Benadryl Addiction: Definition, symptoms, causes, effects, and treatment options

Benadryl addiction is a dependency issue of the antihistamine medication diphenhydramine, commonly used for allergies and sleeping aids. Benadryl is a widely available medicine, which leads to a high risk of misuse and addiction as it has soothing and hallucinogenic effects at high doses.

The symptoms of Benadryl or diphenhydramine addiction are drowsiness, confusion, anxiety, loss of appetite, muscle lethargy, headache, and gastrointestinal issues.

The causes of Benadryl addiction are accessibility, misuse, peer pressure, tolerance, underlying sleep disorders, and self-medication.

The effects of Benadryl addiction include impaired memory, low blood pressure, nausea, constipation, itchy skin, angina, liver problems, seizures, heart palpitations, increased risk of dementia, withdrawal symptoms, blurred vision, enlarged pupils, inability to urinate, paranoia, and agitation.

The treatment methods available for Benadryl addiction are detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, long-term rehabilitation programs, support groups, and counseling.

What is Benadryl Addiction?

Benadryl addiction refers to the compulsive use of the antihistamine diphenhydramine, found in common medicines like Benadryl and Nytol. Benadryl is highly addictive if it is consumed in high amounts without any medical needs. Its sedative and euphoric side effects cause individuals to build up a dependence.

High doses of Benadryl or diphenhydramine cause drowsiness and alter brain chemistry, which leads to more long-term effects that become hard to treat. Given the widespread and unrestricted use of diphenhydramine, it is important to recognize signs and symptoms of chronic DPH abuse and acute withdrawal, according to a study titled: “Chronic diphenhydramine abuse and withdrawal” by Jagroop S Saran.

What are the Forms of Benadryl?

The forms of Benadryl are liquid solutions, chewable tablets, and topical creams. Liquid solutions are preferred for children or individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills, chewable tablets are for those who can’t swallow pills or need a portable and easy-to-consume form of medication. Topical creams are applied directly to the skin to relieve itching or irritation from insect bites, rashes, or other mild allergic reactions. Each form delivers the antihistamine diphenhydramine to help reduce symptoms.

How is using Benadryl addictive?

Benadryl is addictive due to its soothing properties that provide relaxation and feelings of euphoria to individuals. These feelings cause individuals to rely on Benadryl for stress relief and sleeping aid, leading them to consume high doses for better effects.

Increased dopaminergic neurotransmission in the mesolimbic pathway is thought to be responsible for rewarding properties and drug-seeking behavior leading to antihistamine abuse, according to research titled: “Chronic diphenhydramine abuse and withdrawal” by Jagroop S Saran.

How Common is Benadryl Addiction?

Benadryl and diphenhydramine addiction is becoming very common in the United States as the rate of intentional DPH exposures increased by 63% over the 12-year study period for all ages combined. Suicide attempts involving DPH showed a bimodal distribution increasing 263% among children 10-14 years of age, and 126 and 143% among those 55-64 and ≥65 years of age, respectively. Older adults in both the 55-64 and ≥65-year-old age groups had about a 230% increase in rates of misuse, according to a research titled: “Increased rates of diphenhydramine overdose, abuse, and misuse in the United States” by Antonia Nemanich. The misuse of DPH has become a prominent issue as pharmacies cannot take them off the shelves due to the high demand for their intended purposes.

What is Benadryl Used for?

Benadryl is used for allergies, motion sickness, sleep aids, common colds, and skin irritations.

These uses are described below.

• Allergies: Allergies and their symptoms like itching, runny nose, and sneezing are easily relieved using Benadryl. It blocks the histamine in our body, a chemical that causes allergic reactions and symptoms.
• Motion Sickness: Motion sickness is relieved when Benadryl targets the receptors in our body that trigger and control the feelings of nausea and vomiting. It also reduces other symptoms like dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach discomfort.
• Sleep Aid: Sleep aid is a common use for Benadryl due to its soothing properties and is helpful for individuals with sleep problems, insomnia, and anxiety. It also allows them to sleep longer than usual and fix their sleep cycle.
• Common Cold: Common cold and its symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, coughing, fever, and chest congestion are managed with the use of Benadryl. It also tackles any present viruses and is often combined with other medications for the best results.
• Skin Irritations: Skin irritations like itching, rashes, insect bites, and discomfort are relieved with Benadryl as it calms the histamine reaction on the skin. It is also used to treat various skin infections like Poison Sumac Reactions and Contact Dermatitis.

What are the Symptoms of Benadryl Addiction?

The symptoms of Benadryl addiction include drowsiness, confusion, anxiety, loss of appetite, muscle lethargy, headache, and gastrointestinal issues.

These symptoms are described below.

• Drowsiness: Drowsiness is an immediate impact of Benadryl addiction due to its sedative effects. It causes individuals to feel extremely lazy and lethargic. Classic antihistamines increased laziness and daytime sleepiness and decreased sleep quality scores, according to a research titled: “Assessment of the effects of antihistamine drugs on mood, sleep quality, sleepiness, and dream anxiety” by Pinar Guzel Ozdemir.
• Confusion: Confusion occurs due to cognitive issues developed by regular use of Benadryl. Diphenhydramine affects the brain’s neurotransmitter balance and causes memory problems. Problems with short-term memory, reasoning, and confusion lead to a list of side effects of anticholinergic drugs, according to a study titled: “Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk” by Harvard Health Publishing.
• Anxiety: Anxiety is mainly caused by withdrawal from Benadryl and diphenhydramine because the body is addicted to its calming effects, so avoiding the consumption of Benadryl causes major discomfort and mental health issues. It’s also possible that after taking Benadryl some people feel restless, excitable, and anxious, according to a research titled: “The Connection Between Benadryl and Anxiety” by Jill Seladi Schulman.
• Loss of Appetite: Loss of appetite occurs due to effects on an individual’s nutritional intake. Long-term Benadryl causes individuals to not feel hungry at times, leading to unintentional weight loss. 
• Muscle Lethragy: Muscle lethargy and fatigue occur when the body goes through the depressant effects of Benadryl. It weakens the muscle coordination and makes physical activities difficult. Diphenhydramine increases fatigue and sleepiness while decreasing motivation, according to a research titled: “Diphenhydramine Cognitive Vitality For Researchers” by the Alzheimers Drug Discover Foundation.
• Headache: Headaches are caused by long-term Benadryl consumption as it starts to get into your nerves and cause pain. The recurring headaches can get worse during the withdrawal stage. Headaches are a common adverse effect of diphenhydramine, according to a research titled: “Diphenhydramine” by Vincent Sicari.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Gastrointestinal issues like constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort are commonly caused by misuse of Benadryl. The antihistamines affect the gut and slow down digestion, leading to various stomach problems.

What are the Causes of Benadryl Addiction?

The causes of Benadryl addiction include accessibility, misuse, peer pressure, tolerance, underlying sleep disorders, and self-medication.

• Accessibility: Accessibility is a major cause as Benadryl is available at many grocery stores and pharmacy counters. Accessibility causes individuals to easily just go in and buy them and develop an addiction. Due to easy access to this medication, it is often abused and can lead to acute intoxication, according to a study titled: “Diphenhydramine Toxicity” by David A. Huynh.
• Misuse: Misuse involves using Benadryl for no medical reason or prescription but for its sedative side effects. This leads to addiction and the body becomes used to the soothing effects and craves it, causing the individual to consume it more uncontrollably.
• Peer Pressure: Peer pressure refers to social influence or negative advice that leads individuals, especially teens to consume Benadryl chronically. Surrounding yourself with addicts of diphenhydramine causes a bad influence as they might encourage you to take these substances for their soothing effects.
• Tolerance: Tolerance is caused by prolonged misuse of Benadryl when the individual becomes used to its effects and they no longer feel the same impact, causing them to want more. Your body develops a tolerance to some of the effects of Benadryl and its response to the drug may decrease over time, according to a study titled: “Benadryl (diphenhydramine)” by Phillip Gregory.
• Underlying Sleep Disorders: Underlying sleep disorders and insomnia cause individuals to misuse Benadryl as it is known for providing sleep aid. The sedative properties help with sleeping issues, and long-term use causes an individual to be addicted to it for sleeping.
• Self-Medication: Self-medication refers to when individuals use Benadryl to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions for temporary relief. This causes individuals to be dependent on the stress-relieving properties of diphenhydramine.

What are the Effects of Benadryl Addiction?

The effects of Benadryl include short-term effects, long-term effects, and overdose effects.

These effects are described below.

Short-Term Effects

The short-term effects of Benadryl addiction include impaired memory, low blood pressure, Nausea, Constipation, itchy skin, and angina.

These short-term effects are described below.

• Impaired Memory: Impaired memory occurs when prolonged Benadryl usage interferes with the brain’s cognitive function, causing individuals to forget stuff regularly. Diphenhydramine might affect inflammation and blood flow in the brain, which may result in memory loss and weakened cognition, according to a study titled: “Does Long-Term Benadryl Use Increase Dementia Risk?” by Hannah Seo.
• Low Blood Pressure: Low blood pressure is common when an individual takes high doses of Benadryl. Diphenhydramine is known for causing hypotension which lowers blood pressure and leads to weakness and dizziness. Low blood pressure is one of the most commonly reported side effects of Benadryl addiction, according to a research titled: “Benadryl Side Effects: Examples and Treatment Options” by Jennifer Mitri Williamson.
• Nausea: Nausea is a symptom of gastrointestinal issues caused by prolonged consumption of Benadryl. Benadryl is commonly used for treating nausea, but when consumed in high doses it makes it worse.
• Constipation: Constipation occurs when diphenhydramine slows down the body’s digestive process, causing gastrointestinal motility. Over-the-counter drugs like Benadryl cause chronic constipation, according to a research titled: “Chronic Constipation” by Mojgan Forootan.
• Itchy Skin: Itchy skin occurs when the skin gets excessively dry due to chronic diphenhydramine consumption. Even though Benadryl is mainly used for treating itchy skin, higher doses cause dehydration in the skin which eventually leads to uncontrollable skin irritation.
• Angina: Angina or chest pain occurs due to taking more Benadryl than needed, which causes strain on the cardiovascular system. Diphenhydramine also has negative cardiovascular consequences in the setting of toxicity, according to a study titled: “Diphenhydramine Toxicity” by David A. Huynh.

Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of Benadryl addiction include liver problems, seizures, heart palpitations, and an increased risk of dementia.

These effects are described below.

• Liver Problems: Liver problems occur when the liver has to constantly work to metabolize the diphenhydramine. A study by the National Library of Medicine titled “Diphenhydramine Toxicity” found that chronic antihistamine use strains liver function and potentially leads to hepatotoxicity in high doses.
• Seizure: Chronic misuse of diphenhydramine increases the risk of seizures, especially when tolerance builds and users take higher doses.
• Heart Palpitations: Long-term Benadryl use leads to irregular heartbeats, or palpitations, due to its effects on the cardiovascular system. The US. Food and Drug Administration in their study “FDA warns about serious problems with high doses of the allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl)” noted that prolonged use of sedative antihistamines disrupts normal heart rhythms, leading to serious arrhythmias in individuals.
• Increased Risk of Dementia: Prolonged Benadryl use has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. A study published in the National Library of Medicine titled “Long-term use of diphenhydramine” by HC George Wong found that long-term use of anticholinergic drugs, like diphenhydramine, raises dementia risk because of their impact on neurotransmitters involved in memory.
• Overdose Effects

The overdose effects of Benadryl addiction include blurred vision, enlarged pupils, inability to urinate, paranoia, and agitation.

These effects are described below.

• Blurred Vision: Blurred vision means eyes becoming hazy or unclear. This happens because of Benadryl’s effects on eye muscles, making it harder for your eyes to focus.
• Enlarged Pupils: Overdosing on Benadryl makes pupils dilate, or enlarge, which increases sensitivity to light and makes everything appear brighter than usual.
• Inability to Urinate: Benadryl in large amounts relaxes certain muscles in the body, including those involved in bladder control. This relaxation in muscles makes it difficult or even impossible to urinate.
• Paranoia: High doses of Benadryl impact mental clarity, sometimes causing extreme worry or irrational fears. People feel suspicious or fearful, even when there’s no reason to be.
• Agitation: Agitation means feeling jumpy, irritable, or unable to stay calm, which are common overdose symptoms of Benadryl addiction.

What are the Available Treatment Options for Benadryl Addiction?

The available treatment options for Benadryl addiction include detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, long-term rehabilitation programs, support groups, and counseling.

These treatment options are listed below.

• Detoxification
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Long-term Rehabiliation Programs
• Support Groups
• Counseling

Detoxification

Detoxification is the process of removing diphenhydramine from the body by completely avoiding it. Detoxification is the first treatment for the recovery process and it takes a few weeks to complete. Detoxification is best for removing drug residues from the body and controlling its effects, but it also causes withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy involves visiting a professional therapist to help reduce the behavioral changes caused by drug misuse. CBT helps individuals to understand the root cause of their Benadryl addiction and develop coping mechanisms to deal with the symptoms. CBT takes 6-12 weeks and it helps reduce the risk of relapse, but it requires a lot of consistent time and effort.

Long-Term Rehabilitation Programs

Long-term rehabilitation programs are structured environments where treatment is offered 24/7 under strict medical supervision. These rehabilitation programs require a commitment of 30-90 days, depending on the severity of the addiction. Rehab programs are highly effective for long-term recovery, but they require individuals to stay away from home and other professional or daily-life obligations.

Support Groups

Support groups are settings of individuals who share the same experiences and addictions. Support groups allow individuals to learn other’s coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with the symptoms of Benadryl addiction and prevent relapse. Support groups don’t have a set time period, and individuals can attend meetings as long as they want. Support groups are best for building a strong and supportive network, but they should be combined with other treatment methods for the best results.

Counseling

Counseling refers to one-on-one sessions with a therapist to help go through personal struggles and life challenges that lead to addiction. Counseling lasts 3-6 months and can be done alongside other treatments. Counseling is best for receiving emotional support if you can find the right therapist.

What is the Benadryl Challenge?

The "Benadryl Challenge" is a dangerous social media trend that encourages people, often teens, young adults, and adults, to consume high doses of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for fun. Participants in this challenge take far more than the recommended dose, which leads to severe side effects such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, heart irregularities, and life-threatening complications like seizures or coma. Health professionals strongly warn against this practice, as the risks of Benadryl overdose are high, and its effects on the brain and body are unpredictable and dangerous.

What are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Benadryl Addiction?

The withdrawal symptoms of Benadryl addiction are anxiety, insomnia, headaches, sweating, and irritability. Benadryl withdrawal occurs when someone who has developed a dependency on the medication stops using it.

These withdrawal symptoms are listed below.

• Anxiety: Anxiety refers to feelings of restlessness with heightened worry or nervousness due to the absence of Benadryl’s calming effects.
• Insomnia: Insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep, is common during Benadryl withdrawal. Insomnia further leads to disrupted sleep patterns and fatigue.
• Headaches: Tension headaches or migraines occur as the body adjusts to functioning without the drug and sometimes persist for days.
• Sweating: Increased sweating is a physical response to withdrawal, often linked to anxiety and the body’s attempt to rebalance.
• Irritability: Mood swings and irritability are common as both the body and mind cope with the absence of the drug’s effects.

How Does Benadryl Addiction Relate to Other Substance Addictions?

Benadryl addiction relates to other substance addictions by involving dependence on a drug to get effects like relaxation or escape. Like with other addictive substances, individuals addicted to Benadryl develop tolerance, meaning they need higher doses to experience the same effects, and they suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop. This cycle is common with all addictive substances and makes recovery challenging without professional support.

Do Benadryl and Marijuana Addiction have the same effects?

No, Benadryl and marijuana addiction do not produce the same effects, though both have sedative properties. Benadryl causes drowsiness, confusion, and, in high doses, hallucinations, while marijuana leads to relaxation, euphoria, altered perception, and increased appetite. While both impair cognitive functions temporarily, they act differently in the brain and lead to different experiences.

Do Benadryl and Alcohol Abuse Disorder have the same withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, Benadryl and alcohol addiction, as well as alcohol abuse disorder, share some withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, sweating, and insomnia. Both substances depress the central nervous system, so suddenly stopping after prolonged use overstimulates the nervous system. However, alcohol withdrawal is more severe and life-threatening, while Benadryl withdrawal is uncomfortable but rarely dangerous.

Is Benadryl Addiction as harmful as heroin addiction?

No, Benadryl addiction is not as harmful as heroin addiction. Heroin is an opioid with a high risk of fatal overdose, severe withdrawal symptoms, and significant physical and social consequences. While Benadryl addiction leads to uncomfortable symptoms, health risks, and cognitive issues, it lacks the severe impact on the body and brain that heroin addiction does and is less difficult to overcome with appropriate support.