Besides having side effects including drowsiness, confusion, and urinary retention, a new study shows that frequent, long-term use of older antihistamines are associated with an increased risk of ...• Common side effects of montelukast include upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, earache or ear infection, flu, runny nose, and sinus infection. Oct 3, 2022 · Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Benadryl Allergy. Summary. More frequent side effects include: sedated state and thickening of bronchial secretions. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Applies to diphenhydramine: oral capsules and tablets, parenteral injection. Side effects include: Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine. This can help a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose.Aug 1, 2023 · What are the side effects of Benadryl ... Diphenhydramine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. ... (such as a long car ride, airplane or boat travel, amusement park rides, etc ... Jun 28, 2021 · Experts say skip antihistamines. Dana Benson. 713-798-8267. Houston, TX - Jun 28, 2021. Share this article. 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. Long-term side effects Over-the-counter Benadryl is approved for temporary or short-term use and is not intended for long-term use. There is very little scientific research about the long-term ...Diphenhydramine is contraindicated in premature infants and neonates, as well as people who are breastfeeding. It is a pregnancy Category B drug. Diphenhydramine has additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines. OverdoseJun 8, 2022 · Sleep aids: The options. Sleep aids available without a prescription are widely available. Common choices and the potential side effects include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention. Doxylamine (Unisom). Long-term use may also lead to harmful side effects. The inability to fall or stay asleep can have a significant, negative impact on your mood, productivity, and overall health. Insomnia can also ...Jul 9, 2020 · This video examines the question and remark: Benadryl long term side effects! I WISH I had KNOWN! Benadryl is a common OTC medication and is also known as D... Diphenhydramine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. It is used in some allergy and sleep medicines. Overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. • Common side effects of montelukast include upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, earache or ear infection, flu, runny nose, and sinus infection. Jan 6, 2023 · Diphenhydramine is a common ingredient in sleeping aids; it is also used to treat allergies. While effective, the risk of serious diphenhydramine side effects—including confusion, dizziness, urinary retention, and liver or kidney issues—is increased in people age 65 and older. Long-term use may also lead to harmful side effects. The inability to fall or stay asleep can have a significant, negative impact on your mood, productivity, and overall health. Insomnia can also ...Jun 15, 2016 · IV administration of 50 mg of DPH resulted in immediate improvement of tremor, rigidity, tachycardia, and eye versions. The patient was started on oral DPH 50 mg 4 times a day and the dose was reduced by 25% every 3 days. Oral clonidine 0.1 mg 3 times a day and a weekly 0.1 mg transdermal patch was added to mitigate sympathetic side effects. Diphenhydramine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. It is used in some allergy and sleep medicines. Overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. Anxiety. Asthma. Car Sickness. Insomnia. Motion sickness. Reactions to Vaccines. Because one of the common side effect of Benadryl in dogs is drowsiness, your vet may use it to alleviate dog anxiety, particularly associated with traveling and motion sickness that may occur during plane rides or car trips.Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a common over-the-counter allergy medication. It’s part of a class of drugs called anticholinergics that research has linked to dementia in older people.Giving Benadryl to dogs long term in some cases can be helpful for the dog. However, one of the main side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness. Giving too much dog Benadryl can cause the dog to go into a deep sleep for some time. Additionally, in some cases Benadryl can cause upset stomach and even possibly loss of appetite.Jun 23, 2009 · The most common side effect is drowsiness, causing mild disorientation or dementia. An elderly person may fall asleep during normal activities. This sedating effect can cause unsteadiness. A person over 60 should get up slowly from a sitting or prone position to avoid fainting. If you take an anti-anxiety drug, it is not advisable to use ... May 22, 2013 · When corrected based on the number of drugs with anticholinergic effects an individual was taking, the odds ratio for cognitive impairment was 1.46 with a p value of .0181. However, overall the authors conclude that their data did not support the hypothesis that the use of anticholinergic medications increased the risk of alzheimer’s dementia ... A 2017 study revealed that 10% of adults aged 18-45 use OTC sleep aids while 17.5% of people 65 years and older do. Most over-the-counter options are considered safe when used occasionally—as long as the medication is compatible with any medical conditions you have and other medications you take. But when taken night after night, trouble can ...Diphenhydramine, which is the active ingredient in ZzzQuil, can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of diphenhydramine include: drowsiness. dizziness. loss of ...Benadryl dosage for dogs. The correct dosage of diphenhydramine for dogs depends on their weight. A small dog will need much less than a big dog to receive the same positive effects. According to ...Oct 3, 2022 · Adults and children ≥12 years of age receiving conventional or orally disintegrating tablets: Headache, somnolence, fatigue, dry mouth. Fixed combination loratadine (the active ingredient contained in Claritin) pseudoephedrine sulfate preparations: Insomnia, dry mouth, headache, somnolence, nervousness, dizziness, fatigue. Nov 14, 2022 · A 2017 study revealed that 10% of adults aged 18-45 use OTC sleep aids while 17.5% of people 65 years and older do. Most over-the-counter options are considered safe when used occasionally—as long as the medication is compatible with any medical conditions you have and other medications you take. But when taken night after night, trouble can ... Common Side Effects of Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is considered an H1 receptor antagonist, and it works by blocking the effect of histamine in the body. The chemical reactions that diphenhydramine trigger in the body can cause other potentially significant sedative side effects on the central nervous system (CNS).Aug 1, 2023 · What are the side effects of Benadryl ... Diphenhydramine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. ... (such as a long car ride, airplane or boat travel, amusement park rides, etc ... Feb 18, 2010 · One Benadryl per night seems to be enough to keep the ears dry & the resulting nausea at bay. I must admit that I'm not sure this is still even a problem for me. The last time I stopped to see if I still needed it was about 2 years ago. After 3 days, the dizziness/nausea/inner ear issues came back, so I promptly started taking the nightly ... There could be both short- and long-term consequences. Worried about the side effects of Ambien, Lunesta or other sleep aids? ... Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic drug, which means it blocks ...Diphenhydramine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. It is used in some allergy and sleep medicines. Overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. Aug 1, 2023 · skin rash. swollen joints. stomach discomfort, upset or pain. tender swollen glands in neck. tremor. unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability. vomiting. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. May 13, 2021 · The active ingredient in Benadryl is called diphenhydramine. Like any medication, Benadryl has several side effects. Some of the most common are: feeling sleepy or drowsy. dry mouth or throat ... Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning. Diphenhydramine increased the risk of dementia by 54% in one 3,000 patient study followed for seven years. Dizziness. Feeling nervous and excitable. Not able to sleep. Feeling sleepy. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https ...Inhaled corticosteroids are often used daily as part of treatment for asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers (allergens). Side effects are generally minor and can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators.Nov 15, 2019 · Central side effects. Since these actions are disrupted by sedating antihistamines, these drugs produce sedation, drowsiness, tiredness, lack of concentration, difficulty in learning and memory ... Sep 4, 2023 · Impaired concentration. Memory difficulties. Anxiety. Stomach disturbances. Nausea and vomiting. A dry mouth. Constipation. Liver problems, etc. In certain people, a paradoxical reaction to diphenhydramine is possible, meaning that the drug causes different symptoms than the intended ones. Inhaled corticosteroids are often used daily as part of treatment for asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers (allergens). Side effects are generally minor and can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators.Jun 5, 2019 · Addiction and Misuse. Another cause of overdose is an addiction to Diphenhydramine. Patients can become addicted to Benadryl after taking it for an extended period or when it is used for recreational purposes. Side effects of Diphenhydramine overdose often cause long-term damage, which can be fatal to patients ingesting it. Aug 15, 2023 · It can sometimes cause a decrease in memory, confusion, and thinking issues. These side effects are more common in elders. In addition, taking Benadryl long-term might increase the risk of dementia. People aged> 65 who took medications such as Benadryl daily for over three years had an increased risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a common over-the-counter allergy medication. It’s part of a class of drugs called anticholinergics that research has linked to dementia in older people.Aug 1, 2023 · skin rash. swollen joints. stomach discomfort, upset or pain. tender swollen glands in neck. tremor. unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability. vomiting. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Benadryl and have Peripheral neuropathy. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 70,795 people who have side effects when taking Benadryl from the FDA, and is updated regularly. You can use the study as a second opinion to make health care decisions.Yes, certain side effects are possible after using Benadryl long term. For example, long-term use of Benadryl may cause: an increased risk of dementia; withdrawal symptoms after the drug is stopped* However, keep in mind that doctors typically don’t recommend taking Benadryl as a long-term treatment.Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning. Diphenhydramine increased the risk of dementia by 54% in one 3,000 patient study followed for seven years.The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Benadryl and have Peripheral neuropathy. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 70,795 people who have side effects when taking Benadryl from the FDA, and is updated regularly. You can use the study as a second opinion to make health care decisions.Jul 9, 2015 · Higher dosage or long-term use of common drugs with anticholinergic effects is linked to significantly increased risk of dementia - including Alzheimer’s - says large study. and readily penetrates the blood-brain-barrier. Thus side effects such as grogginess, drowsiness, and memory loss are common. Diphenhydramine is also used for motion sickness and extrapyramidal symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. Potential harm to the brain: Long-term anticholinergic use has been associated with increased Taking an over-the-counter sleep aid with diphenhydramine once in a while is generally not going to cause problems, other than a possible hangover the next day. Older people, however, can get confused when taking diphenhydramine because it also blocks a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which plays a big role in attention and short-term memory.This video examines the question and remark: Benadryl long term side effects! I WISH I had KNOWN! Benadryl is a common OTC medication and is also known as D...The most common side effect is drowsiness, causing mild disorientation or dementia. An elderly person may fall asleep during normal activities. This sedating effect can cause unsteadiness. A person over 60 should get up slowly from a sitting or prone position to avoid fainting. If you take an anti-anxiety drug, it is not advisable to use ...and readily penetrates the blood-brain-barrier. Thus side effects such as grogginess, drowsiness, and memory loss are common. Diphenhydramine is also used for motion sickness and extrapyramidal symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. Potential harm to the brain: Long-term anticholinergic use has been associated with increasedBut it has quite a long list of possible side effects. In fact, the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has given serious warnings about them, even for people. The organization issued a 2019 position statement about Benadryl. They advised against the drug because of the high risk of side effects and overdose. They said the drug ...Nov 14, 2022 · A 2017 study revealed that 10% of adults aged 18-45 use OTC sleep aids while 17.5% of people 65 years and older do. Most over-the-counter options are considered safe when used occasionally—as long as the medication is compatible with any medical conditions you have and other medications you take. But when taken night after night, trouble can ... Sep 14, 2022 · Benadryl helps reduce the effects of natural chemicals in the body called histamines. It is used to treat the side effects of an allergic reaction, including: Benadryl can be taken to relieve the symptoms of hayfever (seasonal allergies) and motion sickness. It can also be taken to induce sleep and treat certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Children's Benadryl Allergy - Uses, Side Effects, and More Generic Name(S): diphenhydramine HCl, diphenhydramine citrate ... (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in ...Diphenhydramine, which is the active ingredient in ZzzQuil, can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of diphenhydramine include: drowsiness. dizziness. loss of ...General The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, dizziness, and incoordination. [ Ref] Nervous system Common (1% to 10%): Sedation/somnolence/sleepiness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, headache, attention disturbance Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Extrapyramidal effects, tremor, convulsionsJul 9, 2020 · This video examines the question and remark: Benadryl long term side effects! I WISH I had KNOWN! Benadryl is a common OTC medication and is also known as D... People who take too much Benadryl start to experience many of the medication’s side effects. These can include mild symptoms, such as dry mouth, constipation, and tiredness. Usually, the more Benadryl a person takes, the worse these side effects become. In more severe Benadryl overdose cases, symptoms like seizures, irregular heartbeats, and ...Answer From Eric J. Olson, M.D. It's unlikely you'll become dependent on zolpidem (Ambien). Ambien and similar sleep medications can be effective, and they're much less likely to be habit-forming than some other drugs sometimes prescribed for sleep problems — for example, benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) or ...Sep 4, 2023 · Impaired concentration. Memory difficulties. Anxiety. Stomach disturbances. Nausea and vomiting. A dry mouth. Constipation. Liver problems, etc. In certain people, a paradoxical reaction to diphenhydramine is possible, meaning that the drug causes different symptoms than the intended ones. Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes. Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed. A very bad skin reaction ( Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen.When corrected based on the number of drugs with anticholinergic effects an individual was taking, the odds ratio for cognitive impairment was 1.46 with a p value of .0181. However, overall the authors conclude that their data did not support the hypothesis that the use of anticholinergic medications increased the risk of alzheimer’s dementia ...Besides having side effects including drowsiness, confusion, and urinary retention, a new study shows that frequent, long-term use of older antihistamines are associated with an increased risk of ...Nov 14, 2022 · A 2017 study revealed that 10% of adults aged 18-45 use OTC sleep aids while 17.5% of people 65 years and older do. Most over-the-counter options are considered safe when used occasionally—as long as the medication is compatible with any medical conditions you have and other medications you take. But when taken night after night, trouble can ... Sep 4, 2023 · Impaired concentration. Memory difficulties. Anxiety. Stomach disturbances. Nausea and vomiting. A dry mouth. Constipation. Liver problems, etc. In certain people, a paradoxical reaction to diphenhydramine is possible, meaning that the drug causes different symptoms than the intended ones. There is evidence that the use of diphenhydramine among older adults or the elderly may result in serious side effects. This holds true esp. if you are older than age 65. The older a person becomes, the greater the risk of adverse effects. Benadryl is listed as potentially Inappropriate Medication in Older Adults ( also known as Beers criteria)Common Side Effects of Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is considered an H1 receptor antagonist, and it works by blocking the effect of histamine in the body. The chemical reactions that diphenhydramine trigger in the body can cause other potentially significant sedative side effects on the central nervous system (CNS).Jun 5, 2019 · Moderate and Severe Benadryl Side Effects. If patients are using Benadryl for an allergic reaction, and experience any of the following moderate to severe Benadryl side effects they should consult their medical doctor or contact emergency medical services to minimize injury to their health: Contact and Atopic dermatitis ~1.0-10.0%; Confusion Central side effects. Since these actions are disrupted by sedating antihistamines, these drugs produce sedation, drowsiness, tiredness, lack of concentration, difficulty in learning and memory ...Aug 1, 2023 · skin rash. swollen joints. stomach discomfort, upset or pain. tender swollen glands in neck. tremor. unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability. vomiting. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. This video examines the question and remark: Benadryl long term side effects! I WISH I had KNOWN! Benadryl is a common OTC medication and is also known as D...Oct 3, 2022 · Applies to diphenhydramine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral disintegrating strip, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating. General The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, dizziness, and incoordination. Sep 4, 2023 · Impaired concentration. Memory difficulties. Anxiety. Stomach disturbances. Nausea and vomiting. A dry mouth. Constipation. Liver problems, etc. In certain people, a paradoxical reaction to diphenhydramine is possible, meaning that the drug causes different symptoms than the intended ones. Nov 14, 2022 · A 2017 study revealed that 10% of adults aged 18-45 use OTC sleep aids while 17.5% of people 65 years and older do. Most over-the-counter options are considered safe when used occasionally—as long as the medication is compatible with any medical conditions you have and other medications you take. But when taken night after night, trouble can ... Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning. Diphenhydramine increased the risk of dementia by 54% in one 3,000 patient study followed for seven years.Aug 1, 2023 · What are the side effects of Benadryl ... Diphenhydramine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. ... (such as a long car ride, airplane or boat travel, amusement park rides, etc ... What are the side effects of Benadryl ... Diphenhydramine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. ... (such as a long car ride, airplane or boat travel, amusement park rides, etc ...Oct 9, 2018 · Many older adults may take sleeping pills because pain, nerve problems or other health issues are keeping them up at night, she says. For these people, a sleeping pill is standing in the way of ... Jan 24, 2018 · Taking an over-the-counter sleep aid with diphenhydramine once in a while is generally not going to cause problems, other than a possible hangover the next day. Older people, however, can get confused when taking diphenhydramine because it also blocks a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which plays a big role in attention and short-term memory. Diphenhydramine or : Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may cause sedation the next day (due to its long half-life), decreased alertness, diminished cognitive function, delirium, ... Read More. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Learn how we can help. 5k views Reviewed >2 years ago.Apr 9, 2020 · Diphenhydramine, brand name Benadryl ®, is one of the oldest and most frequently used over-the-counter medications for children. However, many better options are now widely available, all of which are faster acting, longer lasting, with less side effects. Antihistamines counteract the effect of histamine throughout the body, and treat a range ... The short answer seems to be yes. While occasionally taking a Benadryl for sleep probably won’t lead to significant weight gain, chronic use of antihistamines can interfere with weight loss efforts. If you need an antihistamine for frequent allergy symptoms, however, the best choice is Claritin because it does not cross into the brain and has ...Long-term use may also lead to harmful side effects. The inability to fall or stay asleep can have a significant, negative impact on your mood, productivity, and overall health. Insomnia can also ...Jan 6, 2023 · Diphenhydramine is a common ingredient in sleeping aids; it is also used to treat allergies. While effective, the risk of serious diphenhydramine side effects—including confusion, dizziness, urinary retention, and liver or kidney issues—is increased in people age 65 and older.
Higher dosage or long-term use of common drugs with anticholinergic effects is linked to significantly increased risk of dementia - including Alzheimer’s - says large study.. Price of gas at sam
Jun 8, 2022 · Sleep aids: The options. Sleep aids available without a prescription are widely available. Common choices and the potential side effects include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention. Doxylamine (Unisom). Besides having side effects including drowsiness, confusion, and urinary retention, a new study shows that frequent, long-term use of older antihistamines are associated with an increased risk of ...“Atarax (hydroxyzine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) were routinely administered in the chemotherapy I received for breast cancer. After 5 months of chemo, I attributed my loss of mental function to a condition I read about called “chemo brain” — and chalked it up as another price paid in side affects for the benefit of staying alive.Feb 6, 2023 · Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine that contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. People often use it to treat allergies. Because it causes drowsiness, some people take it as a ... Jan 24, 2018 · Taking an over-the-counter sleep aid with diphenhydramine once in a while is generally not going to cause problems, other than a possible hangover the next day. Older people, however, can get confused when taking diphenhydramine because it also blocks a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which plays a big role in attention and short-term memory. In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart. Nasal sprays deliver a decongestant right where you need it. In theory, this should minimize cardiovascular effects.Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning. Diphenhydramine increased the risk of dementia by 54% in one 3,000 patient study followed for seven years.First-generation antihistamines come with an increased risk of certain side effects and drug interactions, so they are not generally advised for long-term usage. “With first-generation antihistamines, some people note decreasing effectiveness if used daily for several days,” says Dr. Lin.Taking an over-the-counter sleep aid with diphenhydramine once in a while is generally not going to cause problems, other than a possible hangover the next day. Older people, however, can get confused when taking diphenhydramine because it also blocks a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which plays a big role in attention and short-term memory.Apr 11, 2023 · In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart. Nasal sprays deliver a decongestant right where you need it. In theory, this should minimize cardiovascular effects. Inhaled corticosteroids are often used daily as part of treatment for asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers (allergens). Side effects are generally minor and can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators.Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine. This can help a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose.Dec 1, 2022 · Section snippets Sedation. The sedation associated with diphenhydramine is one of the most acknowledged effects of this medication. Indeed, it is frequently used as a medication to treat insomnia. 3 The sedative effect of diphenhydramine is related to its easy penetration of the blood-brain barrier. 4 In the brain, diphenhydramine interferes with H 1 receptors, which causes drowsiness and ... While there are cases of misuse and abuse, withdrawal symptoms from Benadryl are rare, even with long term use. Nevertheless, Benadryl has strong anticholinergic effects, and there have been reports of 'anticholinergic withdrawal' in some individuals taking Benadryl for extended periods of time. Potential symptoms include:Higher dosage or long-term use of common drugs with anticholinergic effects is linked to significantly increased risk of dementia - including Alzheimer’s - says large study.Jun 23, 2009 · The most common side effect is drowsiness, causing mild disorientation or dementia. An elderly person may fall asleep during normal activities. This sedating effect can cause unsteadiness. A person over 60 should get up slowly from a sitting or prone position to avoid fainting. If you take an anti-anxiety drug, it is not advisable to use ... Official answer. Diphenhydramine can be used as a short-term sleep aid to help ease occasional sleep problems. Older adults, children under age 16 and pregnant women should avoid taking diphenhydramine, as the risks to these groups may outweigh the benefits. Diphenhydramine should not be taken as a treatment for chronic insomnia.Benadryl is an antihistamine that can be used to treat allergic reactions, relieve motion sickness, as a sleep aid, and relieve some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Sedation is a common side effect. 5. Tips. Benadryl may be taken with or without food. Take exactly as directed..