Benadryl and Swelling: What Users Say

• Jim...
• November 28, 2024

For Allergic Reactions "I ate a new spicy chip I had never had before (purple bag of Takis, for reference). One of the spices or something on the chip I'm allergic to and didn't realize it, and as I'm driving 45 minutes back home, my tongue began to swell up. I grabbed two Benadryl and chewed them the second I got in the door; 25 mins or so later. Literally, the worst taste I've ever experienced in my life, but I am here today to tell you about it. Within 5 minutes, the swelling started to subside, and I was no longer half-choking on my own tongue, and I made it through. I do not recommend you rely on this in the case of allergic reactions, especially if it's involving your breathing at all, but that is my experience with it. I was 45 minutes from a hospital by ambulance and had to act. And they're talking about banning it OTC... what a world."

• Tal...
• July 3, 2021

For Allergic Reactions "I took over-the-counter Benadryl for some minor reason, and hours later I started itching all over my body. The itch was deeply intense, from my scalp to my feet - a full body reaction. I started getting visible large hives, and my throat and face were swelling. I went to the ER, and they said it was impossible that I was allergic to Benadryl. The ER doctor was certain I was having a reaction to the pink dye in the pill. He injected me with clear liquid Benadryl to prove this to me. I immediately had a second reaction. They had to treat me with alternative medications; an injection in my bottom, prednisone to help with breathing, and another green pill of some sort to take home with me. I am allergic to Benadryl."

• Mad...
• January 25, 2016

For Allergic Reactions "Allergy reaction to nuts. Started feeling swelling around mouth, throat... very scary, feel like I am stopping to breathe. This instant relief. Give it 10-15 minutes till it kicks in. WORKS WONDERS. BUT... you might need a good snooze after a good dose..."

• Chr...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 1, 2016

For Urticaria "I was diagnosed with chronic idiopathic angioedema in 2005. I was 8 months pregnant and woke up one morning, and my face was unrecognizable. I called my doctor, and they said, 'Oh, it's probably just pregnancy swelling.' I am an only child, so I didn't know about facial swells. My husband came home and said, 'This is NO pregnancy swelling.' This was in 2003. It continued weekly, so we took pictures and took them to my ob-gyn. He had been practicing medicine for over 30 years and had never seen anything like it. I saw numerous doctors and was finally diagnosed. I was in the hospital, and I swelled up. I was given too much Benadryl. It took my breath away, and I couldn't speak. Another nurse came in and yelled at the nurse. It has to be given slowly, or it's very dangerous."