Getty Images | Jacob Wackerhausen
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first-generation antihistamine.
Benadryl may also be taken as anoccasional sleep aidbecause it can cause sedation or drowsiness.
Understanding Benadryl
Benadryl is a medication that blocks histamine-1 (H1) receptors in the body.
Getty Images | Jacob Wackerhausen
Benadryl helps relieve allergy symptoms by blocking these receptors, preventing histamine from attaching to them.
Benadryl also attaches to histamine receptors in the brain, leading to sedation and drowsiness.
It does come with its share of risks, particularly if taken more than recommended.
Taking Benadryl every once in a while is most likely safe.
Anxietyis a feeling of unease, discomfort, and worry that everyone experiences occasionally.
Anxiety disorders are the most commonly reported psychiatric conditions.
Even with such high statistics, anxiety disorder is still considered an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition.
Research has shown that these can improve quality of life.
In addition to CBT, medication can control symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety.
Different types of anxiety disorders and lifestyle factors may lead a prescriber to select a certain drug over another.
It can also help with motion sickness and Parkinsons disease symptoms.
Anxiety is an extremely common issue that affects the mental health of millions of people.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) prescribing information.
J Clin Sleep Med.
2017 Feb 15;13(2):307-349.
Bandelow B, Michaelis S.Epidemiology of anxiety disorders in the 21st century.
2015;17(3):327-335.
Thibaut F.Anxiety disorders: a review of current literature.
2017;19(2):87-88.
2014 Dec;82(6):1228].
J Consult Clin Psychol.
2014;82(3):375-391.
Published 2020 Dec 23.
