Is it safe to use benadryl to treat insomnia?

Benadryl has been helpful when I can't sleep but you build up a tolerance to it over time and it becomes less effective. I started taking it almost every night this past January to sleep. One or two tablets helped at first, but I now need about 6 tablets for it to work. (25mgs each).
I don't recommend taking that much. I'm looking for an alternative besides Melatonin, which didn't do a thing for me!!

Hello brendasc! I have tried alot of prescription meds for my insomnia but they have bad side effects. I have also tried the homeopathic route. Two over the counter meds have helped me. One is Unisom and the other is Benadryl. Both are safe to take. I usually require a larger dose and it usually does not take effect for many hours. But it does help with my Insomnia. I hope this is helpful. Have a good nights sleep! Sweetie Pie

I have used benadryl for years to help me fall asleep, & so has my husband. I use strait benadryl which can be bought generic. I get 100 tablets for $4.00. My husband take the PM type that also has tylenol in it if you have aches & pains along with your insomnia. We both take 50mg. or 2 pills at bedtime. You can use up to 3 pills or 75mg., but is not recommeded if you take any other sleep aids, pain meds, etc... Here's wishing you a good nites sleep...

As Sweetlemon says it's used as an antihistamine (diphenhydramine) and it's been used as I've seen up to 50mg four times a day for certain allergies but to be honest if it helps you to sleep the side effects is usually considered drowsiness and I would think better to use it than some of the medicines that can be prescribed that are habit forming and not only that but some leave you with a "hangover" effect so I don't really see anything wrong with using this. I wish you only the very best of results

Hello BrendaSC. I echo sweetlemon and Lauries thoughts. I suffer from insomnia, and have friends who, when they have trouble falling asleep, go to a pharmacy, and buy something like benadryl, to help them. I'm envious. Wish it was that simple for me :-0)

Hi Brenda,
Yes, it is ok to use Benadryl if you've insomnia. I've used it on many occasions just for this purpose. You've heard of Tylenol PM, right? The main ingredient in it is Benadryl, or the generic name which I may misspell here,
diphenhydramine.
Also, you might want to try an all natural supplement called Melatonin, it can be purchased at any pharmacy and comes in tablet form. There is a Tea, it is Sleepy Time Tea, and tastes horrid, much like the roadkill I often crave, and if you can gag it down, it works well.
Hope you get the sleep you need, and best wishes,