1. < Neuropathy

Benedryl effect?

Posted by bryce49 @bryce49, Feb 17, 2023

Yesterday morning I could barely stand putting on shoes. Last night I took two benedryl (diphenhydramine) to help fall asleep. This morning my feet, while somewhat sensitive, are not painful at all. I have experienced this effect before, but had been warned of the danger of benedryl as a possible cause of dementia. I'm a 70 year old so I took that warning seriously. Has anyone else in this group noticed such a calming effect from benedryl or is this just an anomaly? I will take the benedryl again tonight to see.

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vinran | @vinran | Mar 7, 2023
In reply to @cher27 "I take it every night & my doctor supports this over prescription sleeping pills, pain pills..." + (show)
@cher27

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.

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I hear you and agree completely
Good luck
Vince

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26sabrina | @26sabrina | Mar 7, 2023
In reply to @jenatsky "One other thing I forgot to add. If you go to YouTube a free site and..." + (show)
@jenatsky

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.

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Everyone's experience with Benadryl is different. My doctor knows that I take Benadryl and says that's better than some other drugs. If people discuss with their doctor you can't say they are wrong.

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1 reply
dabbs | @dabbs | Mar 7, 2023

Sabrina, I don’t think anyone is saying you’re wrong. But for those that have issues sleeping ( God knows I do ) . I went from Benadryl for years, followed by Ambien for a year , back to Benadryl after my MD cut off the Ambien due to side effects that the FDA acknowledged. Now I’m on the melatonin to help. Benadryl will typically leave you foggy headed in the morning usually referred to the Benadryl hangover. Yes Benadryl will dehydrate you which isn’t good. Your physician should order a sleep study which will help diagnosis why. Insomnia is a major problem worldwide and is and has been extensively studied. But again no one is blaming you. Most of us are going down the same road…..David

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Mar 7, 2023
In reply to @26sabrina "Everyone's experience with Benadryl is different. My doctor knows that I take Benadryl and says that's..." + (show)
@26sabrina

Everyone's experience with Benadryl is different. My doctor knows that I take Benadryl and says that's better than some other drugs. If people discuss with their doctor you can't say they are wrong.

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I’m not a physician but if you Google Benadryl for sleep you’ll find many articles on the topic. It’s your health and your decision I agree. It’s just not beneficial and there are better prescription meds better suited for this purpose. Good luck and stay well.

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