In brief
- Diphenhydramine, sold as Benadryl in the United States and in some sedating antihistamine and sleep products in Europe, is an allergy medicine; it is not approved for anxiety, and any calming effect is simply drowsiness.
- Hydroxyzine is the only antihistamine licensed for anxiety.
- For longer-term anxiety the usual options are a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy, an SSRI or SNRI, or both.
- Do not combine Benadryl with alcohol, sedatives or sleeping tablets, and avoid it if you have glaucoma, breathing problems or trouble urinating.
- Common effects are sleepiness, dry mouth and constipation; an overdose can cause confusion, agitation, seizures or heart problems and is a medical emergency.
- If anxiety is affecting daily life, see a doctor for an assessment and a proper treatment plan rather than self-medicating.
What Is Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)?
Almost everyone has heard of Benadryl. It is often used as an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine to treat allergies. Its sedative properties can also make you sleepy.
As a result, some people use it to treat anxiety symptoms on a short-term basis.
This article aims to give you insight into what Benadryl is, how it may help with anxiety, its side effects and risks, and other treatment options that may be less harmful and more effective in the long run.
What Is Benadryl and How Does It Work?
An antihistamine called diphenhydramine is sold under the name Benadryl.
The most common allergy symptoms that Benadryl treats are:
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose and throat
Also, it can reduce the nasal congestion associated with the common cold.
Who Shouldn't Take Benadryl?
There are a few health conditions you should avoid taking Benadryl if you have, including:
- Trouble urinating
- Breathing problems
- Glaucoma
shouldn't be combined with other diphenhydramine-containing products
Benadryl has many different reactions, but most people feel drowsy after taking it.
Take Benadryl at least two hours before driving, drinking alcohol, or taking any other sedative or sleeping pill.
Can Benadryl Be Used for Anxiety Relief?
It should not be taken for anxiety unless your healthcare provider recommends it. Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) is the only antihistamine approved for anxiety. Alternatives to benzodiazepines can be effective for some people. Benzodiazepines to treat anxiety may be beneficial, but they are often addictive and have significant side effects.
Several studies have shown that hydroxyzine can treat anxiety symptoms, insomnia, and panic attacks. It has relatively few side effects, though its use in children and in pregnancy is a decision for a doctor.
In contrast, Benadryl has not undergone extensive research and is considered less effective than other antianxiety medications in treating anxiety.
Benadryl vs. Anxiety Medications: Key Differences
| Medication | Approved for Anxiety | Side Effects | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benadryl (diphenhydramine) | No | Drowsiness, dry mouth | Allergies, short-term sleep aid |
| Hydroxyzine | Yes | Mild sedation | Short-term anxiety relief |
| SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft) | Yes | Nausea, sleep changes | Long-term anxiety management |
| Benzodiazepines | Yes (short-term) | Dependency, sedation | Acute anxiety, panic attacks |
Does Benadryl Help With Sleep?
The effect of antihistamines like Benadryl is to block the release of histamine in the brain and the excess production of histamine. Your sleep and wake cycles are affected by histamines, a natural chemical the body produces. The histamine levels in your brain naturally decrease before you go to sleep. The brain perceives sleep as a result of antihistamines blocking histamine production. Benadryl is sometimes taken as a sleep aid by some people.
Due to the lack of testing and approval, medical providers do not recommend this as a sleep aid.
Benadryl Dosage and Usage Guidelines
The recommended dose for Benadryl does not apply to anxiety, as it isn't recommended for this purpose.
For anyone 12 and older with hay fever or allergies, Benadryl is typically taken every 4–6 hours at a dosage of 25 or 50 milligrams (mg).
A 12.5 or 25 mg dosage every 4–6 hours is recommended for children aged 6–11. Benadryl should only be given to children under six if their pediatrician recommends it.
You may also feel groggy and drowsy after taking Benadryl, and you may not fall asleep as quickly.
Benadryl Side Effects to Watch For
Most antihistamines, including Benadryl, have relatively few side effects, and tolerance to the drowsiness can build over time.
Some common side effects of Benadryl include:
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Grogginess
Is Benadryl Safe? Risks and Warnings
Despite its general safety, Benadryl comes with some warnings.
Overdose
Overdosing on Benadryl can be dangerous.
There are a variety of potentially life-threatening symptoms that may result:
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Heart problems
In very severe cases, it is possible to go into a coma and die from a Benadryl overdose. Be sure to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you love has overdosed on Benadryl.
If you are unconscious, experiencing a seizure, or having difficulty breathing, call 112 or your national poison information centre.
Drug Interactions With Benadryl
Some medications and substances can interact with Benadryl. Alcohol is one of the most common interactions. The sedation effect of Benadryl can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption, resulting in dizziness, drowsiness, and sluggishness.
Some medications can interact with Benadryl, such as:
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Trazodone
- Lisinopril (Zestril)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Melatonin
- Tramadol (Ultram)
Benadryl should not be taken with any of these medications.
Be sure to contact your healthcare professional if you're not sure why your medication interacts with Benadryl.
Safer Medication Options for Anxiety
Your doctor can help you create a treatment plan if you suffer from anxiety, which typically combines medication and talk therapy.
Anxiety can be treated with the following medications:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Depression and anxiety are often treated with these medications. Some SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine), Celexa (citalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline).
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Sufferers of depression, anxiety, OCD, and other mood disorders might benefit from these drugs. This includes such medications as desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and levomilnacipran (Fetzima).
- Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are sedative drugs that treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia. A few examples are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium). Long-term use of benzodiazepines is generally not recommended due to their severe side effects and habit-forming potential.
- Antipsychotics: Neuroleptics are used to treat schizophrenia, psychosis, and anxiety. Asenapine (Saphris), cariprazine (Vraylar), and aripiprazole (Abilify) are antipsychotics. Asenapine (Saphris), cariprazine (Vraylar), and aripiprazole (Abilify) are antipsychotics.
In addition to psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) may be recommended by your provider. When you are experiencing anxiety symptoms, therapy can help you work through and manage them.
When to See a Doctor for Anxiety
Talk to your doctor if your anxiety is affecting your life.
You can get a diagnosis from them and recommendations for treatments that can help you manage your anxiety.
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