Tampa, FL
A 32-year-old male asked:
Is there a difference between diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine for anxiety?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Aruna Adaikkalamanswered
Internal Medicine 40 years experience
Diphenhydramine ?: People have a tendency to take benadryl- diphenhydramine for sleeplessness. Ideally is not the good medicine for anxiety. Side effects are more .Has some effects on the central nervous system ,can cause confusion -especially in elderly people, mouth dryness, fast heart rate,urinary retention -more evident in elderly men with big prostate glands.We call this as anticholinergic effect.Hydroxine-ok
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 20, 2016
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