I enjoyed the sedation and excitability that occurred. .. So I started to take it a lot. Basically abusing it. And now I cant get off of it because I do experience withdrawal when I don't take it. What should I do?? And is is common?
Has anyone had any dependance issue 's with diphenhydramine use?
Question posted by whitneylove92 on 11 Oct 2013
Last updated on 8 May 2025
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
40 Answers Page 3
Payneival
14 Dec 2016
I am struggling with trying to stop taking benadryl. I know I am only hurting myself. I usually take 30 or more a day. And my concern is the long term effects of this drug. I have a 14 year old son who needs his Mom around for a very long time. I feel very selfish and guilty. I'm going to start tomorrow to try to stop the Insanity. I will appreciate any kind of pep talk. Wish me luck. Thanks.
Stormysea0
20 March 2017
I had gotten up to 150 milligrams a day when I realized I had to quit. I was taking it for sleep. I'm not sure how to advise you on that high of a dosage. I think you should have a doctor monitor you while you're getting off of it because it sounds dangerous. I tapered down as quickly as my withdrawals allowed which ended up being many months. I don't know how long you have been taking Benadryl but I took it for several years. I supplement with tryptophan (as a source of Serotonin) to help with the mood swings caused by what I'm assuming is a drop in serotonin. Benadryl causes us to produce serotonin so when we stop taking it I'm guessing it causes a serotonin deficiency. Anyway, tryptophan works for me. So I take those during the day as needed and 3 before I go to bed to help me sleep. I'm also high dosing on magnesium, vitamin C, and turmeric. Hope this helps you or anyone else who might be reading this.
jkp2015
3 Nov 2015
I took increasing doses of diphenhydramine for sleep over the course of several years. I was taking upwards of 300 mg per night, and definitely had withdrawal sickness when I tried to quit. It took a while to realize the discontinuation of the drug was what was causing my sickness (terrible nausea, headache, just felt horrible). It was a long weening off process for me, decreasing by 25 mg. at a time over the course of many, many months. A year or so later, I began taking it again, and went through the same thing. I avoid taking it at all, now. I've never found any medical literature about this, but after going through it twice, I am convinced that there are physical withdrawals after discontinuing this drug, at least after long term, high dosage use.
Stormysea0
20 March 2017
This is similar to my experience. I've been taking it every night for many years and it is taking me months to taper from 150 milligrams. Right now I'm down to 12 milligrams. I have a long list of withdrawal symptoms which are way too extreme for me to function if I taper any faster than I am. Lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, weak, numbness and lack of coordination in my arms, itchy burning eyes, itching everywhere, constant nasal drip, difficulty urinating, constipation, this weird thing that causes the base of a finger to turn black every now and then, scary mood issues, dry mouth, and inflammation.
Ruth2020
2 June 2020
What were your withdrawal symptoms?
hummelk86
22 July 2015
I also have taken benadryl for a while and at first I could be fine with or without it. However, over time, I observed me feeding a large growing appetite to counter react my immunity to the medications. I spent the last 3 days in absolute misory and baffle because I had a migraine, insomnia, indigestion, nausea, and irritability. It finally occured to me when I had my fiance pick up a bottle at the store and I took some to try to sleep and calm my anxiety all my symptoms disappeared. I am going to taper my dose and get off of it first thing. But, it is true and very real for anyone out there that is wondering. That is how and why I found this page to post to. Thanks for all the useful and un-useful comments and information. I appreciate the education and knowledge on the topic.
kootenayboy
9 July 2015
I believe I have experienced similar, I started taking benadryl as it seemed to really help with some health issues I had including dental abscesses it gave me energy to be active as well as helped me sleep but when I stopped taking them I got totally zapped of energy soar all over, nausea headaches and sinus infections (cause of headaches and migraines) cold sweats etc Id be interested to know if you experienced the same?
Stormysea0
20 March 2017
with the exception of the chills, I've experienced all of that plus many more symptoms.
ASTROBECK11885
14 Feb 2015
I have been taking HIGH doses (350mg) of diphenhydramine with a few gulps of nyquil or a few beers every night for probably 6 months now, if not longer? I have no choice but to quit now because I have damaged my heart my taking this drug. I am lucky I haven't had a heart attack yet. And I am only 29! I have had very bad pain and tightening in my chest after taking these drugs and I quickly took blood pressure meds and tried to relax and it went away so who knows how bad the damage is at this point cus I'm scared to have it checked again. Last night was my first night without the drugs and I had very restless sleep with strange and vivid dreams And a couple periods of sleep paralysis. Today I feel very dizzy with sharp striking pains in my eyes. The withdrawal is DEFINITELY NOT only psychological.
But no matter how crappy it feels or how long it takes to get back to a normal and restful sleep schedule, I HAVE TO QUIT OR IT WILL DESTROY MY HEART!! Please, anyone taking these meds to sleep better or because they like the high, ITS NOT WORTH IT!! PLEASE STOP NOW!! Research it online, prolonged use, or even just short periods of high doses CAUSES DAMAGE TO YOUR HEART! I know its hard to stop but its worth going thru a week or so of discomfort if it will save your life. Take it from someone who knows first hand!!
at_123nana
5 July 2015
I have been taking Benadryl for 3 months everyday 1 to 2 pills for allergies because I find that that's the only thing that has helped me during summer. i was told it's not good to take Benadryl every day cause it's not good for you to take long lasting and it's not good for your body once I stopped the next day I got a really bad head cold chills conjestune in my head and nose severe dizziness fatigue went to the doctor and she said i have allergies?. I was confused cause my allergie symptoms I've had my whole life have never felt like that I knew the difrence between a cold and allergies ,but know I can't seem to get rid of this constant dizziness heart racing fatigue naseau heaviness on my eyes and feeling out of it thought this might have to do with not taking Benadryl anymore but I have no idea ..
FlOrlanJo
22 Dec 2015
I've seen this.
What has compounded your situation is that you are withdrawing from both diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan, at the same time.
Don't be afraid to visit your local ER. You're not going crazy. Your having panic attacks, caused by withdrawal.
However, I would not accept any benzodiazepines(Valium, Klonopin, Ativan, Xanax, etx... ) for your symptoms. The difference in the withdrawals is like jumping off a 6 foot ladder, then jumping of a six story building.
If anything, just ask them to make sure you're not having a heart attack.
What they'll do is take 3 samples of blood, if your first cardiac enzyme level is elevated. They'll also do a couple of EKG's, to rule out something like "Ischemia."
I may take a day, or overnight, to give you a clean bill of health. But, in the end, it will make it easier for you deal with your dilemma. You'll feel happy that you're getting all that stuff out of your system.
Ruth2020
14 May 2020
Hi, I know it’s been a while, but I have been going through almost the same thing you did. How is your heart? I’m so worried about the withdrawals I have been having, I’ve been to the emergency room 2 times and nothing abnormal was found. But I still get tachycardia and it’s soooo scary. Please let me know anything.
Ruth2020
22 May 2020
Hi! How have you been? Is everything ok with your heart?
ChristyInOregon
27 Dec 2014
ABSOLUTELY YES! How did it turn out? Got off of diphenhydramine for good? Or, like me today, finally bought more; curing the withdrawal symptoms in a matter of hours?
crissit
22 Dec 2014
My 10 yr old has adhd although i dont use any prescription meds concerning this issue; her anxiety was high interferring with her relaxing enough to fall asleep, i opted for the childrens benedryl 5mls. But now it seems shes dependant on it.
ie: complaints of being extremely hot, restless, nightsweats, now today (day 3) without it shes having unexplained fever. No one else is ill in the home and no usual signs like sore throat, cough, runny nose, or painful frequent or burning urination, also no swollen lymph nodes so im also wondering if this otc med isnt the issue.
And im sorry but I dont trust fda reports anymore as allot of products are being passed to the public without or irregardless of what shows up in testing.
ChristyInOregon
27 Dec 2014
My symptoms exactly and I've been taking a higher daily dose for several years! Like any med (otc or rx) that has withdrawal symptoms, using a tapering off method will greatly reduce or eliminate these symptoms.
How long did it take for her to get through the withdrawal symptoms?
crissit
28 Dec 2014
About a week. The fever was one night then her body twitching randomly throughout the nights to follow with mood changes noticed from high anxiety to irritability throughout the day.
mitjason
12 Oct 2013
This is not uncommon. Diphenhydramine is 90% of all over-the-counter sleep-aids. People have different tolerances. For example, when I was a child my mom would give me a dose of Benadryl to help me sleep. It worked great. Now that I'm older, Benadryl does nothing for me in regards to sleep. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine which can cause sedation and relaxation. It's even prescribed off label to treat mild forms of anxiety. It's very similar to Hydroxyzine.
I'd gradually tamper your dose down. It's a relatively safe drug (dose dependent) so take your time if the dose you're taking isn't too ridiculously high. Do to the fact that you have such an intense reaction to Benadryl, I would highly recommend that you be very careful with any other drugs in the future.
The most important information I could give you is to go see a doctor. They are there to help you. Preferably see an addiction specialist. They see individuals dependent on every drug imaginable. A doctor can also prescribe you something else if needs be. It may be that you have a lot of anxiety so the benadryl makes you feel better. Hydroxyzine is similar and is used to treat anxiety. First things first though.. See a doctor. People get stuck on the over the counter sleeping aids which all pretty much contain Diphenhydramine. They can't sleep without them.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Delila
12 Oct 2013
Hi, i am also confused, you get excitability from Diphenhydramine? All i ever had was relaxation/drowsiness, or improved sleep. Can you explain what withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing? Low mood, insomnia? And have you been taking it with any other substance? Of course your body will get used to what you put in to it over 'long' periods of time, so you will notice a difference. What did you start taking Diphenhydramine for in the first place?
kaismama
12 Oct 2013
I went searching for info, and they all say its a psychological dependence. I can't see taking it like that, a normal dose puts me almost in coma, lolol
whitneylove92
22 Dec 2014
Well my normal dosage is 100mg. I experience headache, shaking, nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite abd generally I just feel like crap without it. I understand it could be a psychological dependence but why would I have physical withdrawal symptoms. I have a history of drug issues.
kaismama
27 Dec 2014
Why would you take that much to start with?
ASTROBECK11885
14 Feb 2015
If you take a high enuff dose, esp mixed with nyquil or alcohol, you def get a very euphoric feeling and your heart rate almost doubles which over time causes anxiety and heart damage.
PhoenixWarrior214
6 July 2018
There are so many affects of this you wouldn't believe. I myself used it for insomnia. (Yes that's normal, they market it as such). It's not just a psychological dependence thing. My medication prescribed explained it's the reason for my grogginess, dizziness, and increased anxiety (ie, excitably). Now that I'm done to 25mg I believe her as I notice the difference. I'm eager to get off it. This post has reminded me one week at 25mg does not negate 1 year at 50mg-150mg. Thanks.
Farome1762
6 Nov 2018
I have been taking Benadryl/diphenhydramine , for the last 3 months throughout the day and night. As I have been trying to stop taking lorazepam for severe anxiety and panic attacks. I have had the lorazepam for the last 4-5 days only 0.5mg, and have been use to this dose for the last month, but have been experiencing, severe nausea vomiting, severe sleepiness or sleeplessness, headache, & a general feeling of illness. I have had withdrawal experience before with other medications, and could not seem to shake the feeling. Went to the urgent care & was diagnosed with a UTI, so I have been taking an antibiotic for this, but still can’t shake this horrible horrible feeling of sickness. I couldn’t figure out what it could be, & then I realized I haven’t had any Benadryl for atleast 5 days or so.
I am a health care professional & know Benadryl is completely safe and does not have any potential risks for abuse or dependence, however I also know, anything you take or give to your body for over 30 days, your body can get immune to it. Just to see if it would make a difference, I took some Benadryl 37mg, and I feel a HUGE difference. My stomach is much calmer, my headache is almost gone, & the edge has been taken off the sick feeling I had. I feel a lot more comfortable. This is a double edge sword. I want to feel better but I don’t want to be dependent on another medication. Anyhow this comment was originally intended to let people know from personal experience, yes I think a person may become dependent on, or have some form of withdrawals from Benadryl, and not just psychological, physically it can happen. Good luck to anyone else who has to go thru this!
Jgintner
25 June 2019
I had the same experience and went off of them cold turkey. It took three days of being sick but but the third or fourth day I was back to almost normal. My symptoms were the same. See my response to the original question below.
Jgintner
25 June 2019
Curious, was your drug history related to opioids? I had a very similar experience and also had a brief stint with opioid dependency post surgery. Wondering if there is a correlation between previous opioid dependency and Diphenhydramine withdrawal symptoms?
black-shores
1 Feb 2020
at high doses it makes your mind very creative and loopy... I like writing music before and after bed, after a decent benadryl dose I get melodies naturally in my head. Sometimes I don't even realize it... I start trying to put words to these melodies and if it's good enough I will record them into my phone for music producing. The problem is it's used for sleep... so you have to build up a high enough tolerance that it doesn't make you drowsy but still gives that full body heaviness feeling... at this point it's very easy to have extremely high creativity.
The high doses actually dehydrate your body, give you cotton mouth, and bowel movements... so you also will lose weight... if you have a history of eating disorders or care way too much about your weight, this will also psychologically play a role.
So you can pretty much be sexy, write awesome music, AND get sleep when otherwise you struggle in these aspects within your life.
So yeah... DPH is more than just an "antihistamine"... it'd be nice if I could go take other antihistamines to boost creativity, stay slim, and sleep... but I've researched and none of the others will do this. :/
bmmencke
13 May 2020
I started taking it in 2017 in May. I got off it in March of 2020. It was on again and off again cycle. My withdrawals included:
Nausea
Restlessness
Vomiting
Irritability
Feels of hot and cold
Lack of insomnia
Depression (got worse in that time bc I do deal with a mood disorder)
Fatigue
Ruth2020
15 May 2020
Hi! Have you had any palpitations and tachycardia?
kaismama
11 Oct 2013
Since benadryl is an antihistamine I find it quite odd indeed. You are only the second person I've heard of. It should not be causing withdrawal, and I wonder if its psychological. Tell your dr. I have no idea how you would go about stopping an antihistamine except to stop it.
Delila
12 Oct 2013
Hi,i also considered psychological withdrawals??
FlOrlanJo
22 Dec 2015
It's definitely NOT psychological. Most studies do not include those who have taken the drug, in extremely large doses, of years at a time.
I'm retired now. But, over years of work, in a hospital emergency room, I saw enough incidents to know the truth.
My advice, to those trying to come out off of long term diphenhydramine abuse, is to stay strong and know that it gets easier, after first getting harder. You should avoid all caffeine and NOT go back, attempting to take one pill to lesson the effect of your withdrawal.
Taking a brisk walk, for about a half hour, will help you work out the jitters.
You can get through this.
Delila
24 Dec 2015
Hi, i think the confusion here is that there are various versions of Benadryl marketed under the same name. Various countries use different active ingredients...
CatPBWater
14 May 2017
Like you said there are no studies like that. But obviously we are the best choice to give data on this. This is horrible to ditch.
VolunteerCowboy
22 March 2021
Oh—it’s a LOT easier than you think. If you take 6-8 at one time, you don’t get tired or sleepy. It’s almost the opposite effect — not exactly, but close.
Trust me. These people are 100% right!
Related topics
drug dependence, sedation, diphenhydramine, withdrawal
Further information
- Diphenhydramine uses and safety info
- Diphenhydramine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Diphenhydramine (detailed)
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