Benadryl is one of the most widely recognized over-the-counter (OTC) medications for allergy relief. Known generically as diphenhydramine, it’s commonly found in households and often the go-to solution for sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and even trouble sleeping. But recently, many health experts and regulatory bodies have raised concerns about the long-term use of Benadryl—especially when used improperly or frequently.
So, should you stop using Benadryl? The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” It depends on a number of factors including your age, health condition, why you’re using it, how often, and what alternatives are available. In this blog post, we’ll break it all down for you—so you can make an informed, safe decision.
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is a brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms, cold symptoms, and motion sickness. It also has sedative effects, making it popular as a sleep aid.
Common Uses of Benadryl:
- Seasonal allergies (hay fever)
- Hives and skin rashes
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Insomnia
- Motion sickness
- Nausea
- Anxiety (in some off-label cases)
- Cough suppression
How Does Benadryl Work?
Benadryl blocks histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. When your body detects an allergen—like pollen or pet dander—it releases histamine to fight off what it thinks is a threat. This leads to symptoms like sneezing, itching, or swelling.
Diphenhydramine also crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to drowsiness. That’s why it’s often found in OTC sleep aids and marketed as a nighttime allergy relief medication.
Why is Benadryl So Popular?
- Easily Available: Sold over the counter at nearly every pharmacy.
- Multipurpose: Helps with a wide range of symptoms.
- Quick Relief: Works fast, often within 30–60 minutes.
- Affordable: Usually cheaper than many newer antihistamines.
- Widely Recommended in the Past: Many doctors and pharmacists used to routinely suggest it for allergies and sleep.
Why Doctors Are Warning Against Benadryl Use
In recent years, medical experts have begun voicing serious concerns about Benadryl, especially in children and older adults.
1. Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults
Studies have shown that frequent or long-term use of diphenhydramine is linked to a higher risk of dementia, confusion, and memory loss in seniors. It’s classified as an anticholinergic drug, which blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for brain function.
2. Serious Side Effects
High doses or misuse can lead to:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Difficulty urinating
- Delirium
The FDA even issued a warning in 2020 about the “Benadryl Challenge”—a dangerous TikTok trend that led teens to take high doses for hallucinations, resulting in hospitalizations and even death.
3. Tolerance and Dependence
While Benadryl is not physically addictive, people who use it for sleep may develop a psychological reliance on it. Over time, they may need more of the drug to feel sleepy—an effect known as tolerance.
4. Not Ideal for Sleep
Despite its sedative effect, Benadryl disrupts REM sleep, which is essential for mental restoration. Long-term use for sleep can actually worsen sleep quality and lead to grogginess or a “hangover” effect the next day.
What the Guidelines Say
American Geriatrics Society (AGS)
The AGS includes diphenhydramine in its Beers Criteria, a list of medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults due to risk of cognitive decline and falls.
FDA Recommendations
While the FDA allows Benadryl to remain available OTC, it warns against exceeding recommended doses and advises using caution, especially in children and seniors.
Is Benadryl Safe for Children?
Benadryl is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, unless specifically directed by a doctor. Side effects in children may include:
- Excitability rather than drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Rapid heartbeat
Overuse or misuse in children can be life-threatening. Parents are urged to read labels carefully and consult pediatricians before giving Benadryl to kids.
Situations Where Benadryl Might Still Be Appropriate
While concerns about Benadryl are real, there are still certain situations where its use is justified and safe:
- Emergency Allergy Reactions: In cases of sudden hives, swelling, or allergic reactions—Benadryl can act quickly to reduce symptoms until medical help is available.
- Acute Insomnia (Short-Term): For occasional sleepless nights (like jet lag or stress-induced insomnia), it may offer short-term relief, but it’s not a long-term solution.
- Motion Sickness Prevention: When traveling, especially by car or boat, Benadryl can help prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Bug Bites and Skin Reactions: Topical diphenhydramine creams or oral tablets may help reduce itching and irritation from bug bites or contact dermatitis.
Should You Stop Taking Benadryl?
Here’s a breakdown of when you should consider stopping or switching:
Stop or Avoid If:
- You are over 65 years old.
- You have a history of dementia or cognitive decline.
- You’re using it for sleep on a regular basis.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor.
- You are giving it to children under 6.
- You take other sedating or anticholinergic drugs.
May Continue Using (with caution) If:
- You’re using it occasionally for allergies or sleep.
- It’s being used for emergency allergy reactions.
- A doctor has prescribed it and is monitoring your use.
- You’re not experiencing side effects or over-reliance.
Safer Alternatives to Benadryl
If you’re considering reducing or stopping Benadryl, here are some safer alternatives, depending on the reason you’re using it.
For Allergies:
- Loratadine (Claritin)
Non-drowsy and long-acting; suitable for daily use. - Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Slightly sedating but generally safer and longer-lasting. - Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Non-sedating; safe for most age groups. - Nasal corticosteroids
Like Flonase or Nasonex for persistent allergy symptoms.
For Sleep:
- Melatonin
A natural hormone that regulates sleep cycles. - Lifestyle changes
Creating a consistent bedtime, avoiding caffeine, and using blue-light filters. - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Highly effective and recommended over medications. - Prescription sleep aids (when necessary)
Should be used under medical supervision only.
Tips to Safely Transition Off Benadryl
If you’ve been using Benadryl regularly, here’s how to taper off safely:
- Consult a Doctor: Especially if you have underlying conditions or take other medications.
- Switch Gradually: Replace Benadryl with a safer alternative slowly to avoid rebound symptoms.
- Address Underlying Issues: If you’re using it for sleep, work on improving sleep hygiene.
- Monitor Side Effects: Watch for withdrawal symptoms like increased anxiety or restlessness, though rare.
- Stay Consistent: Avoid returning to Benadryl when you have one rough night—give alternatives a fair chance.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Call your doctor or visit the ER if you experience:
- Hallucinations or confusion
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing or severe allergic reactions
- Overdose symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, agitation, or unresponsiveness
Final Thoughts
Benadryl has been a trusted remedy for generations, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone—especially with new research highlighting its risks. While it’s still safe when used correctly and occasionally, there are now better, safer options for most people, particularly for chronic allergy or sleep issues.
If you’re using Benadryl frequently, it’s time to ask yourself: Is this the best option for me? In most cases, the answer may lean toward exploring newer antihistamines or non-medication treatments that are just as effective—with fewer risks.
FAQ’s
Q: Is it dangerous to take Benadryl every night for sleep?
Yes, long-term use for sleep is discouraged due to its sedative and anticholinergic effects, which may impair memory and reduce sleep quality over time.
Q. Is Benadryl safe to use every day?
Benadryl is not recommended for daily or long-term use, especially for sleep. Daily use can lead to side effects like drowsiness, memory problems, and increased risk of dementia in older adults. For allergies or insomnia, safer alternatives are available.
Q. Can Benadryl cause memory loss or confusion?
Yes, especially in older adults. Benadryl has anticholinergic effects, which have been linked to memory loss, confusion, and a higher risk of dementia with long-term use.
Q. Is Benadryl addictive?
Benadryl is not physically addictive, but some people may become psychologically dependent on it—particularly if they use it frequently as a sleep aid.
Q. Can Benadryl help with sleep problems?
While Benadryl may cause drowsiness, it’s not a good long-term solution for sleep. It can disrupt REM sleep and cause grogginess the next day. Other options like melatonin or lifestyle changes are often safer and more effective.
Q. What happens if you stop taking Benadryl suddenly?
Most people can stop Benadryl without withdrawal symptoms. However, if you’ve used it regularly for sleep, you may experience difficulty falling asleep initially. This usually resolves as your body adjusts.
Q. Is Benadryl safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
You should consult your healthcare provider. While Benadryl is generally considered low risk during pregnancy, it can pass into breast milk and may not be suitable while breastfeeding.
Q. Can Benadryl be used for anxiety?
While it may have calming effects, Benadryl is not a recommended treatment for anxiety. It can cause unwanted sedation and impair cognitive function. There are more appropriate medications and therapies for managing anxiety.
Q. When should I definitely avoid Benadryl?
Avoid Benadryl if you are over 65, have cognitive impairment, are using it daily for sleep, or are taking other medications that cause drowsiness. Also avoid it in young children unless prescribed by a doctor.
Q. Why is Benadryl no longer recommended by some experts?
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is no longer widely recommended for routine or long-term use because of its anticholinergic effects, which can impair brain function, especially in older adults. Studies have linked frequent use to memory loss, confusion, and increased dementia risk. Newer, non-sedating antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine are considered safer and just as effective for most people.
Q. How long can you safely use Benadryl?
Benadryl is generally safe for short-term, occasional use, such as during an acute allergic reaction or for short-lived sleep disturbances. Continuous or long-term use—especially for more than a few days to a week—is not advised without medical supervision due to risks of side effects, tolerance, and cognitive issues in older adults.
Q. Is Benadryl bad for the liver?
In most healthy individuals, Benadryl does not typically cause liver damage when used as directed. However, if taken in high doses or combined with other substances that affect the liver (like alcohol or other medications), it can increase the risk of liver stress. People with existing liver conditions should consult their doctor before using Benadryl.
Q. What organ does Benadryl mess with?
Benadryl mainly affects the brain, especially areas involved in memory, alertness, and coordination due to its anticholinergic activity. In older adults, this can lead to delirium, confusion, and falls. It can also affect the urinary system, sometimes causing urinary retention, particularly in men with prostate issues.
Q. What damage does Benadryl do to your body?
When misused or taken over long periods, Benadryl can cause:
- Cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia
- Daytime drowsiness and impaired motor skills
- Dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention
- Blurred vision and dizziness
- Disrupted sleep quality, despite making you feel sleepy
In rare cases or with overdose, it can lead to hallucinations, seizures, irregular heart rhythm, and even coma.
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