Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksWho Can Use ItDosageSide EffectsContraindicationsAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
Who Can Use It
Dosage
Side Effects
Contraindications
Alternatives
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine commonly used to treat allergies that is also sometimes used as a sleep aid for insomnia. Benadryl is only intended for the short-term treatment ofinsomniaand may cause other side effects like trouble urinating and constipation if overused.
Though Benadryl can make it easier to fall asleep, it should be avoided in children under 12 as well as older adults in whom drug side effects can be longer lasting.For these and other reasons, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) advises against the regular use of Benadryl for insomnia and other sleep problems.
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How Benadryl Help With Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects your ability to fall or stay asleep. Studies suggest that 14.5% of adults in the United States have experienced insomnia within the past 30 days.
Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in Benadryl and the one that helps induce drowsiness and sleepiness. It is classified as a first-generation H1 antihistamine and is primarily used for the treatment of allergies as well asmotion sicknessandnausea.
First-generation H1 antihistamines like Benadryl work differently than second-generation H1 antihistamines likeClaritin (loratadine)in that they can readily pass through the blood-brain barrier surrounding the brain and trigger rapid sedation (sleepiness).
This side effect has made Benadryl the preferred choice whenallergy symptomslike rash and sneezing keep you up at night.It has also made Benadryl a popular non-prescription sleep aid for nights when insomnia makes it difficult to sleep.
Who Can Use Benadryl
For use in the treatment of allergies, Benadryl is recommended for adults and children over the age of 6. For children between 2 and 6 years of age, Benadryl should only be used under a pediatrician’s care.
The rules are different when Benadryl is used as a sleep aid. Current guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends diphenhydramine for adults and children 12 years and over only.
This includes OTC sleep aids containing diphenhydramine, such as:
The FDA guidance further advises that Benadryl should be used as a sleep aid for no longer than 14 days at a time.
Benadryl comes in different OTC formulations, including oral tablets, capsules, liquid, chewable, and dissolvable tablets.
There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of Benadryl for insomnia, but healthcare providers will generally advise you to take no more than the recommended dose for allergy symptoms.
Take Benadryl 20 minutes before bedtime; sleepiness generally occurs within 30 minutes. If you are still unable to sleep, do not take more Benadryl as this may only increase the risk of side effects like nausea and agitation that can make insomnia worse.
Benadryl can be taken with or without food, but taking it on a full stomach may reduce its sedative effect. Benadryl tablets can be split, but tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not chew.
Possible Side Effects
Benadryl is generally regarded as safe but can cause other side effects in addition to drowsiness. Many of these side effects are dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses make them worse.
Possible side effects of Benadryl include:
If you experience vision or urination issues (such as difficulty urinating or pain with urinating) while taking Benadryl, see a healthcare provider immediately.
Overdosing
Never take more than the prescribed doses of Benadryl. Doing so can lead to potentially severe side effects, including:
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you or someone you know experiences symptoms like these after taking Benadryl. People who are smaller can sometimes overdose on amounts that are otherwise OK for larger people.
Who Should Not Use Benadryl
Benadryl should not be used in the following groups:
Benadryl can also interact with certain drugs and should be avoided with:
Alternatives to Benadryl
If you have insomnia, taking Benadryl may seem the easiest solution, but it doesn’t work the same in everyone. In some people, Benadryl can cause agitation, hyperactivity, and tremors, making insomnia worse rather than better. This is especially true in children.
Several OTC alternatives to Benadryl are available that may be safer and more effective, including:
Improvements in yoursleep hygienemay also cure insomnia without the need for medications. This involves keeping to a regular sleep schedule, maintaining a dark and cool bedroom, and avoiding electronics, food, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime.
If all else fails, your healthcare provider may recommend a prescription sleep aid to be taken as needed, such asAmbien (zolpidem)or Belsomra (suvorexant).
Summary
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine with the active ingredient diphenhydramine. It can be taken 30 minutes before bed to treat insomnia but shouldn’t be used to treat sleep problems over the long term.
Although Benadryl is regarded as safe and doesn’t require a prescription, it can still cause serious side effects like vomiting and seizures if overused. When used as a sleep aid, it should never be used in anyone under age 12 or for longer than 14 days.
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17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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