Should I take benadryl to relax me?

Question

I get panic attacks during exams and I have one tomorrow should i take benadryl or is there anything else over the counter I should take?

Answer 1

Benadryl is a safe OTC drug to take that will give you a calming effect...Nyquil will also work as it has pseudoephedrine and a very small amount of alcohol in it....just enough to make you drowsy and give you a calming effect....Either one is fine as long as you don't have any underlying medical conditions like seizures....You can't use Nyquil or meds containing pseudoephedrine when you have a seizure disorder.

If you have panic attacks you should consider discussing that with your doctor...maybe you could get a prescription for something like xanax....I use that for anxiety...I have horrible anxiety before and during exams....it helps me alot.

Answer 2

Benadryl is an antihistamine. You can buy it over the counter and sometimes doctors will suggest people take it to relax them before a physical exam. However, I would not take it before taking a school exam. It will make you very drowsy and not be able to concentrate. There are not any good drugs to take over the counter for panic attacks that will not make you drowsy. Doing exercise the morning of your exam is about the only thing I could advise that would get oxygen moving to your brain that would allow you to concentrate and relax at the same time. Drinking chamomile tea is a very good relaxant. Also, in the herbal plant family is kava kava which will relax you, yet allow you to focus. You can use kava kava as a tea or in pill form.

Answer 3

I can't believe how people can suggest you take benadryl for anxiety! We are taking way too many drugs for nothing, what is wrong with this picture? I agree with the guy about the lavender oil and if you have to take something and can't use deep breathing techiniques, then at least take something that is meant for anxiety! Passion flower, chamomile and scullcap are some good ones that won't make you drowsy. Go to a health food store or to the link below.

Answer 4

I am not a doctor and neither is anyone else that may or may not answer this question. The only thing that I can suggest that you do to relax yourself before a test is not to study and not to think about it for a couple of days (if you have spent at 30 minutes of each day reviewing the material that will be covered on test - i.e. studying well before the test). On the day that you are scheduled to test I suggest that you take a few deep breaths before picking up your pencil. You should also read through your test, looking for questions that you know the answer to, and than answering those questions first. Do not spend your test time worrying about rather or not you have answered every question. Do not spend your test time worrying about rather or not you answered each question correct. Just take the test. If you find yourself stumbling or having difficultly take a deep breath and tell yourself that you know it and take your time. You'll pass.

Answer 5

I take benadryl to sleep at night so it does relax you---but---do you want to go into a test"foggy"? A good nights rest before a test and do not burn the midnight oil trying to cram. In the morning have some strong coffee and do some exercise in the morning to get yourself revved up for a test you know you not only can pass but will. Before the test ask God to help you be calm and to direct your mind to your task on hand. I alway wrote the initials JMJ on the corner of every test paper for help. JMJ stands for Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

Answer 6

Half a Benadryl you can relax your pain away,
Benadryl just seems to make you sleepy! Ask your doctor....

Answer 7

no. it might make you too drowsy to concentrate.

instead, avoid caffeine on the evening before and the day of the test. that includes not just coffee, energy drinks, and soda, but other things like chocolate and iced tea.

go for a walk or run (whichever relaxes you) on the evening before the test. this will help you sleep better.

if you can't sleep or start to freak out, remember this: if you have studied for the test, then you have done all you can do.

Answer 8

benadryl is made for allergies not panic attacks. Talk to a doctor to see if you can solve your panic attacks.

Answer 9

Bendryl does give me a calming feeling when it doesn't completely knock me out (which is usually the case). I've also found that Non-drowsy dramamine works the same way. Give that a try for your test. Both are antihistamines (sp?), so have similar affects on your body.

Answer 10

Doesn't benadryl make you tired or lethargic? Try deep breathing and relaxing:)