i've read that benadryl (diphenhydramine) can both raise and lower blood pressure - which is correct? i take 50mg at night to help fall asleep.

Question

Can Benadryl (diphenhydramine) lower blood pressure?

Answer 1

Neither: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) has no direct effect on BP and is one of the safest medicines available and fine to use as you're using it for sleep. It's given to the very elderly and the very young safely. Remember that you can purchase it inexpensively as the generic: Diphenhydramine which works just fine also.

Answer 2

Sleep Disorder: If you are taking medication to fall asleep at night you probably have a sleep related breathing disorder. Sleep problems can cause high blood pressure in addition to many other problems including higher incidence of stroke, heart attack, prediabetes, etc. If you are experiencing poor sleep and/or on a regular basis see you md about a sleep evaluation.

Answer 3

One marker: Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are one marker of auto-immune disease. There are sub-types of ANA that have specificity for different diseases. The antibodies may not be the casue of disease, but a marker of the disorder.

Answer 4

No: If you donated blood a month ago, you should not be having pain. This would most likely be from phlebitis or irritation to the vein. I would have someone take a look at this or call the facility that drew the blood.

Answer 5

Bleeding: If you are referring to warfarin, it can cause severe bleeding. If aspirin, bleeding and kidney problems. Be very careful with all blood thinners. One needs to be monitored for symptoms and signs of bleeding. If there are concerns, contact your provider.

Answer 6

↑ed Bleeding NotThin: Blood viscosity is primarily due to surface adhesiveness of red blood cells. Blood viscosity is ↓ed in anemia (RBCs farther apart), but this is not healthy. All the agents commonly referred to as "thinners" either ↓ blood clotting or stimulate blood clot destruction proteins. Thus all are anti-clotting agents, do not ↓ blood viscosity; are recommended to ↓ clots inside blood vessels, & ↑ bleeding.

Answer 7

Be careful: It is common to feel somewhat light headed after donating blood. Everyone reacts differently, but by donating you are briefly compromising your own circulatory effectiveness for a short period of time. It rebounds very quickly.

Answer 8

Viral infection: Leukopenia, low white cell count, is most often caused by viral infection. A number of different conditions or infections have to be considered as well.

i've read that benadryl (diphenhydramine) can both raise and lower blood pressure - which is correct? i take 50mg at night to help fall asleep.

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Similar questions

How are ANA blood tests related to autoimmune disease?

Is it common to have a sore arm after donating blood a month ago?

What could happen from an overdose of blood thinner?

Why did I have a near-syncope episode after giving blood?

What causes a teen to have low white blood cell count?

Related questions

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Found in:

People also asked

Related topics

Disclaimer:

Get the free app for Members

Get the free app for Doctors