Can you put someone to sleep with Benadryl?

For people who take an antihistamine such as Benadryl for a cold or allergies, drowsiness is often a welcome side effect. But a Baylor College of Medicine sleep expert cautions against turning to this type of medication as a sleep aid.

Is Benadryl an addictive sleep aid?

There is a sedative effect to Benadryl that causes some people to rely upon it for sleep. Addiction to Benadryl is possible. Benadryl misuse side effects include anxiety, increased heart rate, memory loss, and seizures.

What happens if you take Benadryl every night to sleep?

What’s more, research published in the JAMA Internal Medicine shows that repeated use of anticholinergic medications (including some antihistamines) can increase a user’s risk of dementia. In general, experts don’t recommend using these drugs for anything more than an occasional sleepless night.

How much is too much Benadryl for sleep?

When used as a sleep aid the maximum recommended dosage is 76mg for diphenhydramine citrate or 50mg for diphenhydramine hydrochloride.

Why does Benadryl Make Someone Hyper?

In some people, taking Benadryl can actually have a stimulant effect, which is called paradoxical excitation. People that experience this after taking Benadryl may report feeling: excitable.

Is Benadryl psychoactive?

Diphenhydramine is deemed to have limited abuse potential in the United States owing to its potentially serious side-effect profile and limited euphoric effects, and is not a controlled substance.

Is taking Benadryl every day bad for you?

Benadryl is not intended to be used as a daily long-term medication for sleep or other issues. See your health care provider if your symptoms persist.

Is Benadryl a good sleep aid?

Because of this sedative effect, people sometimes turn to using Benadryl as a sleep aid. Benadryl is an antihistamine drug used to treat the symptoms of allergies and colds.

What are the risks of Benadryl abuse?

Not only is it a medication that helps with symptoms of allergies and the common cold, but it can also be used as a sleep aid. The problem is that you can develop an addiction to Benadryl, and this starts with abuse. The risks of Benadryl abuse include both psychological as well as physical side effects.

Is it safe to take Benadryl (diphenhydramine) long-term?

Additionally, the long-term use of drugs like Benadryl in those 65 years old and over is linked with an increased risk of dementia. While Benadryl ( diphenhydramine) can safely be used once in a while as a sleep aid, long-term use is not recommended for multiple reasons.

Is it possible to become addicted to Benadryl?

Generally, addiction to Benadryl is possible. People primarily develop a psychological dependence on the drug, stemming from the idea and fear that they won’t be able to get to sleep without it, or remain asleep for the entire night.