Benedryl effect?

I did take one Benadryl last night and I don't notice a difference. Tonight I will try two Benadryl.

I find it hard to believe at 70-plus years of age, if a person gets a good sleep
with a benedryl at night, it’s worth the trade-off of any chance of dementia at this stage of
life. Nothing replaces a good night of sleep!
I personally tried a benedryl because of my knee replacement, I had trouble sleeping with the knee aching during the night . It worked great for the first two nights and I’m sure it would have continued but I couldn’t tolerate feeling the effects of being so groggy the day after awakening.
Personally, if it helps, and I’m 75, go for it and get that great sleep.
Vince

Well, I took 2 Benadryl last night and except for the fact that my bladder kept interrupting my sleep, in between I awoke this morning feeling refreshed. Right now my feet feel pretty good, no pain or tingling just a faint sensation of numbness. It will be interesting to see how long it lasts. I will let you know.

Wonderful to hear, @26sabrina. So glad your feet are feeling pretty good this AM, no matter the reason. But also glad to have more data re the Benadryl effect. Many thanks to you !

Benadryl it is. Just take it. I think it's better than Ativan or Ambien. Find a workable dose. Somethig else will kill you before the Benadryl does!!

Hi everyone. I am letting you know that I have been taking Benadryl 50 mg at night and for one, sleeping pretty well and secondly have noticed that I have no pain in my feet until about 3 or 4 PM. Then I begin to feel some slight burning beginning. So I am wondering now, is it the good sleeping or the antihistamine. I am going to search for another antihistamine that will not make me sleepy to take midday to see if I get any relief.

Just my own experience but I used Benadryl nightly for sleep and usually woke up with a Benadryl hangover. Yes Benadryl releases antihistamines but taken nightly will dehydrate you in the long run. I’ve since been taking Melatonin 10 mg for just the sleep…..David

NO! NO! NO! Diphenhydramine aka Benadryl should not be used as an aid for sleep as a long term solution. Although drugs are a safe and simple aid for temporary relief, but they are not a replacement for healthy sleep habits and should be a last resort. For those with chronic sleep issues have you ever been evaluated with a sleep study? There is a whole field of medicine dedicated to sleep problems.
Long term use of diphenhydramine can cause dependency and since it’s an antihistamine it will keep drying you out nightly even more so in cold weather. And many people who use it too often have trouble waking up and often experience drowsy mornings.

One other thing I forgot to add. If you go to YouTube a free site and do a search for Benadryl and Sleep you’ll find a host of videos from medical professionals who will set you straight. There is even a video from Canada too where they are hoping that Canada Health will put Benadryl behind the pharmacy counter due to its abuse potential.

I take it every night & my doctor supports this over prescription sleeping pills, pain pills or anti depressants. When I don't sleep, the neuropathy pain gets worse, my stress level goes up & starts a cycle that can last for days. She feels getting 2-3 hours of fitful sleep will negatively impact my health & quality of life more than the benadryl. All drugs have side effects. It's a trade off I'm willing to take over unbearable pain & exhaustion. I still have pain during the day, but it is manageable when I sleep. Sleep heals.