Nearly 15% of all drug-related overdose deaths in 2020 accounted for victims who also tested positive for antihistamines like Benadryl.1 Although Benadryl isn’t a name that comes to mind when one thinks of substance abuse, it is one of the most common addictions. Similarly, Benadryl withdrawal can have major side effects linked to long-term health problems. This highlights the importance of knowing the symptoms and complications associated with Benadryl withdrawal and getting professional treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Benadryl addiction, our substance abuse treatment program at Nurture Nexus Recovery Center can help.
Understanding Benadryl Withdrawal in the Body
Benadryl is an antihistamine that primarily works in the body by blocking histamine that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Although it provides relief against a multitude of allergic reaction symptoms ranging from watery eyes to hives, it can also cause drowsiness and sedative effects.2
When Benadryl is abused, the body develops a dependence on the substance by adjusting to function around the new normal (the constant drowsy state). Once the user stops taking Benadryl, the body no longer has the sedation it has grown accustomed to.
The user will feel as if they’re nauseous and unwell, with heightened anxiety and even difficulty with orientation. Moreover, if they were initially taking Benadryl to mitigate allergic reactions, the body will now react more severely to those allergens in the absence of the antihistamine.3
Benadryl Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal from Benadryl starts immediately after the last dose of the substance. As the body metabolizes it and flushes it out, the withdrawal symptoms tend to get more severe.4 Typically, Benadryl withdrawal follows the given timeline:
1-2 Days
The first 48 hours are for your body to adjust to the absence of Benadryl. During this period, you may experience feelings of agitation, anxiety, jitteriness, and even difficulty sleeping.
2-7 Days
Withdrawal symptoms tend to peak during the first week and can be debilitating for most users. You may find yourself extremely dizzy and struggling with disorientation, along with nausea, stomach cramps, excessive sweating, and headaches.
1-2 Weeks
By the second week, the body has almost fully adjusted to the absence of Benadryl. However, depending on how severe the substance abuse was, side effects like insomnia and anxiety may continue to linger.
1 Month
After two weeks, the symptoms of Benadryl withdrawal should completely subside. This also includes psychological symptoms such as craving and agitation. In case you were taking the medication for allergies, they would be affecting you in their full capacity in this stage.
Risks of Using Benadryl to Get High
Benadryl, even though it is an over-the-counter medication, is meant to be used in controlled quantities. Before we even begin to factor in addiction, it is important to understand that regulated Benadryl use also comes with the risk of side effects like dizziness, eye problems, difficulty in urination, and much more.5
When the same substance is abused to get high, the risks of these side effects and other complications increase.6 Some of which are:
- In extreme cases, Benadryl abuse is linked to seizures and nerve damage.
- You are at risk of impairing or losing your vision.
- Excessive Benadryl use causes breathing problems.
- You risk weakening your heart muscles and increasing your heartbeat.
- There can be permanent damage to your sense of balance.
Expert Opinion on Benadryl Abuse & Its Risks
“Diphenhydramine or Benadryl was never meant to be abused recreationally. It is a specific drug that is used to treat the onset of allergic reactions and other conditions. However, excessive and unwarranted use has been linked with many long-term side effects, including loss of vision, cognitive issues, and bodily harm. It is essential to seek help immediately if you or someone else you know may be abusing Benadryl.”
–Dr Oluwole Popoola
Side Effects of Benadryl Addiction
Benadryl use is often accompanied by side effects7, which can get worse with continued use. Some of these effects include:
- Tics and tremors
- Difficulty urinating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Sleep paralysis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Headaches
- Disorientation
- Excessive perspiration
- Agitation and mood swings
Can You Overdose on Benadryl?
Taking too much Benadryl can lead to overdose or assist in overdose during polydrug use. Since it sedates the body and constricts breathing and heart rate, it can easily cause seizures or cardiac arrest in severe cases.8
Benadryl overdose can look like:
- Severe hallucinations and paranoia
- Facial tics and seizures
- Excessive vomiting and choking
- Blurry vision and disorientation
- Symptoms that mimic a heart attack
- Psychiatric issues9
Benadryl Addiction Treatment Options in Texas
Since Benadryl isn’t a controlled substance or illicit drug, its abuse often goes unnoticed until it has turned into an addiction. Based on the severity of the addiction and its symptoms, the following methods can be used to provide treatment.10
Psychotherapy Options
Psychotherapy options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy help identify the root cause of addiction and fix it. These approaches can be paired with group therapy, individual counseling, and even family therapy to widen the victim’s support system.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Some treatment centers may also use medication-assisted treatment to help with cravings and reduce symptoms related to dizziness and nausea. The provided medications are monitored and adjusted as symptoms begin to fade.11
Partial Hospitalization Programs
For severe cases where Benadryl withdrawal is causing medical complications, partial hospitalization programs can be used to provide treatment and monitor the patient. These include long sessions of behavioral therapy and ad hoc medical intervention.
Flexible Treatment Programs
However, these aren’t the only methods to treat substance abuse disorders. If you’re busy with work and school, these options can be just as effective:
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs are low-intensity treatment options that occur for 1-3 hours a few times a week. They’re ideal for people with stable living conditions and a mild addiction.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
If your Benadryl addiction is moderately severe and impacting your life, intensive outpatient programs help provide the structure and routine needed for disciplined recovery.
Telehealth Options
For those of you who have completed an initial treatment for Benadryl addiction, telehealth options help you stay committed to recovery without needing physical sessions.
How We Overcome Benadryl Withdrawal & Addiction
Nurture Nexus Recovery Center offers evidence-based addiction treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. All of our treatment programs are fully insured and personalized to meet your Benadryl addiction treatment needs.
Whether you’re facing issues with Benadryl withdrawal or feel you’re developing an addiction, our medical team can help. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or contact us to get the help you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Benadryl Cause Anxiety?
Yes, prolonged Benadryl abuse and sudden withdrawal can cause periods of intense anxiety.
Does Benadryl Need to Be Tapered?
Most treatment centers choose to taper Benadryl to avoid a sudden onset of withdrawal symptoms. It is generally safe to do and can help you overcome addiction without feeling severely ill.
How Does Benadryl Make You Feel?
When Benadryl is taken according to the doctor’s orders, it can reduce allergic reactions, provide relief from watery eyes and nose, and help you sleep better. However, Benadryl abuse tends to provide gradual sedation and can cause dizziness, headache, or nausea once it starts to wear off.
Is Benadryl Addictive for Sleep?
Benadryl should not be used as a sleep aid or a medication to cure insomnia. Using it for better sleep can lead to an active addiction.
How Do I Withdraw From Benadryl?
If you’re looking to withdraw from Benadryl, you need to slowly lower your dosage to avoid withdrawal. Put distance in between your consumption times until you’re completely weaned off the substance or reach out to a professional treatment center for help.
Additional Resources
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- 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): Risks and Safer Treatment Alternatives to Kratom
- Taking Trazodone And Alcohol Together? Know The Potential Dangers
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