Benadryl can be a highly effective medication when used appropriately. But what happens if you misuse it? Can you overdose or become addicted? Can you have withdrawals from Benadryl?
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call us today or visit our admissions page to start your journey toward recovery.
What Is Benadryl?
Benadryl is the brand name of an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that contains diphenhydramine. It is typically used to alleviate symptoms associated with allergies or the common cold, such as:
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Sneezing
- Hives or rash
People also use Benadryl to treat itchiness from causes such as mosquito bites, minor burns, and poison oak. It may also ease nausea associated with motion sickness.
Side Effects
Almost every medication poses some risk of adverse effects, and Benadryl is no exception to this general rule.
The more common side effects that people may experience after using Benadryl include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Stomach ache
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Excitability or hyperactivity in children
Less common but more serious side effects include:
- Eye pain, blurred vision, and double vision
- Urinary retention or painful urination
- Heart palpitations
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Confusion
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction that is characterized by sudden drop in blood pressure, rapid but weak pulse, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Can You Become Addicted to Benadryl?
If you use Benadryl on a limited basis to treat the symptoms it is designed to address, your risk of becoming addicted is extremely low.
If, however, you repeatedly exceed the recommended dosage in search of a recreational high, or for ill-advised stunts such as a social media challenge, you can become dependent on it.
Warning signs of Benadryl addiction include:
- Taking larger doses or using the drug for longer than you intended
- Using Benadryl in circumstances that are especially hazardous, such as when also drinking alcohol or taking other substances
- Developing tolerance, which means you need to use larger amounts of Benadryl to achieve the effects that you could previously achieve via much smaller doses
- Having strong urges to use Benadryl
- Lying to friends and/or family members about the amount and frequency of your Benadryl use
- Continuing to use Benadryl even after incurring some type of physical, psychological, or social harm as a result of prior use
- Developing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using Benadryl, or when you’re prevented from doing so
Can You Have Withdrawals from Benadryl?
Can you actually have withdrawals from Benadryl? Yes, you most certainly can.
When you become addicted to a drug, your body will begin to adapt to its presence. If you then suddenly stop or significantly reduce your use, it can take your body some time to reestablish equilibrium. During this period, you may experience various distressing physical and psychological symptoms.
In the case of Benadryl withdrawal, common symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Intense headache
- Excessive perspiration
- Accelerated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Incontinence
- Muscle pain, soreness, or rigidity
- Tremors or shakiness
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
The cognitive and psychological impact of Benadryl withdrawals can include mood changes, confusion, agitation, and irritability.
Can You Overdose on Benadryl?
Discussions of overdose typically focus on illicit substances such as heroin and cocaine. But it is also possible to overdose on a variety of other drugs, including OTC medications such as Benadryl.
Benadryl overdose, which is also referred to as diphenhydramine toxicity, occurs when a person ingests more of the drug than their body can safely metabolize. This concern received widespread attention in 2020, when the “Benadryl Challenge” prompted many social media users to post videos of themselves drinking large amounts of the medication.
Several symptoms of Benadryl overdose are similar to some of the serious adverse effects listed previously, such as:
- Confusion
- Urinary retention
- Racing heart rate
- Blurred or otherwise impaired vision
Other signs that someone has overdosed on Benadryl include:
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Respiratory distress
- Abnormal heart rate
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Coma
An analysis of data from 2011-2016 found that diphenhydramine overdose accounted for 3.2% of all drug overdose deaths in the United States during that time period. The majority of those who died from diphenhydramine overdose were children ages 6 and younger.
Anyone who overdoses on Benadryl needs immediate medical attention. If you are with someone who exhibits the symptoms listed above after using Benadryl, call 911 and remain with them until help arrives.
What Happens If You Can’t Stop Using Benadryl?
If you can’t stop using Benadryl due to cravings, the discomfort of withdrawal, or any other reason, a good first step is to consult with your doctor or schedule a free assessment at a reputable addiction treatment center in your area.
Untreated addiction can expose you to continued physical and psychological harm. It can also undermine your ability to find and keep a job, establish financial independence, and be fully present in your relationships.
But when you get the right type of treatment, you can avoid these outcomes. With a concerted effort on your part and the help of dedicated professionals, you can regain control of your thoughts and behaviors and build a foundation for successful, long-term recovery.
Find Benadryl Addiction Treatment Near Atlanta
Retreat of Atlanta is a trusted provider of personalized residential treatment for adults who have become addicted to Benadryl and other substances. We also offer onsite medical detox as well as dual diagnosis programming for patients who have co-occurring mental health concerns.
When you choose our addiction treatment center near Atlanta, GA, you will have the opportunity to receive customized care and comprehensive support from a team of highly skilled professionals. Working in active collaboration with our compassionate experts, you can take significant steps on the path toward a healthier and more hopeful future in recovery.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.