Has the drug Benadryl changed recently?

Question

I have a food allergy. In the past when I felt the reaction coming on I could take Benadryl and keep the reaction down until it passed. Now I'm having trouble keeping the reaction under control. I wondered if they have weakened the over the counter version of Benadryl

I thought I should add that I realize that my alllergic reaction could be getting stronger...
However, I noticed that the side effects of ther Benadryl are no longer present these days...
That is.... I don't get tired or "loopy" or "unable to operate machinery" like I used to a year or more ago when this last happened.

Thanks MrsZ but Claritin has no effect at all for me. Benadryl used to be great but no more...

Answer 1

Benadryl has not changed, it's still diphenhydramine. All Benadryl is over-the-counter and they have not altered anything.

I would try generic Claritin, it's very effective in treating hives and other allergy symptoms. If you get Claritin D, it will have sudafed in it and you might not want the stimulant effect of the sudafed.

As your local pharmacy for generic Claritin, they can show you where it is and you don't need a prescription for it. Take just ONE per day.

Answer 2

Sometimes our response to medications changes over time. What was once effective is no longer working as well. Perhaps this is the case with you. I haven't noticed any changes in Benadryl, and you'd have to be familiar with the milligrams to know if they've changed the amount per dose.

Answer 3

Ive been using benadryl for 10 years now for my allergy and to aid my sleep. I have not noticed any changes.

Answer 4

I am so glad you posted this. I have been wondering what the heck is going on. I have allergies too. I have been upping my doseage and still get no relief. Maybe they have weakened it. Maybe we should contact them.