Question 1

what are sedating antihistamines for insomnia?

Accepted Answer

Benadryl (diphenhydramine).....: is probably the most readily available sedating antihistamine. It is a common ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) preparations for sleep, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) PM -- the PM part is diphenhydramine, the generic name for Benadryl. Another one I like to use is hydroxyzine (also known as Vistaril or Atarax) but that is only available as a prescription, however its metabolite is Zyrtec, which is OTC.

Question 2

i understand that one cannot become addicted to antihistamines, however, can't people become addicted to the sedating effects of drugs?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance: You become tolerant to the sedative effect of first generation antihistamines and with time you will no longer feel sedated from them. If you are using then as a sleep aid, will you need more with time to achieve the same level of sedation. It is not an addiction, it is tolerance to the medication.

Question 3

if i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) before getting on a plane, will the sedation from it help with my plane anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Causes drowsiness: Might suggest this be dealt with like one handles stage fright.  Try a beta-blocker like propanalol or timolol.  Another choice, alprazolam, which could keep you more awake.  Talk to your doc, as these approaches are all generic and relatively cheap.

Question 4

i am taking benadryl (diphenhydramine) with minimal side effects only light sedation. going to try hydroxyzine. will i get more side effects than benadryl (diphenhydramine)?

Accepted Answer

Maybe...: I only found one head to head comparison and the study was small. Seems that hydroxyzine has more "anti-itch" effect. The side effects were similar.  In a non-scientific website surveying users, seems that Hydroxyzine had more reported side effects.  I would like to know what kind of effect are you looking for.  They both have some similar and different actions.

Question 5

if i have developed resistance to benadryl's sedating effects( +/-150mg), will it still work4allergy?

Accepted Answer

Give it a try: Diphenhydramine (benedryl) is a very effective antihistamine, holding on to histamine binding sites better than some products. Its drawback other than sedation has been its limited duration of effect, eclipsed by products like zyrtec (cetirizine) that can last all day. Sedation is not a measure of its worth, only its ability to get into your brain and mess with neurotransmitters.

Question 6

10mgs a day amitriptyline for migraines. is it ok to skip a day occas? is missing a dose dangerous? what if i feel overly sedated from benadryl (diphenhydramine) once?

Accepted Answer

Regularly is best: Amitriptyline is effective as a medicine to prevent migraines, making migraines less intense and less frequent over time. It is not dangerous to miss a dose, but this will decrease the effectiveness. Both Amitriptyline and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) have a chemical property known as anticholinergic; each on its own can cause sleepiness, and that effect is compounded when they are taken together.

Question 7

my son is scheduled for dental work with sedation tomorrow & has to fast from tonight. is it safe to give benadryl (diphenhydramine) in the morning for motion sickness?

Accepted Answer

Ask your dentist: This is a question that only your treating dentist should answer.  He\she knows your son's complete medical history, what he\she is prescribing for the sedation, and is responsible for your son's care and wellbeing. Call and ask.

Question 8

i was given concious sedation. for a tube change. i received pepcid,zofran, versed, benadryl and fentanyl in my iv was wondering if those meds were safe to give together, with little space between doses. second can any of them delay bladder emptying?

Accepted Answer

Yes they are safe: Obviously dose is Important, but in educated hands, with monitoring, these meds are both safe and effective to use for conscious sedation. These meds do not restrict urine outflow or interfere with  bladder emptying.  Good,luck

Question 9

what is the best time to take an antihistamine?

Accepted Answer

Any time: You can take antihistamines any time of the day.Take them same time of day everyday.

Question 10

can i die by taking too many antihistamine tablets?

Accepted Answer

Taking lethal over: Dose would do that.  Lethal overdoses of antihistamines are rare. Are you considering taking an overdose of antihistamines? If so, please get help right away. You can use national suicide hotlines 24/7 at 1-800-suicide (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273 – talk (1-800-273-8255). If you have accidentally taken too many antihistamines please contact 1-800-222-1222 (poison control hotline). Take care.

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Doctor answers about:

Polaramine sedating antihistamine

A member asked:

What are sedating antihistamines for insomnia?

A member asked:

I understand that one cannot become addicted to antihistamines, however, can't people become addicted to the sedating effects of drugs?

A member asked:

If i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) before getting on a plane, will the sedation from it help with my plane anxiety?

A member asked:

I am taking benadryl (diphenhydramine) with minimal side effects only light sedation. going to try hydroxyzine. will i get more side effects than benadryl (diphenhydramine)?

A member asked:

If i have developed resistance to benadryl's sedating effects( +/-150mg), will it still work4allergy?

A member asked:

10mgs a day amitriptyline for migraines. is it ok to skip a day occas? is missing a dose dangerous? what if i feel overly sedated from benadryl (diphenhydramine) once?

A member asked:

My son is scheduled for dental work with sedation tomorrow & has to fast from tonight. is it safe to give benadryl (diphenhydramine) in the morning for motion sickness?

A member asked:

I was given concious sedation. for a tube change. i received pepcid,zofran, versed, benadryl and fentanyl in my iv was wondering if those meds were safe to give together, with little space between doses. second can any of them delay bladder emptying?

A member asked:

What is the best time to take an antihistamine?

A member asked:

Can i die by taking too many antihistamine tablets?

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