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Mar 6

Clinically Reviewed by Linda Whiteside, LPCC

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Ryan Peterson, MD

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Can You Get Addicted to Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)?

What is Benadryl?

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is what makes the drug dangerous. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine primarily used to treat allergies but is also used for insomnia, symptoms of the cold, nausea, and more.

When taken in higher doses than recommended, however, the drug can induce somewhat of a euphoric effect. Taking Benadryl at higher doses can result in dry mouth and throat, increased heart rate, urinary retention, constipation, hallucinations or delirium, and death.

Can You Get Addicted to Benadryl?

Though it is not considered addictive, some people may develop a tolerance for it. This means that they will need to take larger and larger doses to get the same effect. Taking it for extended periods of time can lead to some serious side effects, including rebound hypersensitivity and dependence.

So while you may not be addicted to the medication itself, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks before taking it for extended periods of time.

Benadryl Addiction

Diphenhydramine is one of the most abused over-the-counter medications in the United States. Since diphenhydramine is cheap and easily accessible, people use this substance for recreational use instead of less accessible drugs.

Although diphenhydramine is legal and seen as relatively harmless, abusing this drug can lead to addiction.

Many people who struggle with insomnia or other sleep problems find themselves addicted to diphenhydramine as they have to continuously increase the dose to sleep as they build up a tolerance.

Moreover, people who are being treated for certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, are at risk of developing an addiction to diphenhydramine as it can help minimize the side effects of antipsychotic medications.

Benadryl Addictions vs. Benadryl Dependence

It’s important to differentiate between an addiction and a dependence on Benadryl. Addiction is often characterized by strong cravings, preoccupation with getting the drug, and the inability to control its use. Addiction often leads to a Benadryl overdose, which can be dangerous for health.

Dependence, however, refers to when someone’s body has adapted to taking a certain amount of the drug. This is often the result of Benadryl abuse. If they suddenly stop taking it, they will often experience withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia.

Diphenhydramine Addiction: Side Effects and Overdose

It is important to be able to recognize if you are struggling with a diphenhydramine addiction. The abuse of many medications, regardless of if it’s over-the-counter or not, can be life-threatening if not taken properly.

When diphenhydramine is misused, you can suffer from many different physical and psychological effects.

Physical effects:

Constipation
Dizziness
Excessive drowsiness
Blurred vision
Tightness in chest
Dry mouth/throat
Increased heart rate
Inability to urinate
Nausea
Shakes
Sense of physical weakness
Poor coordination
Organ damage

The most prominent side effect of diphenhydramine abuse is sedation.

Psychological effects:

Problems concentrating
Short-term memory loss
Poor focus
Mood swings
Anxiety
Impatience
Confusion
Nightmares
Depression

If abused in high doses, diphenhydramine can cause hallucinations and/or delusions.

Other less common symptoms associated with diphenhydramine abuse include flushed skin, itchy skin, increased body temperature, extreme restlessness, and erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms of a diphenhydramine overdose include:

Blurred vision
Increased heart rate
Ringing in the ears
Seizure
Enlarged pupils
Serious agitation
Inability to urinate
Low blood pressure
Delirium
Extreme fatigue
Loss of consciousness or falling asleep suddenly
Paranoia
Jitters
Loss of coordination/inability to walk
Nausea
Vomiting

It is crucial to be able to recognize these symptoms of an overdose in order to get medical attention as quickly as possible.

Is Benadryl Addictive for Sleep?

There is a potential for addiction if Benadryl is taken frequently or in high doses. People often take Benadryl to induce sleep, as it can make you drowsy and help with insomnia. People tend to feel attracted to Benadryl as an addictive drug because it is easy to access and inexpensive.

But if taken for extended periods of time, it can cause serious side effects like rebound hypersensitivity and dependence.

It is important to remember that even though Benadryl isn’t classified as an addictive drug, its abuse could lead to physical and psychological effects.

Overdose symptoms include dizziness, confusion, respiratory depression, seizures, excessive sleepiness, urinary retention, and constipation. An overdose may lead to hallucinations, delirium, and death in extreme cases.

Do I Have a Benadryl Addiction?

If you think you may be abusing Benadryl, here are some questions you can ask yourself to assess if you are addicted:

Do you continue to use diphenhydramine even when you’re symptom-free?
Do you take diphenhydramine because you want drugs and it is accessible?
Do you combine diphenhydramine with other substances (such as other drugs and/or alcohol)?
Do you deny or hide your diphenhydramine use?
Do you spend a lot of time thinking and trying to get high?
Are you spending less time with friends and family than you did before you started using diphenhydramine?
Are you having problems with school or work?
Are you able to relax or feel normal without diphenhydramine?

If you believe you are struggling with diphenhydramine addiction, it is crucial to seek out help. Continuing to use diphenhydramine can be extremely dangerous and can possibly result in an overdose.

Coming to terms with any form of addiction can be incredibly difficult, but recognizing you have a problem and reaching out for support is essential for your health.

How to Address Diphenhydramine Addiction

Trying to address your addiction alone can be extremely challenging. If you’ve been abusing diphenhydramine for a long period of time and at a high dosage, it can be incredibly dangerous to come off without medical assistance. Admitting yourself to a detox center should be your first priority when starting your recovery.

Some symptoms of diphenhydramine withdrawal are difficulty sleeping, feeling restless and irritable, anxiety, tremors, muscular aching, nausea, and diarrhea. Some people report also experiencing cold sweats and/or hot sweats during the withdrawal period.

After detox, reaching out to inpatient rehab or an intensive outpatient program (IOP) can be very helpful in recovery.

IOP offers one of the highest levels of care to people who struggle with severe substance abuse. That being said, IOP’s are not as strict as inpatient programs as you will continue to live your life outside the center while still receiving treatment. IOP’s are often more structured and rigorous than outpatient treatment.

If you feel like you do not require the same level of support that inpatient or IOP offers, an outpatient treatment program may be for you. Outpatient programs are meant for people struggling with addiction but who can function reasonably well in their day-to-day lives.

These programs are less rigorous than inpatient and IOP and offers you more flexibility. Like any other addiction, recovering from diphenhydramine abuse takes a lot of work and commitment.

Benadryl Overdose

If you believe someone has overdosed on Benadryl, it is important to get medical help immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, extreme sleepiness, shallow breathing, loss of coordination, nausea and vomiting, seizures, and coma. In some cases, a Benadryl overdose can be fatal, so it is important to seek professional help immediately.

A doctor may prescribe activated charcoal to reduce the amount of diphenhydramine absorbed in the body or intravenous fluids to flush out the substance from the system. Sometimes, an antidote called Naloxone may be administered if a patient has had too much diphenhydramine and is at risk of overdosing.

Benadryl Withdrawal Symptoms

When trying to quit diphenhydramine, it is important to remember that the drug has a long half-life (the amount of time it takes for the body to metabolize and eliminate half of the drug). This means that withdrawal symptoms may appear gradually rather than all at once.

Common withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, agitation, sweating, nausea, muscle pain, and depression. In some cases, people may even experience seizures or hallucinations. It is crucial to remember that detoxing from Benadryl should be done under medical supervision to prevent any further health issues.

After detox has been completed, many people choose to receive additional support through therapy and support groups. Working with a mental health professional (such as a therapist or psychiatrist) can be incredibly helpful in addressing the psychological side of addiction.

Seeking out support groups, such as 12-step programs and other recovery communities, can provide further help from others who have gone through similar experiences.

Overcoming Benadryl Addiction at NuView Treatment Center

If you currently struggling with diphenhydramine addiction and require support after detox, NuView Treatment Center can help you. At NuView Treatment Center, located in West Los Angeles, you can receive the support you need to stop your Benadryl use.

NuView offers Benadryl addiction treatment options that are designed to give you the tools you need to recover from both dependence and addiction. The staff is trained to develop individualized treatment plans for each client and assist with addressing underlying conditions (including mental health disorders) that may be motivating your drug or alcohol use.

Through this, you will develop new, healthy coping mechanisms and plans for dealing with possible triggers. The compassion, evidence-based therapeutic modalities used at NuView Treatment Center helps you achieve sobriety and offers you the tools to stay sober long-term.

FAQ

Is Benadryl addictive as a sleep aid?

Yes, Benadryl can be addictive when used as a sleep aid. The sedative effects of diphenhydramine can cause people to become dependent on it if taken over extended periods of time.

Is Benadryl addictive for adults?

Yes, Benadryl can be addictive for adults as it is a sedative. If taken too frequently, people may develop both physical and psychological dependence and require a medical detox to stop taking the drug.

Is Benadryl addictive for babies?

No, Benadryl is not typically addictive for babies. However, parents should be aware of the potential side effects and consult their doctor before administering any medication to a baby. Also, diphenhydramine should not be given to infants under 12 months old.

Is Benadryl addictive for dogs?

Yes, Benadryl can be addictive for dogs. Depending on your pet’s medical condition, it may be necessary to gradually decrease the dose of diphenhydramine and/or switch to a different medication with less potential for addiction and abuse. It is important to consult your veterinarian before giving any medications to your pet.

Can people have allergic reactions to Benadryl?

Yes, people can have allergic reactions to Benadryl. Some common symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face and throat, and skin rash. If any of these occur after taking diphenhydramine, seek medical attention immediately.

What are Benadryl abuse symptoms?

Some symptoms of Benadryl abuse may include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing.

Does Benadryl have a sedative effect?

Yes, Benadryl does have sedative effects. This is why it is often used to help with sleep issues or as an over-the-counter antihistamine for allergies. However, due to its potential for addiction and abuse, medical professionals advise taking the lowest effective dose of diphenhydramine for the shortest time.

Can Benadryl be taken as needed?

Benadryl can be taken as needed for relief from allergies or insomnia. However, it should not be used regularly. Prolonged exposure to diphenhydramine may lead to physical and psychological dependence and should be avoided. If you are having difficulty

Does Benadryl addiction therapy require an intensive outpatient program?

Benadryl addiction therapy may require an intensive outpatient program, depending on the severity of your addiction and other factors. At NuView Treatment Center, we offer a personalized Benadryl addiction treatment plan tailored to meet each individual’s needs. We provide support throughout your entire recovery process.