I took it couple of times and I felt relaxed.Does Benadryl becomes just like benzos if we take for longer period of time
Anyone take over the counter Benadryl for anxiety?
Question posted by Anonymous on 17 Nov 2013
Last updated on 5 August 2019
Added 17 Nov 2013:
Actually I was asking if anyone is taking benadryl as an over the counter drug to relief anxiety symptoms,then kindly share with me.I had a very bad experience with klonopin because it stopped working and I had nocturnal panic attacks.It took 8 months for me to taper it off completely.I am asking whether the long term use makes it less effective.I am afraid of nocturnal panics because they are back and last night I took benadryl and I slept peacefully.I doctor is not listening me and simply saying that when you have panic then start running just as if you are running on treadmill.I can't do this because I am in half a sleep when this happens.
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21 Answers Page 2
DrD18
20 Nov 2014
Diphenhydramine like most antihistamines have a calming effect on the body. You could use it as an OTC anxiolytic, however, it could cause increased exhaustion and motor impairment. Some coleagues use Vistaril (same type of antihistamine as diphenhydramine) 25mg once every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
PeggyAn
21 Nov 2013
Benadryl is merely an antihistamine but the active ingredient is the same ingredient used in OTC sleeping pills such as Sominex. Don't be afraid to use it every night for sleep. It is absolutely not addictive. It is perfectly safe to take 50 mg. for sleep. As for anxiety in the daytime, this isn't the best choice since its side affects are DROWSINESS. I would try to find a doctor for mental health counseling to find out why you are having so much anxiety. There are better ways of dealing with anxiety than running in a treadmill. :-) A good therapist could refer you if you need prescription meds to help.
jo wood
7 Dec 2017
Thanks for your kind response to my comments and questions. I did have a heart-to-heart with my GP, who is a sweetheart and always considerate of his patients' feelings. He seems to care about what we may be going through in our lives that could affect our health. He gave me an anti-anxiety as well as a mild anti-depressant. It has been only a month since I began these medicines so I don't think I have yet received the full benefit of them. I have another appointment tomorrow at which time I will ask him how long it takes to begin noticing a difference in my anxiety and depression. As for the pain medications, I will probably always have to take some form of pain meds due to the severity of my spinal problems. But again, my doctor monitors my meds and is careful to give me only what I need, but certainly does make sure I am comfortable. I still take the Benadryl at nighttime to help me to feel drowsy enough to have a good sleep.
Groovycammy
5 Aug 2018
What mild antidepressant were you prescribed?
None of them seem to be mild.
jo wood
25 Aug 2018
My doctor prescribes Duloxetine (generic for Cymbalta) for my depression. For anxiety he prescribes Xanax. Again, both of these medications are low dosage. I am not a very large woman (5'2", 115 lbs) so he thinks I don't need large dosages of anything.
lucyb78
18 Nov 2013
I was on Ativan for about one year and when I wanted to get off of it, my doctor said to take Benadryl. It is safe to take on a regular basis. I had some bad withdrawals coming off Ativan for a few weeks. The Benadryl worked good for me for about a year or so.it helped me sleep through the night. Then I built up a tolerance to it. Now I take Flexeril for back problems and it helps me sleep too.
Good news is there is no withdrawals from Benadryl. But if you take it every day it will eventually loose its effectiveness. So try to take one instead of two. Or only take it a few times a week if possible. Worst case scenario is after 6 months to a year you switch to something like melatonin for a while or you can ask your doctor about a different prescription.
DavidFraley
6 Sep 2015
I am now on activan and having the same problem as you had with withdrawal,can you use Benadryl until you body is no longer dependent on the activan , then switch to a natural remedy such as magnesium or foods that are high in magnesium to help with anxiety and panic attacks
jo wood
16 Sep 2017
I'm entering into this conversation a little late but nevertheless, I have a comment regarding the use of Benadryl for anxiety. I have to take pain medications for severe spinal pain involving the sciatic nerve. I am careful to limit the pain medications and find that sometimes I feel a bit anxious between meds. I tried the children's Benadryl syrup, maybe a teaspoon. I found that it eased the anxiety and it is something that a lot of people swear by for calming their allergies. I figure I will try it for a while and if I find it is too sedating, I can give it up. I am an 81 year-old-woman so I don't have a lot of daytime activities that would hinder my need to be out and about a lot.
kaismama
17 Nov 2013
You can take it like that. Just don't start taking a large amount at a time. I'd find another dr. He is too callous for care of people.
MacIntosh12
17 Nov 2013
Hi adeelgr8,
Your body may adjust to Benadryl after long term use. But it is not akin to a benzo, it's just an antihistamine. If it's working then keep using Benadryl, but you really need to speak to a different doctor, someone who will listen and not tell you to get on your treadmill.
Ask your doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist, that may be the best plan. You may need a medication that isn't a benzodiazepine, but just an antidepressant.
Best wishes and hope you begin to feel better,
Lara
masso
17 Nov 2013
I just replied, you know.-
MacIntosh12
17 Nov 2013
Got it, I sent another... and another, OLO!
masso
17 Nov 2013
I replied again:-)
amaraeuq
8 Dec 2017
Go with psychologist. The talking therapy. My own gp today told me that antidepressants do way more harm than good. Im proof. ( blessed are those that it works for ) . Cursed temporarily are the rest of us. Temporarily . !!
Continued use of benadyl ( or more commonly abused dxm in robotussin to feel tired/ or dxm to " awake " you will lead to bladder/ urinary retention ( over continued usage ).
Who am i to tell you what to do ??? I just hope you take a true read of the effects and the withdrawal of antidepressants . But . The benadryl may provide temp relief . But at what cost ?
And if you tell your doc you cant sleep he or she will possibly write a script for immovane ( a mild benzo ) aka zophoclone . It will likely put you to sleep. ( yes i tried them for six months . I couldnt fiqure out why i was getting tired and then reaaaaally tired. Immovane prohibits r e m sleep. ( not may / possibly ? ). It does. A weekend and a few tbousand at a private sleep clinic proved it to me ). So . Save thousands. Cut out caffeine . Exercise. And valarian root works for me . ( it can be found in most pharmacies legally . There is nothing pharmaceutical in it.
I wish you all the best in your decisions. But ditch the cough syrup ..zz quil stuff. ( a friendly wise suggestion ).
Inactive
17 Nov 2013
Hello adeelgr8. Could you add onto your question or clarify. Regards pledge
Inactive
17 Nov 2013
Sorry for that bad functional English of mine... I have updated the question
Inactive
18 Nov 2013
And appreciated.
Related topics
benadryl, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder
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- Benadryl uses and safety info
- Benadryl prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Benadryl (detailed)
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