Can you get addicted to Benadryl?
Sometimes. If you are taking Benadryl as prescribed, your chances of becoming addicted to the active ingredients found in the antihistamine are relatively low. But if you are taking Benadryl for euphoric effect, risk of Benadryl addiction increases. We review here.
Benadryl chemistry and use
Benadryl is an antihistamine used for the temporary relief of allergy symptoms, motion sickness and in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. However, the active ingredient in Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can also affect the central nervous system and has been used medically as a sleep aid and a cough suppressant. Non-medically, people may seek the significant sedative side effects of the drug and abuse Benadryl for euphoric effect. In other words, many over the counter and Rx drugs do not have euphoric effect. For example, getting high on ibuprofen and taking trazodone to get high is impossible. But Benadryl is different. Some people can feel high on Benadryl.
What does Benadryl do in the body?
Diphenhydramine is a H1 receptor antagonist, which works by blocking the effect of histamine in the body and results in relief from allergy symptoms. However, the chemical reactions that diphenhydramine trigger in the body may also other effects, including significant sedative side effects on the central nervous system. The effects of Benadryl are dose dependent and peak plasma concentrations of diphenhydramine occur 2-3 hours after ingestion. The effects of Benadryl usually last 4-6 hours. Benadryl central nervous system effects include:
- abnormal sensations (“pins and needles”)
- blurred vision
- confusion
- convulsions
- disturbed coordination
- dizziness
- euphoria
- excitation
- fatigue
- inflammation of a peripheral nerve or nerves
- insomnia
- irritability
- nervousness
- restlessness
- sedation
- sleepiness
- tinnitus
- tremor
- vertigo
Mixing Benadryl with other substances
Benadryl is known to have adverse reactions when mixed with other medications or substances. Effects of diphenhydramine are increased by the presence of MAOI’s, diazepam, hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and other central nervous system depressants. Like other drugs, mixing diphenhydramine with alcohol can be dangerous and should be avoided (can you mix Adderall and alcohol?). If you take Benadryl and drink alcohol, the sleepy, drowsy, or lightheaded sensations of alcohol may be amplified…but you are at increased risk for overdose on Benadryl and can cause serious harm to yourself and others.
How do you get addicted to Benadryl?
It is rare that people who take Benadryl as prescribed report dependence or withdrawal effects within recommended doses (25-50 mg diphenhydramine every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours.). But you should know if you take Benadryl repeatedly, or at higher than recommended doses. over time you can develop a physical tolerance to diphenhydramine. In other words, you will need to take more Benadryl to achieve the same effects. But physical dependence is not the same as addiction.
If you are taking Benadryl for the central nervous system effects of sedation or euphoria, you may also develop psychological dependence on diphenhydramine. Psychological dependence on drugs is a mental obsession with your drug of choice, and craving the drug even though taking it does you harm. So, Benadryl addiction occurs when your body both develops tolerance for diphenhydramine, you go through withdrawal when you stop taking it, AND you crave Benadryl despite negative consequences drug use has brought in your life.
Questions about Benadryl dependency
If you think that you may have a problem with Benadryl, you probably do. Please leave your question about Benadryl use or possible dependency below. We’ll be happy to help or to refer you to a local organization who can.
8:37 pm
December 1st, 2011
i have a problem…
6:54 pm
December 3rd, 2011
Hi Tina. Thanks for getting in touch. Are you ready to stop taking Benadryl? Do you trust your family doctor enough to tell on yourself?
11:58 am
January 3rd, 2012
I have a problem .I take 100 to 150mg every night. been taking it for 3 years now. Can’t sleep without it.
4:07 am
January 4th, 2012
Hi Samantha. Thanks for letting us know. It must be scary to think that you cannot sleep without Benadryl. Do you want to stop taking it to get to sleep?
5:23 pm
January 4th, 2012
Yes I want to stop my heart starts beating really fast now about 30 min after taking the medicine
11:21 am
January 5th, 2012
I think I was unknowingly developing a serious problem but have now flushed the benadryl and won’t be touching it again, thanks for the very informative article
2:00 am
January 7th, 2012
Hi Samantha. My suggestion to you would be to consult a doctor. You first need to evaluate your dependency levels, and then come up with a plan for possible withdrawal. You should be able to do this with the help of a general physician or family doctor…but if needed, you can always consult a local detox office.
Does this help?
1:19 pm
February 23rd, 2012
I wanted to know more about dependency. I take it at last twice a day at about 500 Mg at a time. Does it cause health problems? I was wondering if stopping causes irritability.
2:37 pm
February 23rd, 2012
Hi Bretney. Thanks for your question. From what I have read, some tolerance may develop to the sedative effects of diphenhydramine with repeated oral dosing. That means that after time, you would have to take more Benadryl to achieve similar effect as when you first started. But withdrawal protocol from Benadryl is tricky to find.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, no withdrawal effects within recommended doses have been reported. However, one recorded case study of diphenhydramine withdrawal occurred when doctors lowered doses from 1600 to 600 mg/d suddenly and then tapered diphenhydramine over 9 days. Records do state mildly irritability and increased defecation as side effects during diphenhydramine withdrawal.
You can find more information here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1451752/pdf/cmaj00214-0060.pdf
Does this help?
6:11 pm
July 23rd, 2012
I’ve been taking Diphenhydramine every night for 7 years. Now I am up to 250mg a night I stopped about 48 hours ago and I’m just wondering how long these withdrawal symptoms last. Been dealing with nausea, dizziness, headache, irratibilty, upset stomach, insomnia. Thanks
12:29 pm
July 24th, 2012
The time period it takes for drug withdrawal to occur and for symptoms to resolve is as unique as the individual withdrawing from the drug. Antihistamines taken as sleeping aids because of their sedating properties can provoke withdrawal symptoms for up to a week after you stop dosing. However, your experience will be unique and differ according to your age, body mass, general health, etc. I’d suggest that you seek medical help and counsel for advice on diphenhydramine withdrawal, including possible medical interventions to help ease the symptoms that you report.
10:06 pm
August 7th, 2012
I have been using diphenhydramine(HCL) to help me sleep for the last three years, i have taken up to 400mg a day. I stopped taking them three days ago and i have been experiencing nausesa, irritability, headaches and an upset stomach. I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience as me and how long did it take for the withdrawal symptoms to go away?
6:11 pm
August 8th, 2012
Hi Cierra. I hope that this article can help you:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1451752/
Please let me know if there’s anything else we can do to support you in your decision to stop using diphenhydramine to get to sleep.
10:45 am
August 26th, 2012
Im addicted have been for 5 years I take around 15 a day sometime more depending on the day I have a immune disorder and celiac disease im scared my addition or need will kill me someday. And my doctors know I take it and how much everyone knows they dont seem to concerned my mom is of coarse but any medical doctor I have told says it is ok
3:58 pm
August 28th, 2012
Hi Alicia. I’d suggest that you seek help from a doctor or addiction specialist who knows about the addictive properties of diphenhydramine. Keep calling people to ask for help or go straight to an addiction treatment center and as their intake people if they can treat diphenhydramine addiction. Better to know up front what kind of services a medical establishment can provide you with than to be disappointed later.
4:23 am
September 2nd, 2012
When I was just out of high school I.started taking sleeping pills then turned into benedryle. I am 35 and still take massive doses(40-50 pills a DAY) I’m high right now but know I have a problem. I feel hopeless all the time and its ruining my life. What can I do?
7:27 pm
September 2nd, 2012
Hi Jake. The first thing that you do is to admit that you need help. And then, you seek council with a medical doctor, trusted friend or addiction professional such as a psychologist, counselor or psychiatrist. You CAN get better…but the path to getting better requires an honest look at the reasons why you use drugs to feel OK in your own skin.
Does that help?
2:53 pm
September 3rd, 2012
I have been to a treatment facility but when I told them my drug of choice was benedryl they didn’t take me seriously. Kind of laughed in my face and discharged me the same week. Where do you go after you go to the people that are supposed to help you and won’t?
8:11 pm
September 3rd, 2012
Hi Jake. I find it disappointing and disturbing that a professional addiction treatment center does not recognize the real danger of addiction to diphenhydramine. I can only say that there are many charlatan treatment centers who disguise themselves as medical centers but are in reality just there for insurance money. I’d suggest that you seek a recognized expert facility or even a private addiction counselor who understands drug addiction and its manifestations. Sound them out by making a phone call to screen out unprofessional centers and ask if they specifically CAN treat diphenhydramine addiction, or not.
5:01 pm
September 5th, 2012
Can it kill me? Or do something to my body?
6:34 pm
September 5th, 2012
Hi Alicia. The short term side effects of diphenhydramine include agitation, dry mouth, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, disturbed coordination, irritability, pins & needles, blurred vision, and depression. Most notably, this drug may cause drowsiness and has an additive effect with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants…making you even more drowsy if you take other depressant medications.
Diphenhydramine can cause serious symptoms if you overdose on it such as tremors, sinus tachycardia, fever, hallucination, convulsions or seizures, low blood pressure, deep coma, cardiorespiratory collapse, and death.
Do you know who to ask for help? Have you tried calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357)?
7:16 pm
September 5th, 2012
Hey everyone.. I can tell you from first hand experience in most cases you can know more about a particular drug than your doctor. Not to make excuses for them but think of all the medications out there that a general doctor has to keep up with. I had some major side effects when I quit taking gereric paxil. My doctor was clueless but then I started doing research on my own and all of my symptom other people had experienced when they quit taking the prescription drug. Naturally, everyones symptoms vary. Just do your homework before taking or getting off a prescription drug. If your doctor prescribes something, ask him/her the side effects then get online yourself and see what people are saying who have actually taken the drug. My prayers and thoughts are with everyone because I know YOU CAN get YOUR life back!!!!
8:21 pm
September 5th, 2012
Im not gonna overdose my body is getting immune to it therefore I have to take more do alot of people get addicted to Benadryl?
11:03 am
September 6th, 2012
Hi Alicia. No, I do not think that Benadryl addiction is very common. That does not mean that it does not occur. However, I do think that Jeff is right. Keep looking for a doctor who understands drug addiction, and is open to looking at research and who can help you. For more information, search for these keywords in your internet browser:
site:.gov diphenhydramine dependence
site:.gov diphenhydramine addiction
9:06 am
September 7th, 2012
Hey ive been takin diphenhydramine since i waaas 9 yrs old im 23 now im up to 800 to 1000 mg a day i jus got out of treatmen gt for 7yrs methadone and benzo i know i got a prob with diphen to but i cant sleep at all no more do u have any advice
12:24 pm
September 8th, 2012
Hi Chris. Yes! My suggestion is to talk with a sleep specialist. There are many lifestyle adjustments to make in order to get a good night’s sleep. But if you are in early recovery, turning to other meds might NOT be the right approach. See a doctor and ask for a referral to a sleep specialist.
4:37 am
September 9th, 2012
Benedryl and alcohol is very addictive together. My experience with it is, it gives me a rollercoaster. I might be ready to go to sleep but when i try, my body wants to move so i have to get up therefore i drink more. This is was very fun in college but now that i have kids i hate the way i feel but i still do it. I have been doing both together for about 15 years. my life has passed in a daze. I hope that whoever is taking them together can get off. its not fun when you’re 35
10:17 pm
September 9th, 2012
A family member completed rehab for an oxycodone / heroin addiction. This person is now taking sleep products with diphenhydramine and drinking alcohol – possibly at the same time. I tend to think that this is a dangerous combination, but the family does not see it that way. This person seems overwhelmed, unhealthy, and stressed all the time. The physical surroundings of the home are in complete disarray – similar to when this person was an addict. I’m highly concerned. Some in the family think that the addict is “cured” and that it’s ok to drink and take sleep aids. Am I right to be worried? What do I do?
7:39 pm
September 11th, 2012
Hello saucy. Yes, drinking and taking diphenhydramine are risky behaviors for a drug addict. If you are concerned, I’d suggest that you address the person yourself, or speak privately with the person’s doctor. However, there is only so much influence you can have…and the situation will not change without the addict’s involvement and commitment to get better.
8:38 am
September 12th, 2012
Does diphenhydramine hurt your stomach lining for the past couple weeks when i take my diphen it kills my stomach and it never did before ive been on them close to 14 years
1:12 pm
September 12th, 2012
Hi Chris. Stomach pain can be present during acute diphenhydramine overdose or may be caused by other factors. FYI, gastrointestinal symptoms are less frequently observed with diphenhydramine than with
other H1 antagonists. I’d suggest that you contact a family doctor ASAP and look into possible other medical causes for your stomach discomfort.
6:12 pm
September 14th, 2012
I have been taking two benadryl to sleep for about 20 days, sometimes i had to take 3-4, most of the time 2. Can I still get off them or am i addicted?
1:15 pm
September 15th, 2012
Hi Toli. There is a difference between physical dependence and addiction. I think that you may be confusing the two. While it’s possible that you may be physically dependent on Benadryl, you can stop taking Benadryl, go through possible withdrawal symptoms and then recover. For a Benadryl addict, cravings for diphenhydramine will persist even after withdrawal.
And yes, you can stop taking Benadryl at any time. However, if you think that you’ve become dependent on Benadryl, seek a medical opinion first, taper your dosage, and stop taking Benadryl under medical supervision.
2:06 pm
September 16th, 2012
Hi Chris. To be honest: I do not know if long term diphenhydramine affects the stomach lining, or not. Not many longitudinal studies exist which look at the long term effects of diphenhydramine. I would suggest that you speak with your general physician or family doctor about these reported side effects…you may be due for a physical check up and full diagnostic analysis.
4:59 am
September 18th, 2012
Thanks for yr advice
1:35 am
October 9th, 2012
I’m very sad to read about this drug. A friend admits that she takes Benadryl every day and has done so for years. Reading the above has me worried.
8:38 am
October 10th, 2012
I’ve been breaking out in hives for 16 yrs, Doctor couldn’t do anything but prescribed me Predisone at the breakouts Benedryl couldnt stop..Started at normal dose 50mg at a time now Im at 100mg for it to work. Recently I was but on Antibotic therapy for a Bone infection and Predisone to jump start my Immune system….I was breaking out every treatment and at 3*a day thats 300mg…I found myself falling asleep sitting down and constantly fighting my eyes….Came to the point My Girlfriend has backed off of me and wants explanations or its over…..My QUESTION does anyone have a simular case and what are my options? Benedryl just messed up something amazing and I HAD NO clue Addiction could be a possibility. I haven’t taking any in 3daya n feel fine but I know when I start surfing again….I need a solution or is this all in my head??? Its a trip
9:24 am
October 10th, 2012
Hi Chris. What does your prescribing doctor say?
11:41 pm
October 10th, 2012
I am a hopeless diphenydramine addict. I began 4 years ago with 300mg to acheive euphoria. Now, 4 years later I am taking as many as 70 pills a day. I need help and don’t know where to find it.
6:59 pm
October 11th, 2012
Hi Emory. Good for you for reaching out for help. You can find help by calling the National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline: 800-662-HELP (4357) This 24 hour, 7 day a week hotline offers information, support, treatment options and referrals to local rehab centers for any drug or alcohol problem.
11:14 pm
October 11th, 2012
I just recently came to the realization that I am addicted to diphenhydramine. I had some very severe symptoms including waking up from some very vivid nightmares feeling like. I was going to die! The only way I can explain it is to compare it to motion sickness or vertigo. I woke up drenched in sweat with heart palpitations and anxiety. I have also been experiencing constant joint and muscle pain originating from my knees and radiating out into my leg which have gotten progressively worse over the last two years.I also have experienced a lot af nervousness, depression, restlessness and insomnia, just to name a few less severe symptoms.
I realized after doing some research last night what has been causing it. Benadry. Is it just me or shouldn’t our government be protecting us from stuff like this.This crap should at absolute minimum have some serious warning labels on the box. I have been taking this garbage for almost three years now at about 50 to 75 mg a night before. Go to bed. Its ruining my life and I’m very angry about it. Not to mention scared! Should I just quit cold turkey or wein myself off?
2:53 pm
October 12th, 2012
Hi Cory. I’d suggest that you get an appointment with your family doctor ASAP for a consultation on tapering Benadryl dosage, as well as asking for more information and local resources/alternatives to treat the symptoms that you mention. It’s time for a check-up and visiting your doctor is the first step in getting help! BTW – any drug withdrawal has potential side effects, so cold turkey withdrawal without medical supervision is definitely not the best way to go. All the best of luck to you!!!
6:29 am
October 28th, 2012
I’ve been taking two benadryls per night for the past six months to help me sleep. I don’t drink, smoke, or use any other drugs. Can I be addicted?
9:03 am
November 5th, 2012
Hi American. You body can be physically dependent on the main active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, without having a psychological addiction to the drug. If you want to end the physical dependency, I’d suggest that you consult with your family doctor to report the use and to seek alternatives (either lifestyle or pharmaceutical) for sleeping. For mild sleeping problems, I personally use melatonin. There are plenty of options out there!
2:35 pm
November 5th, 2012
Hey American. I am in no way a doctor but can tell you that do everything in your power to resolve your sleeping issues without medication. Try walking in the evenings. Eating earlier. Read a good book, (the Bible is awesome)… Get up earlier… Good luck!!!
12:45 am
December 13th, 2012
Hi yall I am trying to get my ol lady of this crap ..We have both have our drug ues out back in the day and hardcor drugs ..Not just pot ..but I thought we were both over all that crap ..Boy was I wrong …Last week my ol lady ran out of this crap and she was with out for two days ..Man she started acting angry for no reson and it only got wores as the night went on.In the moring she went to the store and got some when she got home about half hour later she was cool and relaxed ..She was acting hi of this crap..Can you help me??
10:38 pm
December 17th, 2012
My daughters dad has been giving her large amounts of benedryl to get her to sleep the entire time she is with him. She is 16 months old and spends 48 hours every other week with him. Is it possible for her to become addicted to benedryl in this short amount of time? She comes home and she’s very irritable and just cries unconsolable for 3-4 days then she starts recovering. She also has severe dry mouth as she drinks 5x as much as usual and won’t eat. What are the withdrawl symptoms of benedryl in young children? What are the long term harms that this will cause to her?
8:32 am
December 18th, 2012
Hi Lee. Contact a social worker immediately! Your child’s father SHOULD NOT be using Benadryl to put a child to sleep. This is borderline drug abuse and if it happens any more, you should not leave your daughter with him.
9:35 am
January 2nd, 2013
I started taking benadryl about 3 years ago. I’m afraid it’s out if control now I started at 50mg and now I’m taking 6 pills several times a day. It’s affecting my memory, my behavior, everything. I started taking benadryl to help me sleep, but then i noticed it was helping control my mood swings, i have bipolar disorder. it was also making me a lot less anxious and thats a huge problem I’ve always had. All I want to do is stay at home & space out from the benadryl. The winter doesn’t help because I am a shut in during cold weather. I really want to stop but im afraid that doing so would make me revert back to my old ways and I don’t want that. I tried to quit a yea ago or so, the farthest I got was 2 weeks. It’s frustrating. I knew my use was a problem before but now it’s starting to scare me. I’m easily confused about normal tasks & driving is beginning to be a problem. I don’t use them while I drive but the morning after, driving seems to be a bit tough. I notice I’m clumsier & when someone speaks to me, my reaction time is delayed, my body feels weird, not to mention the stomach pains I wake up to sometimes. I know one of my issues with it is that it makes me dehydrated & maybe my lack of keeping myself properly hydrated is making these side effects worse. I don’t know who to go to for help for this, but I’m desperate.
11:42 am
January 2nd, 2013
Hi Oliver. You can start with seeing your family doctor. The best thing to do when you’re ready to face psychological addiction to any substance is to move beyond denial and admit your problem to someone else. It’s a real relief! For free, anonymous help you can call the National Drug Abuse Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Good luck and let us know if this helps!
1:46 am
January 9th, 2013
I am addicted to IV Benadryl mostly, I have a port in and have been seretly pushing 50-100mg of Benadryl whenever I feel like I need it. I also take 3-4 pills before bed too. My friend has an addictions church that meets on Wednesday nights but I would feel stupid going there when I don’t even have a true drug problem. I don’t do any drugs only Benadryl. How do I ask my friend about coming to his support group? My friend is the addictions pastor there. I don’t want to overdose on this stuff but I need that feeling it gives me.
3:21 pm
January 9th, 2013
Hi Sarah, I think that you definitely qualify for the support group! Needing a chemical to get through the day is totally the basis for addiction, so don’t feel silly. Reach out to your friend and ask for help!!! You don’t need to do this alone!
4:10 am
January 22nd, 2013
I am addicted to benadryl. I have been taking it to get high for at least 2 years, if not longer. What damage have I caused my body and what can i do to stop?
2:37 pm
January 23rd, 2013
Hi Lisa. I’d suggest that you go see your family doctor ASAP and ask for help. You may need to taper doses before totally eliminating Benadryl from your system and it will be helpful to have a medical opinion. Additionally, you can ask for referrals to mental health services in your area that treat chemical dependence and addiction. It’s possible that you can detox in a clinical setting, if necessary. And then, you should plan to follow up with psychological treatment for the underlying issues which compel you to use Benadryl. Let us know if you need additional support!
6:32 am
February 7th, 2013
I do think I have a problem. I take about 4-5 pills of 25 mg. I love the sedating feeling it gives me. It makes me sleep so great!
5:27 pm
February 13th, 2013
Can Benedryl cause pain in the legs where you can’t walk for a few days?
2:41 pm
February 22nd, 2013
I have been taking Benadryl off and on for many years. At worst i can take 40 a night of the standard 25 mg. Cosco sells a bottle of 600 for a little under $6.00 (yes 6 dollars). When I try to stop and have on numerous occasions i feel like I’ve got a flu or just bad in general. The symptoms kick in after 36 hours without my 30 pills a night. I can get the symptoms down by taking 6 pills, but that starts the cycle and before I know it I’ve taken 25 more. I have done this since I stopped drinking 20 years ago.
It affects my ability to focus or discern my tasks as a software developer. I did kick it(again) 4months ago. That time was bad and I actually experiences swelling plus elevated blood pressure. This may not be related but it certianly felt like it.
1:50 am
February 24th, 2013
I am scared to death! I think my uncle is SEVERELY addicted to benedryl. He goes through at least 100 in a day. he is falling down most of the time, loosing weight, bright green diarrhea, and has become very anti social. his kids call him and he just ignores the calls. When you try to talk to him, he gets very agitated, incoherent, and is exhausted all the time. I don’t know what to do. Most of the time, his kids, family, friends call me, because I am the one who lives closest to him. It’s getting hard to balance my life and his. what do I do? How can I help him he seems like he doesn’t care anymore……
2:33 pm
February 24th, 2013
Hello Concerned. 100 bottles of Benadryl a day is a serious cry for help! I’d suggest that you get in touch with your state attorney general’s office and see if there is a law that can require him to seek treatment. In Florida, it’s called the “Baker Act”. Additionally, call the social services office in your county and learn more about what you can do.
12:06 am
February 25th, 2013
Can Benadryl make you gain weight? I use it during allergy season, and its one of the only drugs to help me, especially with asthma. But I feel like I gain weight during that time. Is this possible side effect? I know thats not your specialsty, but I thought maybe you had heard something.
PS, I don’t really need much of it. I take one or at most two 25 mg pills a day. Sometimes even just half of a pill. Just put my mind at ease that its not realistic to assume that could cause weight gain. Wow. You people realize that Benadryl is one of the older drugs in the world, right? Its not often that it leads to addiction. I suppose any sedative can. But no reason that the rest of us should die from an allergy attack( yes, die) so that a few people who somehow developed an addiction would not have it around.
1:59 pm
February 25th, 2013
Hello Kisara and Maria. I’d suggest that you both ask these questions of your local pharmacist via phone or walk in consultation. Pharmacists are trained to understand and explain possible effects of drugs.
8:48 am
March 27th, 2013
I have been on them 10 years now. At first I only took 2 a day for allergies. But now it’s bad real bad. This past week alone I have taken 800 pills. For all the people ^^ thats saying there is not many people addicted to Ben sorry but have you been reading the same posts above that I have been reading. I know I am addicted I just don’t know how to stop. I don’t have money for a Doc or insurence. I am scared that this will kill me. I can buy a bottle of 250 pills for 3.00$. It took me 2 days to finish that bottle. I have been geeting worse and worse side effects. I stay sleepy I am having breathing issues like I cant catch a breath, my vision stays blurry for longer periods of time, I have started getting irregular heart beats, I cant focus, I am quick to snap and quick to cry. I never want to leave my house to do anything but get more pills.My mouth is always dry. The last few days my breathing and heart scare me so bad. I know I have a problem. Lastnight my heart started acting up and I swore to myself I wouldn’t take anymore. Bout an hour later it starting beating ok again so I took more. I take about 20 or more at a time. I started to shake somewhat and the heart and breathing started again this time before I could stop myself I flushed the rest down the toilet. I have now been 24 hours since I have taken any I cut up my debit card and told my husband to keep my car keys. He got sent out of town for work about 8 hours ago. I am not this person and hate who I have become. I have kept this to myself for a long long time. I know I have an addictive personality. I have done other drugs in the past and always thought I was strong when I quit those on my own. But all I have done is trade 1 drug for another. I dont have money for to go talk to someone and I do really have sever allergies. I am lost and see no light I don’t want to die from this. It’s just a cycle that will keep repeating over and over. HELP ME PLEASE
2:44 pm
March 28th, 2013
Hi Scared. Call 1-800-662-HELP for the national drug abuse hotline. You are not alone!
6:25 am
March 31st, 2013
I take 2 benadryl every night cuz I have serious problems with my allergies cuz I have 4 cats and I’m allergic to them and I stopped taking them last week cuz my breathing was fine and I’ve had serve nausea and dizziness all week and I’ve had trouble sleeping as well, is it possible that my body got addicted to it without me realizing it
6:29 am
March 31st, 2013
Hi Nicole. It sounds like you’re describing physical dependence (which is not addiction). Speak with a specialist in allergies or a pharmacist to talk about alternative medications to deal with the cat allergies. There may be a long term treatment option out there for you.
10:41 pm
April 1st, 2013
hi there,
i have been taking otc diphenhydramine for 7 years now…it started off innocent but i became obsessed with sleep and realised i can enjoy being high off these also. all my relationships have failed with my drug use being the common denominator…rehab is extremely expensive so not accessible. i have had what i think is a seizure twice now. my chest hurts i cannot walk, i can only crawl, my heart pounds loudly and my head tightens….i am on anxiety meds for social anxiety disorder so my symptoms should be calmed down.
i have taken two 20 packs a day at my worst…i weaned this down to about 10 but sometimes a take 40. stopped being able to take 20 at once because i wanted to end it all and this scared me. i am at my wits end with this but the only good thing is i can now take the meds between time (eg…2 tablets at 2pm then another 2 at 3pm) i want to get well but i end up taking other pills to get a buzz
please help me x
7:21 am
April 4th, 2013
Hi Jen. Your honesty about taking Benadryl for effect shows a consciousness of the level of addiction you’re in. If you’re ready for help, I’d suggest that you look for a treatment center/rehab and check in for 28 days minimum. We addicts can think of all of the reasons WHY NOT to do this, but it can be life changing if you’re ready for the change!
4:23 am
April 10th, 2013
Hey I take up to 3 to 4 pill at night to go to sleep that’s like 200mg, I need it too sleep can’t go to sleep without it, it helps a lot, but my family gets worry. Should I stop..
5:52 am
April 10th, 2013
Hello Lynn. I’d suggest that you check in with a physician. Taking Benadryl to get sleep can be habit forming, and there may be other lifestyle changes or interventions that can help you get to sleep. But yes, it is probably a problem and you DO want to stop while you can.
7:26 pm
April 10th, 2013
I’m just overwhelmed with this knowledge that Benadryl CAN be addicting. I was able to get IV diphenhydramine for awhile and used it very rarely to sleep. I started noticing the “high” feeling I got when I first injected it-flushed feeling in face, rapid heartbeat, lightheaded and euphoric. I now only take 75mg of it 2X daily and I like the relaxed feeling I have about an hour after taking it. I am a firm believer that you can become “dependent” on any drug-OTC or RX. Is there any certain kind of addiction specialist that may be able to treat and diagnose antihistamine addiction? I see a psychiatrist for anxiety/panic disorder already but most doctors don’t believe you can actually get hooked on OTC sleep aids and/or allergy medication. Thanks in advance for all of the help you have given these people having the courage to say they know this is a problem and need to seek out further assistance!
5:09 am
April 11th, 2013
Hi Cheyenne. Check out the American Psychologist Association’s “Therapist Finder” online search tool. Psychologists may be much better trained in identifying addiction than medical doctors and can refer you to local medical experts and resources, if necessary. Good luck!
5:06 am
April 25th, 2013
I took benadryl a couple months ago to help with my allergies it was really bothering me so i took 6 to make sure it helped it did the job and more i liked never really taken it before i go any further around that time i had just quit smoking pot and abusing benzos and ever since then i have taken it everyday i first just started 5 a day then went up 2 every other day until i got to taking 15 a night but after a couple of days of that i started getting irritable so i took 4 in the morning and felt good and way less irritable so for about 2 months i take 5-6 everyday 2-3 times a day when the effects of the 5 i took earlier are gone i know i shouldn’t but i like way to much to stop and i can get it cheap at Sams Club QTY:400 for 5$ any advise ?
1:56 pm
May 15th, 2013
Why has nobody mentioned the worst part of the entire addiction. Is it me or does everyone have intense hallucinations, i feel like ive self induced schizo with a drug that is over the counters. Every day i take it, it usually happens after i take about 12 or 14. If i avoid the sleep… the spiders come out… i think oh thats not so bad. they’re crawling up the walls, then on my arms… Then i start hearing my name being called. i decide to drop more and go further down the rabbit hole. thats where i am pretty sure i am dreaming while i’m awake. people come and talk to me. friends pop in for a visit… all of this happens while im laying in my bed feeling deathly ill. I think you should add Hallucinations to the side effects list… no kidding i have ended up waking up outside of my house in the grass when i reach the 40 point. what is that 25X40 1000… it only takes about 12 to start hallucinating. Make people aware that you’re body is the first thing to go… or rather your mind.