How many diphenhydramine can i take to sleep

It's used for: short-term sleep problems insomnia , including when a cough , cold or itching is keeping you awake at night cough and cold symptoms hay fever eczema , hives urticaria and insect bites and stings You can buy diphenhydramine from pharmacies and it is also available on prescription. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? To help you sleep, you'll usually take diphenhydramine 20 minutes before you go to bed.

It normally takes about 30 minutes to work. Common side effects include feeling sleepy, dizzy or unsteady on your feet. You may also have difficulty concentrating and have a dry mouth.

You can become dependent on diphenhydramine if you take it continuously for a period of time. It may also stop working as well. Speak to your doctor if you need to take it for more than 2 weeks. Do not drink alcohol while taking diphenhydramine. Alcohol increases the risk of side effects. Giving diphenhydramine to children For cough and cold symptoms, you can give diphenhydramine tablets and liquid to children over the age of 6. You can also use diphenhydramine cream on children for: insect bites and stings eczema.

Important: Warning for children Do not give your child diphenhydramine to help them get to sleep. Who may not be able to take diphenhydramine Diphenhydramine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine or any other medicine have lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , or an illness that creates a lot of phlegm have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma have a blockage in your stomach or gut have kidney or liver problems have problems peeing or emptying your bladder have epilepsy or any other health problem that causes fits seizures are due to have an allergy test — diphenhydramine can affect your results, so you may need to stop taking it a few days before your test — ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice are unable to have any alcohol — some liquid diphenhydramine products contain a small amount of alcohol, so check the ingredients and the packaging carefully.

Dosage If you're aged over 65, start with the lower dose, as you may be more likely to get side effects. Dosage for short-term insomnia Diphenhydramine comes as 25mg and 50mg tablets. Dosage for cough and cold symptoms Diphenhydramine comes mixed with other medicines to treat the symptoms of coughs and colds. Dosage for hay fever and allergies Diphenhydramine comes as 25mg and 50mg tablets. Dosage for insect bites, stings and eczema Diphenhydramine comes as a cream which you use once or twice a day.

How to take or use it You can take diphenhydramine tablets and liquid with or without food. How to take diphenhydramine tablets Always take your diphenhydramine tablets with a drink of water. How to take diphenhydramine liquid Liquid medicines containing diphenhydramine come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure the right dose. How to use diphenhydramine cream With the cream, put a small amount onto the affected area and smooth it in gently.

What if I forget to take or use it? What if I take or use too much? Too much diphenhydramine can be dangerous. If you've taken more than the usual dose you may: feel very sleepy feel sick nauseous get blurry eyesight feel your heart beating very fast In serious cases you can become unconscious and may need emergency treatment in hospital. Urgent advice: Contact for advice if:.

Common side effects Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: feeling sleepy, or drowsy, during the daytime dry mouth feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet, or having difficulty concentrating Diphenhydramine cream can sometimes make your rash worse.

Serious side effects. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. Immediate action required: Call if:. Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to diphenhydramine. Other side effects These are not all the side effects of diphenhydramine. Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: feeling sleepy, or drowsy, during the daytime — drowsiness usually wears off 8 hours after a dose. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you're feeling this way. If the feeling does not go away or is worrying you, do not take any more medicine and speak to a pharmacist or your doctor.

Diphenhydramine and pregnancy While diphenhydramine can be used during pregnancy, it is not normally recommended. Diphenhydramine and breastfeeding If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take diphenhydramine while you're breastfeeding, but it's better to take occasional doses or only take it for a short time.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you're taking: antidepressants, such as venlafaxine or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as phenelzine metoprolol , a heart medicine any medicine that makes you drowsy, gives you a dry mouth, or makes it difficult for you to pee — taking diphenhydramine might make these side effects worse If you're taking a cough or cold remedy or a painkiller containing diphenhydramine, check carefully what the other ingredients are.

Mixing diphenhydramine with herbal remedies and supplements There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside diphenhydramine, especially ones that cause side effects such as sleepiness, a dry mouth or making it difficult to pee.

Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. How does diphenhydramine work? How long does it take to work? The medicine should work for around 4 to 6 hours. How long can I take it for? Only take diphenhydramine for a short time.

Is diphenhydramine addictive? Can I take more than one antihistamine at a time? Important Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless you've been advised to by your doctor. What's the difference between diphenhydramine and other antihistamines? How is it different to other cough and cold remedies?

Can I take it with painkillers? Can I drive or ride a bike with it? Will it affect my fertility? Will it affect my contraception?

Can I drink alcohol with it? Do not drink alcohol while you're taking diphenhydramine. Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? You can eat normally while taking diphenhydramine. Does diphenhydramine make you put on weight? There's no evidence that diphenhydramine makes you put on weight. Can lifestyle changes help me sleep better? There are a number of things you can try to help yourself have a good night's sleep : set regular times for going to bed and waking up relax before bedtime — try taking a warm bath or listening to calming music use thick curtains or blinds, an eye mask and earplugs to stop you being woken up by light and noise avoid caffeine, cigarettes or vapes, alcohol, heavy meals and exercise for a few hours before bedtime do not watch TV or use phones, tablets or computers in bed, or before bedtime do not nap during the day make a list of your worries and any ideas for how to solve them before you go to bed — this can help you forget about them until the morning.

Can lifestyle changes help with hay fever and other allergies? Tips for when you're outside Do not cut grass or walk on grass. Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.

Put Vaseline petroleum jelly around your nostrils to help trap pollen. Shower and change your clothes after you've been outside to wash off pollen. Some antihistamines, including Benadryl, can worsen symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

If you have restless legs syndrome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options. If you have symptoms of depression while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms. They may also recommend different medication options. Weight gain can happen in some people who take diphenhydramine. If you have weight gain while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options.

Benadryl can cause constipation, especially when used regularly. If you have constipation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options instead of Benadryl. Because it can make you very sleepy, Benadryl can impair your ability to drive. Because of the risk of dangerous side effects in children, over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are only approved for use in children 6 years of age and older.

The Food and Drug Administration FDA recommends that cough and cold products not be used in children under 2 years of age due to the risk of dangerous side effects, including sudden infant death.

These products often contain diphenhydramine generic Benadryl or other antihistamines, combined with other ingredients. Before giving oral Benadryl to children under 6 years, or cough and cold products to children under 2 years, talk with your doctor. They can also recommend the most appropriate medication and dosage if treatment is needed. Over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are only approved for use in children ages 6 years and older. Benadryl products that are applied to the skin such as the cream, gel, or spray are only approved for use in children 2 years of age and older.

Before giving Benadryl to your baby, talk with your doctor. If they decide that treatment with Benadryl is needed, your doctor can also recommend the most appropriate dosage of the drug.

But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Over-the-counter Benadryl is available in many different forms. Some are oral taken by mouth , and others are topical applied to the skin.

Forms include:. Store brands that contain diphenhydramine, the same ingredient in Benadryl, are available in other forms. These forms include:. No Benadryl or diphenhydramine product is available as a topical lotion or as eye drops. Benadryl may be safe for short-term use during pregnancy in some situations. For treatment of severe allergic reactions during pregnancy, injected diphenhydramine is often considered the first-choice treatment.

Diphenhydramine is the ingredient contained in Benadryl. This is due to a risk of eye disease in the newborn. Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms to determine the safest treatment. Taking Benadryl occasionally during breastfeeding is likely safe. However, taking Benadryl regularly or in large doses may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.

It may also reduce your milk supply. Antihistamines that cause less sleepiness are usually preferred over oral Benadryl while breastfeeding. Benadryl is an antihistamine. There are several other antihistamines that can be used as alternatives.

The first-generation antihistamines usually cause more sleepiness and other side effects than the second-generation antihistamines. Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine. Examples of the other medications in these groups are listed below. You may wonder how Benadryl compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses.

Below are comparisons between Benadryl and several medications. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Claritin loratadine is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold such as sneezing and runny nose.

Benadryl products that are topical applied to the skin are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin caused by things such as hives and insect bites.

Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical products are typically used up to 4 times daily. Claritin tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and syrup are taken once daily. The orally disintegrating tablets are used either once daily or twice daily.

Benadryl and Claritin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects. Benadryl and Claritin are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin. Benadryl and Claritin are both brand-name, over-the-counter products. Claritin usually costs more than Benadryl. Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.

Zyrtec cetirizine is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Benadryl products that are topical applied to the skin are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.

Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to 4 times daily. Benadryl and Zyrtec have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Benadryl and Zyrtec are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin.

Zyrtec and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred. Benadryl and Zyrtec are both brand-name over-the-counter products. Zyrtec usually costs more than Benadryl. Allegra fexofenadine is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Allegra is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and itchy skin caused by hives, insect bites, and other causes. Benadryl and Allegra have some similar side effects, and some that differ.

Benadryl and Allegra are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies and for treating hives or itchy skin. Allegra and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred. Benadryl and Allegra are both brand-name, over-the-counter products. Allegra usually costs more than Benadryl. There are different forms of Unisom. Most of these also contain the ingredient diphenhydramine. However, one Unisom product contains a similar drug, doxylamine.

Unisom is approved for helping relieve occasional sleeplessness. Benadryl and most Unisom products contain the same ingredient, diphenhydramine. One form of Unisom contains a different ingredient, doxylamine. Doxylamine is very similar to diphenhydramine and causes very similar common and serious side effects. Benadryl and most forms of Unisom contain the same active ingredient, diphenhydramine. Both products can help with falling asleep in people with occasional sleeplessness.

This effect may decrease or wear off with continued use. Benadryl and Unisom are both brand-name over-the-counter products. These products usually cost about the same. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body. Benadryl and melatonin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Benadryl can help with falling asleep in people with occasional sleeplessness. However, this effect may decrease or wear off with continued use of the product.

In an analysis of clinical studies, melatonin slightly decreases the time it takes to fall asleep and increases total sleep time. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine , neither Benadryl nor melatonin are recommended to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia trouble sleeping.

Drinking alcohol with Benadryl can increase the effects of alcohol and cause excess sleepiness that can impair your abilities. For instance, you may have trouble driving.

Benadryl can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements. When using diphenhydramine, these may include:. As noted above, certain people should use diphenhydramine with caution, or not at all. It is an over-the-counter medication, so the risks are thought to be slightly lower compared to other prescription medications.

Harm to a developing fetus during pregnancy is possible but unlikely, and diphenhydramine is probably safe in lactation and breastfeeding , though caution is advised. Diphenhydramine has the potential to interact with some other drugs, especially those that affect the brain, so you may wish to review your medications with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using it.

If you experience any difficulties, you should be in close contact with your primary health provider. If you suffer from chronic insomnia that occurs at least three nights per week and lasts at least two weeks, consider the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia CBTI to resolve the condition instead.

You can use our Doctor Discussion Guide below to start a conversation with your healthcare provider about the most appropriate treatment approach. Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Tossing and turning night over night can have a big impact on your quality of life. Our free guide can help you get the rest you need. Sign up for our newsletter and get it free. Review of safety and efficacy of sleep medicines in older adults.

Clin Ther. Sleep health and appropriate use of OTC sleep aids in older adults-recommendations of a Gerontological Society of America workgroup. Clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia in adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. J Clin Sleep Med.

Food and Drug Administration. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride injection, USP label. Updated January 4, In: StatPearls. Updated September 27, Updated September 4, Pregnancy: a therapeutic dilemma.

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