Benadryl Side Effects

Benadryl is a popular brand of over-the-counter treatment for allergies. Benadryl's active ingredient is a compound known as Diphenhydramine. Benadryl has several different types of allergy medications available to the public. Children's Allergy Formula by Benadryl provides allergy relief for children. Other children's products are the Benadryl Itch Stick or the Anti Itch Gel that treats bug bites. Adult formulas are Benadryl Dye Free Allergy Liqui-Gels, Quick Dissolve Strips, CapGels, UltraTabs and KapSeals. When the body creates histamines in response to an allergy trigger like cat hair or pollen, the histamines will give a person allergy symptoms. Some of those symptoms are sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that prevents those allergy symptoms from occurring.

Drowsiness

Because Benadryl was being dispensed before the formation of the Food and Drug Administration, the company is not required to give percentages on their side effects. However, the fact that Benadryl causes drowsiness is clear according to their own warning labels on their drug. Drowsiness, sleepiness and fatigue are the most commonly reported side effects of patients. Driving while taking Benadryle is not encouraged as it can make you too sleepy to drive. Patients who take the medication should not take tranquilizers or drink alcohol as this can heighten the sleepy side effect.

Allergic Reactions

While Benadryl claims only a small portion of people who take the product experience severe allergic reactions but they can be serious. An allergic reaction to Benadryl should be suspected if you experience swelling of the face, including the tongue or lips. If you have trouble breathing, develop hives or other rashes you should contact emergency personnel immediately. These are all signs of serious side effects and can even develop into life-threatening issues.

Dryness

Benadryl works by drying out runny sinuses and prevents the development of excess mucus. Because of that the product can in cases cause dryness in the mouth, the eyes or the nose. You may become thirsty and your sinuses may feel stiff or excessively dry. Cotton mouth or dry mouth is the common term for this side effect. You might be able to avoid this side effect if you decrease your dosage.

Excitability

Excitability and hyper behavior are side effects that can be experienced when taking any of the different brands of Benadryl. While this side effect occurs more regularly in children, it can also effect adults as well. Nervousness and shakiness are also signs of this side effect. These side effects are produced by the effect Benadryl has on some people's nervous system.

Trouble Urinating

Difficulty urinating is another side effect of Benadryl. Some men who take the medication also report an enlarged prostrate as a side effect. If you experience either of these side effects, you should report them to your doctor immediately.

Resources

• Virginia Hopkins Health Watch