Question 1

what causes paradoxical reactions to benadryl (diphenhydramine). what mechanism ocurrs in the brain that makes the person stimulated rather than drowsy?

Accepted Answer

Not entirely known: But you're describing a very real phenomenon. The same can happen with pain medicines and other sedatives too.

Question 2

can i cut diphenhydramine in half?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Some Diphenhydramine comes in capsules and some in solid pills.  You can cut the pills but the capsules will just squish, break open and spill the contents.  If capsules are all you have, you can dissolve the contents in water and drink half or something we do with patients at times is to mix it with jello and have them eat the proper amount.

Question 3

what color are diphenhydramine pills?

Accepted Answer

DiphenhydramineColor: Usually they are pink or pink and white if capsules; but I do not know if soem generic version scould be white.

Question 4

can i take 75mg of diphenhydramine hci?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Diphenhydramine is the generic name of an antihistamine whose brand name is Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Drugs are usually dosed on body weight and how quickly they are usually metabolized. For this one usually every 6 hours. Most common side effect is tiredness (2 out of 3) but 1 out of 3 speed up. Never a dull moment in medicine if your always thinking about what you're doing. PS- you did not mention your weight.

Question 5

what amount diphenhydramine is an overdose?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Diphenhydramine was a major cause of seizures reported to a poison center. At a dose of 7.5mg/Kg (a total dose of  500 mg [20 OTC tablets] for a 150 pound person) many  p0eople will develop severe reactions. In doses over 1g (40 tablets) the drug may be lethal.

Question 6

how many 50 mg diphenhydramine is too much?

Accepted Answer

More than two: Do not take more than 100 mg.

Question 7

what amount of diphenhydramine is dangerous?

Accepted Answer

See Dose : The dose of Diphenhydramine in on the package and should be adhered to.

Question 8

what is 75 mg diphenhydramine usually used for?

Accepted Answer

Antihistamine: Diphenhydramine is an antihistaminen and is used to treat allergy symptpms.

Question 9

how much diphenhydramine would i need to take to od?

Accepted Answer

A lot: Diphenhydramine has a very low toxicity so you would need a very large dose.  It is sleep inducing and is used for this side effect commonly.  But why push this point unless you have some other motive.

Question 10

can you really die from an overdose of diphenhydramine?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: There are numerous studies & case reports in the medical literature of deaths due to either accidental or intentional overdoses of Diphenhydramine (benadryl). The drug has a high therapeutic index meaning the dose needed to cause death is many times higher than that needed to produce beneficial effects. Its always a good idea to be cautious with all drugs - prescribed, otc, herbal or homeopathic.

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Doctor answers about:

Diphenhydramine mechanism of action

A member asked:

What causes paradoxical reactions to benadryl (diphenhydramine). what mechanism ocurrs in the brain that makes the person stimulated rather than drowsy?

A member asked:

Can i cut diphenhydramine in half?

A member asked:

What color are diphenhydramine pills?

A member asked:

Can i take 75mg of diphenhydramine hci?

A member asked:

What amount diphenhydramine is an overdose?

A member asked:

How many 50 mg diphenhydramine is too much?

A member asked:

What amount of diphenhydramine is dangerous?

A member asked:

What is 75 mg diphenhydramine usually used for?

A member asked:

How much diphenhydramine would i need to take to od?

A member asked:

Can you really die from an overdose of diphenhydramine?

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