Can You Get Addicted to Benadryl?

Looking at the Addictive Properties of a Common Antihistamine

Can you get addicted to Benadryl? It’s not common but it can occur due to Benadryl abuse. Many people take it as a sleep aid but Benadryl addiction – psychological dependence – can lead to a ‘drug addiction’.

It is an effective “itch and allergy relief” medicine. It is often among over-the-counter medications for severe allergic reactions, such as helping with a runny nose and other symptoms. And because it can easily be accessed from anywhere in almost every drugstore, frequent consumption, of course, causes one to become Benadryl dependent.

This is particularly worrisome for those who use it for sleep medication, common cold effects, and allergic symptom relief. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some even take it for motion sickness; however, overmedication will cause addiction

At Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada, we support you and your loved ones in the fight against substance use disorder. So, are you fighting an alcohol addiction or Benadryl addiction?

Our facility offers everything from personal treatment planning to supportive groups. Keep reading to get the facts on Benadryl dependence, and remember that you can get in touch with us at any point for a confidential consultation, whether for yourself or a loved one.

What Is Benadryl and Why Is It Used as a Sleep Aid?

Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication that contains an active ingredient called “diphenhydramine”. That ingredient has addictive properties, according to a scientific review. But generally, people use Benadryl to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergy.

For instance, it is helpful for itchy nose, watery eyes, and runny nose. Also, another popular Benadryl use is as a short-term sleep aid because of its sedative effect. A recent study indicates that diphenhydramine is helpful due to its sedative properties as well.

To sum it up for you, here’s why people purchase Benadryl:

• Hay fever
• Common cold
• Severe allergic reactions

However, people abuse Benadryl once they start experiencing the euphoric effects. These psychological effects of Benadryl occur when consumed in high doses, putting your mental health at risk.

How Does Benadryl Work in the Body?

When your body is having an allergic reaction, the immune system produces a substance called “histamine”. The main function of histamine is to send signals between cells to cause allergy symptoms. It keeps the brain awake and is usually the reason why you experience a runny nose and similar symptoms.

Benadryl blocks histamine. In the recommended dose, taking Benadryl reduces allergy symptoms. But it also brings on sedative effects which slowly start to decrease in intensity due to increased tolerance.

Many don’t see them as adverse effects, but rather a secondary benefit. They can rest despite symptoms thanks to the sedative effect of Benadryl (diphenhydramine). However, that too can lead to potential symptoms like:

• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty urinating
• Blurred vision
• Irregular heartbeat

Therefore, is highly recommended to consult a healthcare professional to discuss the unpleasant effects and potential of full-blown addiction before taking Benadryl regularly.

Can You Get Addicted to Benadryl?

Yes, certain chemical properties make Benadryl addictive. In fact, it makes Benadryl even more addictive when you mix it with other substances, such as combining alcohol and some of the most abused drugs.

However, when taken in moderation, it can act as a sleep aid and become part of cognitive behavioral therapy to treat addiction.

It is not as addictive as other illicit drugs, or even some common prescription medications. However, it can lead to dependence or Benadryl overdose in some cases. Using it every day or every night is generally not a good idea, unless your intensive outpatient program guides you to.

Using it as a short-term sleep aid can lead you to become psychologically attached to it. For instance, many people feel the “need” to consume it to fall asleep. In reality, this is the early development of substance abuse symptoms.

What Makes Benadryl Addictive?

According to the NIH, “the exact mechanism leading to abuse is unknown”. The report tells us that Benadryl increases dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. This consequently affects the mesolimbic pathway’s “rewarding properties” and leads to addictive behavior.

You would therefore find that there are withdrawal symptoms whenever you attempt to stop Benadryl to counter addictive tendencies. A new study comes to the conclusion that even for those it is used to treat insomnia, it is not a daily solution.

Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns us about the side effects and indicates the chronic withdrawal symptoms of Benadryl substance abuse.

What Are the Symptoms of Benadryl Abuse (Addiction)?

Some people take Benadryl in high doses, as they build up tolerance – or experience more psychological dependence on the drug to sleep.

Either way, it can lead to complicated withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop Benadryl, like:

• Mood swings
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Respiratory failure (in severe cases)
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Irritability

Meanwhile, it can have long-term psychological effects. Some professionals speculate that constantly feeling the “need” to take the drug or medication to fall asleep can increase dependence.

What Happens When You Build Tolerance?

When you build tolerance, you need even higher doses. In fact, some people mix Benadryl with another drug or medication for the same sedative effect.

This is a classic sign of dependency, something that indicates it is time to seek professional help.

What About Other Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication?

Many OTC medications have the potential for misuse. In fact, Benadryl is not the only drug with addictive properties. It has the active substance “diphenhydramine” which makes it addictive due to the “sedative effect”.

However, there are other medications that do that as well. For example, some cough syrups have “dextromethorphan” which is commonly misused. Another one is “pseudoephedrine” which you will usually find in decongestants, also commonly misused.

A comprehensive study confirms that and also tells us that these drugs affect our brain’s reward system. This builds up tolerance over time which ultimately leads to dependency and then, withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit.

If you or a loved one is experiencing overdose symptoms or showing signs of dependency, get professional guidance. At Icarus Nevada, we can help you take the right steps because recovery is always possible.

Overcoming Benadryl Addiction – Treatment Options at Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada

At Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada, we’ve got a team of licensed addiction treatment professionals who can give you the help you need to recover. We can help with treatment of Benadryl addiction, alcohol, as well as other illicit drugs.

Inpatient and Outpatient Programs

We have various treatment options in place – from intense inpatient programs to intensive outpatient programs. All programs at the rehab center are always focused on curing the root issues.

Our programs include a range of treatment methods like:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Relapse prevention training
• Dual diagnoses
• Individual and group therapies

We consider it crucial to ensure an environment of care and safety for treatment. In this respect, we engage both you and your family members so that the plans undertaken treat your physical and mental health needs.

Professional Medical Counseling

Our team of medical professionals offers confidential consultation and evaluation so that you can share your needs and concerns with us without feeling weighted by judgment. Whether you or a loved one, we help understand the importance of treatment and rehab to fight against addiction.

So, join the local support groups near you via Icarus Nevada. Let us help you take steps for a brighter and healthier future.

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Benadryl Addiction (Managing Withdrawal Symptoms)

If you or a family member have ever abused drugs or are struggling with addiction to illicit drugs, you may benefit from some sort of treatment.

Professional help and medical supervision is the only way to live drug-free. Here are a few things you can do to make that first move toward recovery.

1. Acknowledge the Issue First

First, you have to acknowledge the problem. If you are experiencing negative effects of Benadryl, it is time to seek help.

2. Seek Professional Treatment

When you’re ready to deal with the potential Benadryl addiction and the underlying issues, seek professional medical advice. That way, you can enroll in the right intensive outpatient programs or other treatment programs.

3. Exercise Caution With Most Medications

Make sure you’re discussing the symptoms and physical (and mental) needs with your healthcare provider. This will not only prevent Benadryl misuse but also help you exercise caution with Benadryl and other drugs.

4. Healthy Habits

So, once you start receiving treatment for Benadryl withdrawal symptoms, it’s time to develop healthy habits. Do remember that working on breaking bad habits is a good habit itself. You can always start with something as simple as doing some light physical activity daily – or even a healthy diet.

Is Benadryl Addiction Real and What Can You Do?

Benadryl addiction treatment is not a familiar scenario for most people. It is actually really hard to grasp how easy it is to become addicted once you have taken the medication over-the-counter without any kind of prescription.

Benadryl abuse, even for allergic reactions or to sleep, can be an intense condition. Icarus Behavioral Health Nevada provides a customized Benadryl addiction treatment program, uniquely for you and your loved ones so that you may get them out from the clutches of Benadryl dependence.

If you are suffering from a Benadryl addiction issue or a loved one is, contact Icarus Nevada to get valuable Benadryl treatment services. Make a move towards a fulfilling recovery journey – call today for a confidential consultation.