Like with most drugs, I'm thinking "no". Lately, I've been taking 1-2 of those little blue tabs to get to sleep at night. I've noticed I have to take more to feel the effect and also take with alcohol. Plus, they seem to take on hours after I take them and then last into the morning when I don't want to be sleepy. How much risk is involved here? I'm currently about 220 lbs 5'7", no not all fat :) reasonable shape otherwise. Is there a better alternative? I don't take any other drugs, but I do drink occasionally. TIA for any help!
2007-01-08 11:04:14 · 4 answers · asked by twobearcatz 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Diphenhydramine Hcl is the chemical name for a drug most people know simply as Benadryl. Typically, an adult can take up to 100 mg a day -- usually in 25 mg increments. It is an antihistamine whose side effect is drowsiness. In otherwords, it depresses your system a bit -- respiratory as well as cardiovascular. I would NOT recommend taking it with alcohol. Benadryl is a relatively safe drug and can be taken daily (nightly) without cause for concern. I practically live on the stuff. I have terrible allergies and can't breath easily at night.
2007-01-08 11:22:29 · answer #1 · answered by Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually over the counter sleeping pills are for short term use only. Eventually after prolonged use, your body will build a tolerance. The best bet is to discuss it with your physician who can prescribed long-term medications that are stronger than the OTC products and some are suggested for long term use versus the short term use of most OTC medications.
2007-01-08 19:18:06 · answer #2 · answered by M D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in fact diphenylhydramine is anti-allergic,sedation is just a side effect not an indication..
for this reason normal anti-allergic theraputic dose might not be sufficient to induce sleep..
but at the end of day it is the best otc medication could be used for this purpose.
with a wide safety margin even in a higher dose than u mentioned before,for this reason diphenhydramine classified as otc drug(no need for physician prescription)
2007-01-08 19:20:18 · answer #3 · answered by zak 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to my knowledge there isnt hardly any risk taking 1 or 2 a night long term, but you build up tolerance and they will stop working and lose their sleepiness effect after about a week or two if you take them daily. its more of a once in awhile thing than an every night sleep aid
2007-01-08 19:07:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋