hygiene' which would help in sleep. You can find the same in below link.
sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
taper gradually, no significant danger
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern for your mother.
Benadryl contains the chemical substance called diphenhydramine, which is an anti-histamine. Long-term use of Benadryl can be associated with physiological as well as psychological dependence and hence, there can be withdrawal symptoms while stopping.
The physiological withdrawal symptoms are mostly due to a 'rebound' effect from the body which has gotten used to the continuously high levels of anti-histamines. So, there can be symptoms such as generalized itching, watering of the eyes, nasal stuffiness and most importantly, sleeplessness. The psychological symptoms of withdrawal can be 'craving' for the substance, anxiety and restlessness.
However good part is that these symptoms are not severe and subside within a few days and no medication is particularly necessary to counter these withdrawal symptoms.
In her case I recommend to reduce 25 mg every third day until 100 mg. Then onward reduce 12.5 mg every third day. With this slow tapering she would not have any significant withdrawal likely. Anytime during reduction if she feels more discomfort consult a doctor without hesitation.
Still if she will have sleep disturbance after stopping Benadryl, consulting doctor will help to get melatonin or zolpidem for sleep.
She can follow some measures called 'sleep hygiene' which would help in sleep. You can find the same in below link.
sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you
Brief Answer:
welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome and wish your mother good health.
If still any query there, I will be happy to answer. If not, you can close the discussion and if feasible give your feedback and rating so I can improve my service. In future you can contact me directly on this site if you wish with this link:
http://bit.ly/drchintansolanki
by clicking on 'Ask me a question' on same page.
All the best.
welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome and wish your mother good health.
If still any query there, I will be happy to answer. If not, you can close the discussion and if feasible give your feedback and rating so I can improve my service. In future you can contact me directly on this site if you wish with this link:
http://bit.ly/drchintansolanki
by clicking on 'Ask me a question' on same page.
All the best.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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