Posted by ed_uk on May 1, 2006, at 16:19:50
In reply to benadryl....is giving me a daily BUZZ...b. damage?, posted by alesta on May 1, 2006, at 14:08:52
Hi Amy
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a sedating antihistamine with anticholinergic properties. It is sedating because it crosses the blood-brain barrier ie. it enters the brian. Newer antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) do not enter the brain in significant quantities, which is why they are not sedating. If loratadine could enter the brain it would be sedating too!
Due to diphenhydramine's anticholinergic properties, it tends to make people feel errrr, stupid, for want of a better word. This does not mean that it is causing brain damage: it is a temporary side effect of the drug which will go away when you stop taking it.
>and the other day accidentally took 50 mg of benadryl *with* claritin...
I wouldn't worry about that. They don't interact.
After regular daily use, diphenhydramine is sometimes associated with (usually mild) withdrawal symptoms when it is stopped. These may include nausea, diarrhea and confusion. These symptoms are not dangerous and should disappear fairly rapidly. Some people don't have any withdrawal symptoms at all.
It does not sound like diphenhydramine is a good treatment for your allergies, at least not for daytime use. I think it would be best if you stopped taking it. Does loratadine work well for you? If not, I might be able to suggest an alternative. What are your symptoms?
Regards
Ed
poster:ed_uk
thread:638815
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060429/msgs/638850.html