Is Benadryl Addictive?
Have allergic reactions to something you ate? Take Benadryl. Suddenly break out into hives from being exposed to something you’re allergic to? Take Benadryl. Having difficulty sleeping due to uncomfortable allergy symptoms? Take Benadryl. Benadryl is one of the most popular at-home medications available. Benadryl is an over-the-counter allergy medication.
In fact, this medication is so common it can be found in almost every household medicine cabinet. This first-generation antihistamine provides effective short-term relief for conditions such as reducing symptoms of allergies and the common cold, and alleviating nausea, vomiting and dizziness. In some rare cases, it has been used to treat drug-induced movement disorders like Parkinson’s called Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is a peripheral and central histamine H1 receptor. It blocks the histamine receptors in the body, which reduces symptoms of allergies and other conditions. Benadryl blocks the production of histamines, which are produced when the body encounters an allergic reaction. The anticholinergic drug blocks the response of acetylcholine and histamine. Both of these chemicals are responsible for producing allergic reactions. The drug also interacts with neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, opioids and adenosine.
The over-the-counter medication decreases or helps eliminate symptoms associated with allergies and the common cold. Symptoms such as rash, itchy and watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, runny nose and sneezing are common. The drug is available in tablet, capsule or liquid form.
Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine (DPH) and is also used to treat symptoms of anxiety and insomnia by producing feelings of sedation. The depressant effects it produces to treat anxiety and insomnia can put a user at a higher risk of developing a dependence on the drug. Though the drug is not officially labeled or considered to be a sedative drug, it can produce similar effects of depressant substances. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies Benadryl as a central nervous system depressant.
Is Benadryl addictive?
In general, Benadryl is not technically addictive. Addiction to Benadryl is not a common occurrence. However, that doesn’t stop people from abusing the drug and users can develop a psychological dependency. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, abuse is defined as using illegal or legal drugs inappropriately. This includes repeated use of drugs to produce sensations of pleasure, alleviate stress or avoid reality.
Abuse and dependency often stem from the ability to create feelings of relaxation, sedation and drowsiness. Benadryl abuse occurs when the user takes the drug more frequently than recommended or takes a higher dosage than prescribed. When taking high doses of Benadryl, it can lead to psychological dependency and a high risk for long-term psychological addiction.
Benadryl dependence can cause a state of physiological dependence when the body can adapt to medication and can only function normally when the substance is present. Users will experience withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped. Benadryl addiction is an ongoing pattern of drug-seeking behaviors that are repetitive, impulsive and habitual. Other signs include being unable to fall asleep without taking the drug, feeling anxious or confused when a dose is skipped, experiencing agitation and mood swings, impatience and in severe cases hallucinations and seizures.
Symptoms of Benadryl Abuse
- Sedation and drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Vertigo
- Blurred or double vision
- Increased heart rate and heart palpitations
- Impaired concentration, focus and memory
- Increased anxiety
- Stomach issues
- Nausea and dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
- Cognitive and functional decline
- Liver dysfunction
- Body jitters and shivering
- Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s
- Increased depression and anxiety
Risk Factors for Benadryl Abuse and Addiction
- Environment – Social influences and social norms can increase exposure to substances and increase the risk of drug abuse and developing an addiction.
- Temperamental factors – People who are impulsive and who regularly seek out novel and exciting experiences may have a genetic predisposition to become addicts. They have a lowered sense of self-control.
- Genetics and Biology – According to research and studies, women tend to have a higher risk of drug misuse compared to men.
Benadryl abuse is often supported by two other factors aside from the sedative effects it can produce. Cost and availability. Benadryl is a common over-the-counter medication that is affordable to people in many different socioeconomic groups. You can find it in any grocery store, pharmacy and even local convenience stores. The ease of accessibility along with affordability makes Benadryl abuse a concerning factor in drug addiction.
Another risk factor for Benadryl abuse is when users take the antihistamine medication to help treat sleep problems and treat symptoms of undiagnosed anxiety disorders. The way in which the human brain is wired, anything can become addictive. We are designed to seek out and continue doing anything that gives us pleasure or helps us escape physical or emotional pain.
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Benadryl Withdrawal
Benadryl withdrawal can occur when a long-term user drastically reduces intake or suddenly stops. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and cause the user to continue taking pills in order to avoid painful and negative side effects. Benadryl withdrawal symptoms include feelings of agitation, irritability, nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremors, headaches, heart palpitations, and insomnia. These symptoms can last for several days depending on the severity of the drug dependence.
What is the Benadryl Challenge?
Benadryl abuse and addiction most significantly affect teens and young adults. This is because they are easily able to access the substance. Teens often partake in substance abuse due to boredom, self-medication or social peer pressure. The Benadryl challenge was created on social media and has become widespread among teens all over. The challenge encourages young people to take dangerous amounts of Benadryl in an attempt to induce hallucinogenic effects. Some users take as many as 12 tablets at a time.
The max recommended amount within a 24 hour period is 6 tablets for users under age 12, and 12 do users over the age of 12. This drug challenge has led to overdoses and deaths prompting the FDA to send out a health warning to consumers. Social media challenges involving mind-altering substances often feed off the sadness or boredom of young people and encourage them to experiment with over-the-counter medications. On top of that, teens and young adults are easily influenced and very impulsive. Especially when they seek validation and acceptance.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Over-the-counter substances such as Benadryl have contributed to the growing popularity of abusing these types of readily available drugs. It is especially prevalent in young people who often create challenges attempting to induce euphoric side effects through the abuse of these drugs. Hotel California by the Sea specializes in treating substance use disorders in young people. This impressionable age group faces a unique set of challenges when trying to overcome their drug addiction.
Our substance use disorder program provides detox, residential, and outpatient programs. Other treatments such as CBT, DBT and group therapy also significantly affect the success of a young person’s rehab journey. Individual and group therapies provide deeper insight into the root of the addiction as well as targeting any co-occurring mental health conditions present alongside the substance addiction. Hotel California by the Sea provides the support, tools and resources for clients to reach recovery and maintain sobriety.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5874453/
https://betteraddictioncare.com/is-benadryl-addictive/
https://addictionresource.com/drugs/benadryl/
https://www.rehabcenter.net/diphenhydramine/
https://www.foundationtofreedom.org/is-benadryl-addictive
https://drugfree.org/article/what-is-the-benadryl-challenge/
https://www.addictiongroup.org/drugs/other/otc/benadryl-overdose/
https://www.addictionresource.net/blog/benadryl-addiction/