Even over-the-counter medications can come with risks. We see this in the misuse of various products available at most pharmacies. If you’ve been taking Benadryl more often or in higher doses than you should, you might wonder: Can you get addicted to Benadryl? If it’s causing problems in your life, what can you do about it? Northstar Recovery Center provides outpatient addiction and mental health treatment in Massachusetts. We’ll help you safely discontinue Benadryl, address the underlying causes of antihistamine abuse, and achieve long-term recovery.
Summary:
OTC antihistamines like Benadryl can be abused. Northstar Recovery Center provides outpatient addiction treatment services that can help you get and stay off Benadryl.
Can You Get Addicted to Benadryl?
Can you get addicted to Benadryl? Yes. While it is an easily accessible over-the-counter (OTC) medication, it is indeed possible to abuse Benadryl and to develop psychological dependence on it. The active ingredient in Benadryl is called diphenhydramine. It’s known to cause effects like sedation and, in high doses, psychoactive effects, like hallucinations and euphoria.
People start misusing Benadryl for different reasons. They might try it with a friend or start taking it as a form of self-medication for issues that affect their quality of life, like insomnia. It could be a problem if you notice signs like:
- An inability to cut down on Benadryl consumption, even if you try.
- Taking Benadryl in higher than recommended doses or using it more often than you are supposed to.
- Continuing to use Benadryl despite negative effects on social relationships and other important areas of life (e.g., work performance, reduced time spent on hobbies in favor of Benadryl use).
- Continuing to use Benadryl despite negative effects on your mental, physical, or cognitive health.
- Repeatedly using Benadryl in risky situations (e.g., before driving or operating heavy machinery).
- Withdrawal symptoms that occur when you do not take Benadryl (or continuing to use diphenhydramine to avoid withdrawal).
- Mood and behavior changes (e.g., feeling irritable, anxious, or having mood swings when you cannot use the drug).
- Using Benadryl for non-medical reasons.
People experience addiction in different ways. You don’t have to have every possible sign or symptom of substance abuse to have a problem. If you seem to be stuck in a pattern of Benadryl misuse, treatment can help you break it.
Northstar Recovery Center Can Help You Overcome Benadryl Abuse
Providing addiction treatment in Massachusetts, Northstar Recovery Center can help you overcome Benadryl abuse and its effects. We offer flexible substance abuse and mental health care, covered by most insurances.
Addiction Day Treatment Programs In Massachusetts
Northstars addiction day treatment programs in Massachusetts provide highly structured therapy for addiction. Similar to a typical partial hospitalization program (PHP) schedule, people in day treatment at our centers attend treatment from 9 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday and from 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays. Clients benefit from the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatments, conducted in group, individual, and family therapy sessions. For example, motivational therapies, behavioral therapies, and 12-step. Supportive holistic activities and individualized care plans promote whole-person health.
IOP In Massachusetts
Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Massachusetts is the next step down from day treatment. However, the same evidence-based, whole-person approach is used. People attending IOP for Benadyl abuse at our centers can choose from three treatment schedules:
- Mornings (9 AM to 12:00 PM).
- Afternoons (12:30 PM to 3:30 PM).
- Evenings (5:30 PM to 8:30 PM in West Springfield, 6 PM to 9 PM in Southborough).
With a reduced time commitment compared to day treatment, people in IOP at our centers are able to balance responsibilities like work with therapy. Some people start their treatment journey in IOP. Others step down to IOP after day treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
People misuse Benadryl and other drugs for different reasons. Sometimes, co-occurring mental health conditions, like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or anxiety, play a role. If you struggle with substance use and one or more additional concerns, dual diagnosis treatment is ideal because it addresses them simultaneously. Northstar Recovery Center offers in-person and online dual diagnosis treatment in Massachusetts.
Virtual Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts
Virtual addiction treatment in Massachusetts at Northstar Recovery Center makes getting help for Benadryl abuse convenient. We offer a fully virtual PHP, a fully virtual IOP, and hybrid scheduling (a blend of online and in-person therapy sessions).
Call Northstar for Help Overcoming Benadryl Addiction in Massachusetts
Misuse of over-the-counter medications, including antihistamines like Benadryl, is well-documented. Getting the help you need matters. With two in-person locations and online treatment options, Northstar Recovery Center offers comprehensive and effective addiction and substance abuse treatment. Call Northstar for help overcoming Benadryl addiction in Massachusetts today at (833) 853-8153.
FAQs
What are diphenhydramine withdrawal symptoms?
Diphenhydramine withdrawal can occur in those who stop using Benadryl after taking it continuously or in high doses. Symptoms can vary from person to person. Possible Benadryl withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating.
- Anxiety.
- Increased urination.
- Tachycardia.
- Sweating.
- Nausea.
- Insomnia.
- Agitation.
In severe cases, diphendramamine withdrawal can cause psychosis. If you have been taking Benadryl for longer or in higher doses than recommended, it is important that you talk with a medical provider who can help you stop using it safely.
What drugs should not be mixed with Benadryl?
Certain drugs should not be mixed with Benadryl. Unfortunately, many people who struggle with Benadryl abuse mix it with other drugs, including those that can cause medication interactions. This can be purposeful or unintentional. The following types of drugs may increase sedative effects when mixed with Benadryl.
- Alcohol.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Sleeping pills.
- Benzodiazepines.
- Certain antidepressants.
- Opioids.
Other side effects (e.g., dizziness, confusion) can also worsen when you combine Benadryl with drugs like benzodiazepines. You should always tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you use so that they can provide guidance and help you avoid serious interactions.
What are the side effects of Benadryl?
Antihistamines like Benadryl can cause a number of different side effects. Common side effects of Benadryl include:
- Extreme drowsiness or sedation.
- Dizziness.
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat.
- Impaired coordination.
- Urinary retention.
- Impaired judgement.
- Blurred vision.
- Constipation.
Many people have a hangover-like effect after they take Benadryl. Higher doses can increase the risk of side effects or make them more severe.
What are the risks of taking too much Benadryl?
When you take higher than recommended doses of Benadryl, it can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, and death. Getting help for Benadryl misuse can help you avoid new or worsened risks of taking too much Benadryl.
Resources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5874453/
