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Will Taking Benadryl as a Sleep Aid Give Me Dementia?

If you are struggling with insomnia, you can see how an undesirable side effect of diphenhydramine can be turned into an actual solution. The pharmaceutical industry is already selling the molecule as an over-the-counter sleeping aid. Diphenhydramine can be found in a number of commercial products, like ZzzQuil and Benadryl. However, brand names can be deceiving. While the active ingredient of Benadryl in Canada is diphenhydramine, Benadryl sold in the United Kingdom is actually either cetirizine or acrivastine, both second-generation antihistamines that do not cause as much sleepiness as diphenhydramine. This is why looking for the active ingredient listing at the pharmacy is much more important…

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Articles of Interest

Benadryl for Sleep: What to Know About This Antihistamine’s Sleepy Side Effects

Benadryl causes drowsiness in most people. But it can actually cause the opposite effect in kids. It can make them hyperactive or agitated. This is one of the reasons why Benadryl should be avoided as a sleep aid in kids younger than 12. On the other end of the age spectrum, the American Geriatrics Society recommends avoiding Benadryl in adults age 65 and older. Side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion can be especially problematic for older adults, as they can raise the risk of falls.

How Bad Is It to Take an Antihistamine to Sleep Every Night?

The researchers determined that the evidence behind DPH-based drugs leading to better sleep were “clinically insignificant,” suggesting that people shouldn’t try to use these medications to fall asleep more quickly or stay asleep longer. But, OK, how bad is it in a pinch? DPH is generally very safe and carries a low risk of serious side effects, so it’s not that big a deal if you turn to it to help you drift off every now and then, Dr. Rapoport says. But there are a couple things doctors want you to be aware of first. “The big problem with this kind of medication is that it lasts a fairly long time in your system,” Dr. Pelayo says. The lingering effect of a standard adult dose (25 to 50 milligrams, i.e., one to two pills or liquid doses) will likely not be incredibly strong, Dr. Rapoport says, but it may be enough to make you feel sleepy or foggy-headed the next morning. Other side effects are mild and can include dry mouth, nose, and throat; dizziness, constipation; headache; and nausea, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Is Taking Benadryl for Insomnia Safe?

First-generation H1 antihistamines like Benadryl work differently than second-generation H1 antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine) in that they can readily pass through the blood-brain barrier surrounding the brain and trigger rapid sedation (sleepiness). This side effect has made Benadryl the preferred choice when allergy symptoms like rash and sneezing keep you up at night.6 It has also made Benadryl a popular non-prescription sleep aid for nights when insomnia makes it difficult to sleep.

The Trouble With Sleep Aids

The over-the-counter antihistamines I used to take, which contain diphenhydramine, “were never really systematically studied for their effects on sleep,” Dr. Krystal said. They’re recognized for their allergy benefits but are often used as a sleep aid because they cause drowsiness, he added. The few studies that have been done on diphenhydramine suggest that it doesn’t help much at all...

This Common Allergy and Sleep Aid May Be Quietly Raising Your Dementia Risk

If you’ve ever reached for a quick fix for allergies, a cold, or a sleepless night, chances are you’ve taken diphenhydramine. It’s the active ingredient in well-known over-the-counter meds like Benadryl, Tylenol PM, and many generic nighttime formulas. But National Geographic reported that scientists say prolonged use could come with serious cognitive consequences. Diphenhydramine is one of the most widely used first-generation antihistamines. It’s been FDA-approved since 1946 and remains a go-to remedy for everything from seasonal allergies to insomnia. But newer research warns that long-term, daily use may increase your risk for developing dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions.

Trouble sleeping? Experts say skip antihistamines

For people who take an antihistamine such as Benadryl for a cold or allergies, drowsiness is often a welcome side effect. But a Baylor College of Medicine sleep expert cautions against turning to this type of medication as a sleep aid.