What is a paradoxical reaction to Benadryl?

When a medication has an effect that's the opposite of what's expected, it's called a paradoxical effect. In some people, taking Benadryl can actually have a stimulant effect, which is called paradoxical excitation. People that experience this after taking Benadryl may report feeling: excitable. nervous.
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What are adverse reactions to Benadryl?

Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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Does Benadryl cause a rebound effect?

“There are typically no rebound symptoms—it is important to keep in mind that if the antihistamine is working well and is withdrawn, there will be a recurrence of the symptoms the antihistamine was treating,” Dr. Tilles says. If you do experience side effects after ending a daily antihistamine, they are usually mild.
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Can Benadryl make you feel weird the next day?

Downsides of Using Benadryl for Sleep

Second, although diphenhydramine might make you feel drowsy and help you fall asleep faster, it often causes next-day drowsiness and a hangover-like feeling in the morning. This means that while you might fall asleep faster, you may wind up feeling worse the next day.
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How long do Benadryl side effects last?

Benadryl is quickly absorbed after oral administration and peak effects are reached within one hour. The effects of diphenhydramine last from four to six hours.
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Why does Benadryl make my heart race?

A decongestant eases congestion by constricting the blood vessels in your nasal passages. This dries up nasal mucus. But these medications can also abnormally stimulate the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. “This can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, or skipped beats.
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What medications can you not take with Benadryl?

Benadryl may interact with other types of medication, which can heighten the side effects.
...
Examples of medications that may interact with Benadryl include:
  • antidepressants.
  • stomach ulcer medicine.
  • cough and cold medicine.
  • other antihistamines.
  • diazepam (Valium)
  • sedatives.
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Can Benadryl cause psychosis?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can cause life-threatening complications in the setting of overdoses. In mild cases, patients may experience anticholinergic toxidrome. Severe symptoms include delirium, psychosis, seizures, coma, and death. Fatal cases have been reported with ingestions > 20 mg/kg.
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Can too much Benadryl cause problems?

Too much Benadryl can cause a wide variety of side effects, ranging from sleepiness and dry mouth to coma and possibly death. If you suspect someone has taken too much Benadryl and they collapse, have a seizure, or have trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.
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How many days in a row can you take Benadryl?

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with diphenhydramine does not improve, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash. Do not use diphenhydramine for longer than 2 weeks to treat sleep problems, or longer than 7 days to treat cold or allergy symptoms.
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Can Benadryl have the opposite effect?

However, it's also possible that Benadryl can do the opposite. When a medication has an effect that's the opposite of what's expected, it's called a paradoxical effect. In some people, taking Benadryl can actually have a stimulant effect, which is called paradoxical excitation.
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How long does antihistamine withdrawal last?

The antihistamine withdrawal timeline depends on the specific drug. The withdrawal signs usually begin between 48 and 96 hours after the last dose. They usually peak between days 3 and 5 and can last between 1 and 7 days.
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Can your body become dependent on antihistamines?

In medical terms, your body does not develop tolerance to antihistamines. Once you take them for months to years, you don't need increasing doses just to get the same protection that you got originally.
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Can Benadryl cause anxiety?

Antihistamines are known to cause extreme drowsiness; however, in certain people, they can cause insomnia, excitability, anxiety, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate.
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How many Benadryl is too much?

Oral Benadryl products shouldn't be taken more than 6 times each day. For adults and children over 12 years of age, the maximum is 300 mg each day. For children ages 6 to 12 years, the maximum is 150 mg each day.
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Is it OK to take Benadryl every night?

Is it safe to take diphenhydramine every night? You should not take diphenhydramine every night. While it may be helpful during limited periods of insomnia, your body will build up a tolerance for the medication over time, and it will no longer have the desired effect.
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What happens if I take 8 Benadryl?

An overdose of Benadryl may result in extreme drowsiness, blurred vision, increased heart rate, confusion, seizures – even coma. Other symptoms may include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, high blood pressure, and hallucinations.
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What are the early warning signs of psychosis?

Early warning signs before psychosis
  • A worrisome drop in grades or job performance.
  • Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating.
  • Suspiciousness or uneasiness with others.
  • A decline in self-care or personal hygiene.
  • Spending a lot more time alone than usual.
  • Strong, inappropriate emotions or having no feelings at all.
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Can Benadryl cause delirium?

Delirium symptoms could arise at any time within 48 hours of the administration of any diphenhydramine dose.
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Which patient should not use Benadryl diphenhydramine )?

You should not use diphenhydramine if you are allergic to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had: Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Diphenhydramine may slow breast milk production.
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Can I take Tylenol and Benadryl together?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Benadryl and Tylenol. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
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Does Benadryl raise your blood pressure?

Official Answer. Increased blood pressure is not a typical side effect of diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine that lowers the effects of histamines in your body. However, in rare cases, the drug may cause hypotension, or decreased blood pressure.
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Does Benadryl mess with your heart?

Benadryl can increase your heart rate and may cause more serious heart-related side effects, such as heart rhythm problems. If you already have heart disease, taking Benadryl can make your condition worse. Talk with your doctor about whether it's safe for you to take Benadryl. Liver problems.
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Can Benadryl cause arrhythmia?

Diphenhydramine and the older antihistamines are known for their anticholinergic and sedative side effects. They also have been proposed to cause arrhythmias.
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How do you know if you're allergic to Benadryl?

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
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