Can Benadryl worsen depression or cause irritability? I have depression and anxiety and I’m on Wellbutrin. I have terrible allergies and struggle with hives. I generally take Allegra or Claritin but sometimes I have to take Benadryl. When I take it I not only feel drugged out and exhausted the next day but I’ve noticed I’m very emotional irritable and depressed to the point I’m on the verge of tears. Anyone know if this is normal or have dealt with this?
Does Benadryl cause depression?
Question posted by Lizzy36 on 14 March 2021
Last updated on 16 March 2021
Answers
WildcatVet
14 March 2021
Hi, Lizzy!
It's rare, but yes it can in some people:
Psychiatric
Rare (0.01% to 0.1% of users): Confusion, depression, sleep disturbances
Frequency not reported: Paradoxical excitation/excitation, agitation, restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, irritability"
Best Regards,
Wildcat
Cardiovascular
Lizzy36
14 March 2021
Thanks! My allergist prescribed Xyzal and it seriously worsened my depression. I’m beginning to wonder if all antihistamines that are potent and cause drowsiness make depression symptoms worse. If so I’m Not sure what I can do for hives
WildcatVet
14 March 2021
According to the Drugs.com listings of the side effects of different antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, Xyzal, etc.) only Allegra did not list depression. It just may not have been reported by any users but
it might be worth a try?
Windchimes123
14 March 2021
Hi Liz,
I don't think it causes depression but more likely depressive-type symptoms.
It does cause sleepiness so it's more of a “downer type” of med.
You have my empathy with the hay fever. I had it all summer long to the point of staying in bed.
I'm thinking that finding a better treatment for hay fever is a better way to go.
You are younger than me... How did I know your age? I don't but everyone seems to be nowadays. Lol...
When I got sleepy from the Benadryl I switched to Claritin. Raw honey with the beeswax was given to me by my grandmother so it was an 1800 folk treatment. It would well I'm a different way. It did not give me results in 1/2 hour but it seemed to boost my immune system solo I was better able to fight. Oh, always by honey from a local vendor. The reason is the more local the bees, the better you feel. They contain the same allergen fighting pollen as we need.
You may want to try allergy shots. I didn't have this until I was 32 when I moved to Fl.
After the testing, she told me I had the worst allergies since she was in medical school!
I took the shots and I think they helped.
FYI- Interesting issue but don't do it!
I had breast cancer and getting chemo in early spring. The chemo changed something in my body! I no longer dread Spring!
I haven't sneezed in 15 years. Lol...
Be well
:-)
Lizzy36
14 March 2021
Thanks for the info! I haven’t done shots bc I can’t afford them, but the allergist I saw said I had terrible untreated allergies, even though I take OTC allergy meds.
Windchimes123
16 March 2021
Does anyone know if strong allergies causes any problems in the future?
I think asthma is one but I don't know if COPD may result.
FYI - if you take high doses of prednisone for any problems you are at risk for developing posterior cataracts later in life.
Ask me how I know... LOL!
How about auto-immune diseases?
My iPhone is acting up or I'd research it myself.
I used Claritin (?) and Benadryl at HS.
I used nasal sprays to decrease the inflammation.
I used eye drops “for allergies” around-the-clock.
Aspirin for headache and the other inflammation going on.
When it was really bad, I would give in and hit the bed with ice packs across my eyes and sinuses.
The cost of this plus suffering actually was not that much lower than the shots over the long run. Check your insurance plus any new research on getting the shots because mine was years ago.
Hope your Spring and Summer are fun anyway.
:-)
Related topics
allegra, benadryl, claritin, wellbutrin, depression, hives, allergies, anxiety, irritability
Further information
- Allegra uses and warnings
- Benadryl uses and warnings
- Claritin uses and warnings
- Wellbutrin uses and warnings
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