Sleeplessness is a rather prevalent condition. Approximately 33% of individuals suffer from persistent insomnia. Whether it’s short-term or chronic, managing it can be stressful. For this reason, some people turn to over-the-counter sleep aids to obtain the much-needed rest they require. Benadryl is one such medication.

What is Benadryl?

Diphenhydramine, a constituent in antihistamine medications, is the active component of Benadryl. A medication known as an antihistamine prevents the body from producing histamine molecules . Allergy symptoms, including fever, itching, and sneezing, are brought on by histamine. However, it also helps the brain stay alert and gives the body immunity.

Taking everything into account, does Benadryl make you feel drowsy? Yes, considering that an antihistamine’s function is to prevent histamine from acting. The brain also gets sleepy when histamine isn’t present.

Adult Benadryl Dosage

Although the brand name Benadryl for sleep has been withdrawn, generic and other brand formulations (liquid, pills, and capsules) are still accessible and can be taken with or without meals. The usual dosage is 25 to 50 mg if you take it at night to aid with sleep. However, each person may require a different dose. For example, elderly patients could take less medication to reduce adverse effects.

Note: Follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s prescription exactly. To prevent overdosing when taking liquid medication, use a dosage spoon or a measuring syringe.

How Much Time Does Benadryl Take to Start Working?

Benadryl typically takes 30 minutes to start functioning, but it takes 1–4 hours for its levels to peak. For four to six hours, the effects are felt. You should take the medicine half an hour before bed because of these factors. Notably, if your main goal is to induce sleep, you don’t need to take it throughout the day.

The Length of Therapy

There is no set dose for Benadryl because it is an over-the-counter medication. However, the majority of physicians do not advise taking it every night. The potential for drug dependence is one of the reasons. You won’t be able to sleep without it once this occurs. The ability to cultivate tolerance is another factor. You won’t experience the desirable effects of the medicine after you develop tolerance.

According to one study, using diphenhydramine on the first day caused sleep. However, it made no impact on the fourth day. Therefore, don’t use Benadryl for prolonged periods of time (more than a week) without first talking to your doctor. See your doctor about other options if your sleeplessness persists for more than two weeks.

Problems with Benadryl

Benadryl is safe as long as you take it as directed. However, it may have adverse effects according on the dosage and the person. Dryness issues in the body are one of the most common Benadryl side effects. This is because it inhibits acetylcholine, a chemical that the body naturally produces.

One neurotransmitter that increases bodily secretion is acetylcholine. The body lowers glandular output after it is inhibited. Your mouth, nose, throat, and eyes may get dry as a consequence.

Additionally, after taking Benadryl, you can feel sleepy or lightheaded the next day. Occasionally, you may get blurred vision, confusion, or a fainting sensation.

Additional Benadryl adverse effects include:

• Urinary difficulties
• Heartbeats that pound
• Constipation and stomach distress
• Agitation

Diphenhydramine overdose can result in seizures, hallucinations, and even death.

Measures to Take Before Taking Benadryl

Adults with insomnia may find that Benadryl helps them fall asleep, but children should not take it. You may have lightheadedness the next day after taking this medication. Use cautious when operating machinery or driving if this occurs. Additionally, alcohol should be avoided since it might exacerbate sleepiness. Additionally, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and antidepressants might interact with Benadryl, so let your doctor or pharmacist know about any other medications you may be taking.

Before using this sleep aid, speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions. Concerning health issues include the following:

• Liver or kidney disorders
• Issues with the cardiovascular and digestive systems
• Asthma and other respiratory conditions
• Issues with the thyroid
• Glaucoma

The effects of Benadryl on an unborn child are unknown. However, the medication may cause breastfeeding moms to produce less milk. Additionally, it may enter breast milk and have an impact on the infant. Accordingly, if you are pregnant or nursing, speak with your doctor.

The Bottom Line

The antihistamine diphenhydramine is marketed under the name Benadryl. It is an over-the-counter medication used to treat temporary sleeplessness. It may not be the ideal option if you suffer from chronic insomnia because it might lead to tolerance and reliance. However, you are still able to take it sometimes without becoming a habit.

Don’t give this medication to kids to help them fall asleep. Before using Benadryl, talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition or are pregnant or nursing.