Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine. This can help a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose.You may take an antihistamine every day to keep long-term allergy symptoms under control. Types of antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamine. If you take an antihistamine frequently or daily, your health care provider may recommend a second-generation antihistamine as they are less likely to cause side effects like sleepiness and fatigue ...Long-term side effects Over-the-counter Benadryl is approved for temporary or short-term use and is not intended for long-term use. There is very little scientific research about the long-term ...Benadryl helps reduce the effects of natural chemicals in the body called histamines. It is used to treat the side effects of an allergic reaction, including: Benadryl can be taken to relieve the symptoms of hayfever (seasonal allergies) and motion sickness. It can also be taken to induce sleep and treat certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease.Jul 9, 2015 · Higher dosage or long-term use of common drugs with anticholinergic effects is linked to significantly increased risk of dementia - including Alzheimer’s - says large study. Benadryl is a brand of diphenhydramine. As far as long term effects. Look up Benadryl or diphenhydramine and dementia on google then come back to me. I am a 10 year 50mg daily user of diphenhydramine and am slowly stopping this stuff. The past few weeks I have been reducing to 1/2. Trust me, take this for long term and you increase risk of ...Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine. This can help a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose.In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart. Nasal sprays deliver a decongestant right where you need it. In theory, this should minimize cardiovascular effects.Besides having side effects including drowsiness, confusion, and urinary retention, a new study shows that frequent, long-term use of older antihistamines are associated with an increased risk of ...Experts say skip antihistamines. Dana Benson. 713-798-8267. Houston, TX - Jun 28, 2021. Share this article. For people who take an antihistamine such as Benadryl for a cold or allergies, drowsiness is often a welcome side effect. But a Baylor College of Medicine sleep expert cautions against turning to this type of medication as a sleep aid.Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, meaning it is one of the earlier drugs developed in this category of medications. First-generation antihistamines, like Benadryl, are often noted for their sedative side effects as they have the ability to travel to your brain (i.e. crosses the blood-brain barrier), which is why they can make you ...Jul 9, 2020 · This video examines the question and remark: Benadryl long term side effects! I WISH I had KNOWN! Benadryl is a common OTC medication and is also known as D... Sleep aids: The options. Sleep aids available without a prescription are widely available. Common choices and the potential side effects include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention. Doxylamine (Unisom).In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart. Nasal sprays deliver a decongestant right where you need it. In theory, this should minimize cardiovascular effects.Answer (1 of 2): Here is one long term study: “These drugs are called anticholinergics, among them the first-generation antihistamines that are now marketed as sleep aids.Sep 14, 2022 · Benadryl helps reduce the effects of natural chemicals in the body called histamines. It is used to treat the side effects of an allergic reaction, including: Benadryl can be taken to relieve the symptoms of hayfever (seasonal allergies) and motion sickness. It can also be taken to induce sleep and treat certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Inhaled corticosteroids are often used daily as part of treatment for asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers (allergens). Side effects are generally minor and can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators.Benadryl dosage for dogs. The correct dosage of diphenhydramine for dogs depends on their weight. A small dog will need much less than a big dog to receive the same positive effects. According to ...Addiction and Misuse. Another cause of overdose is an addiction to Diphenhydramine. Patients can become addicted to Benadryl after taking it for an extended period or when it is used for recreational purposes. Side effects of Diphenhydramine overdose often cause long-term damage, which can be fatal to patients ingesting it.Jul 27, 2017 · Take one to two 50mg tablets at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime. The maximum dose of two tablets works best for sleep. You can take Dramamine with or without food, but make sure you take a dose with a full glass of water 1 2. Swallow tablets whole; don't crush or chew. Plan on taking Dramamine four to six hours prior to waking for the next ... The short answer seems to be yes. While occasionally taking a Benadryl for sleep probably won’t lead to significant weight gain, chronic use of antihistamines can interfere with weight loss efforts. If you need an antihistamine for frequent allergy symptoms, however, the best choice is Claritin because it does not cross into the brain and has ...Taking an over-the-counter sleep aid with diphenhydramine once in a while is generally not going to cause problems, other than a possible hangover the next day. Older people, however, can get confused when taking diphenhydramine because it also blocks a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which plays a big role in attention and short-term memory.The short answer seems to be yes. While occasionally taking a Benadryl for sleep probably won’t lead to significant weight gain, chronic use of antihistamines can interfere with weight loss efforts. If you need an antihistamine for frequent allergy symptoms, however, the best choice is Claritin because it does not cross into the brain and has ...Oct 3, 2022 · Applies to diphenhydramine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral disintegrating strip, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating. General The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, dizziness, and incoordination. Oct 6, 2015 · Caution should be exercised for long-term use of Benadryl (diphenhydramine), an antihistamine and a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, because of the association of increased risk for dementia. Aug 15, 2023 · It can sometimes cause a decrease in memory, confusion, and thinking issues. These side effects are more common in elders. In addition, taking Benadryl long-term might increase the risk of dementia. People aged> 65 who took medications such as Benadryl daily for over three years had an increased risk of dementia. What are the side effects of Benadryl ... Diphenhydramine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. ... (such as a long car ride, airplane or boat travel, amusement park rides, etc ...Long-term use of Benadryl can also lead to constipation and confusion. Interactions. Benadryl containing diphenhydramine can interact with alcohol as both are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness may be enhanced when taking alcohol with diphenhydramine.Anxiety. Asthma. Car Sickness. Insomnia. Motion sickness. Reactions to Vaccines. Because one of the common side effect of Benadryl in dogs is drowsiness, your vet may use it to alleviate dog anxiety, particularly associated with traveling and motion sickness that may occur during plane rides or car trips.Oct 3, 2022 · Applies to diphenhydramine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral disintegrating strip, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating. General The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, dizziness, and incoordination. Hives. Swelling and inflammation. Redness. Runny nose and eyes. Coughing. Sneezing. Anaphylactic reaction. One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which can help to calm anxious dogs ...• Common side effects of montelukast include upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, earache or ear infection, flu, runny nose, and sinus infection. Overdosing on diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can also lead to more serious side effects like severe confusion, seizures, low blood pressure, involuntary muscle spasms, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there), and heart rhythm problems. In fact, the FDA released a warning to avoid high doses of diphenhydramine.Side effects of antihistamines that make you drowsy can include: sleepiness (drowsiness) and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement – do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines. dry mouth. blurred vision. difficulty peeing. Side effects of non-drowsy antihistamines can include: headache.Effects of Long-Term Diphenhydramine Use The information regarding the effects of prolonged Benadryl use is once again not known, as prospective studies analyzing its prolonged use do not exist. There are some exceptions to the above statement, however, the following are related to the long-term use of any antihistamine medication and ...Oct 3, 2022 · Adults and children ≥12 years of age receiving conventional or orally disintegrating tablets: Headache, somnolence, fatigue, dry mouth. Fixed combination loratadine (the active ingredient contained in Claritin) pseudoephedrine sulfate preparations: Insomnia, dry mouth, headache, somnolence, nervousness, dizziness, fatigue. May 17, 2019 · Diphenhydramine, which is the active ingredient in ZzzQuil, can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of diphenhydramine include: drowsiness. dizziness. loss of ... Benadryl Addiction Side Effects. Despite having numerous benefits in the medical world, Benadryl has its share of negative side effects when abused. Some effects are short term whereas others can last a lifetime. A user can either encounter psychological effects, physical effects, or both. Some of the physical effects to watch out for include ...Apr 11, 2018 · Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, meaning it is one of the earlier drugs developed in this category of medications. First-generation antihistamines, like Benadryl, are often noted for their sedative side effects as they have the ability to travel to your brain (i.e. crosses the blood-brain barrier), which is why they can make you ... Diphenhydramine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. It is used in some allergy and sleep medicines. Overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. Apr 9, 2020 · Diphenhydramine, brand name Benadryl ®, is one of the oldest and most frequently used over-the-counter medications for children. However, many better options are now widely available, all of which are faster acting, longer lasting, with less side effects. Antihistamines counteract the effect of histamine throughout the body, and treat a range ... Hives. Swelling and inflammation. Redness. Runny nose and eyes. Coughing. Sneezing. Anaphylactic reaction. One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which can help to calm anxious dogs ...Dear Alice, I've experimented with the abuse of Benadryl on a few occasions now and have been absolutely blown off to another world, I was just curious as to what the side affects, long or short-term, can look like, and what the dangers are of abusing this drug (acetaminophen free).This video examines the question and remark: Benadryl long term side effects! I WISH I had KNOWN! Benadryl is a common OTC medication and is also known as D...Official answer. Diphenhydramine can be used as a short-term sleep aid to help ease occasional sleep problems. Older adults, children under age 16 and pregnant women should avoid taking diphenhydramine, as the risks to these groups may outweigh the benefits. Diphenhydramine should not be taken as a treatment for chronic insomnia.May 25, 2023 · Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes. Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed. A very bad skin reaction ( Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. Diphenhydramine, brand name Benadryl ®, is one of the oldest and most frequently used over-the-counter medications for children. However, many better options are now widely available, all of which are faster acting, longer lasting, with less side effects. Antihistamines counteract the effect of histamine throughout the body, and treat a range ...But it has quite a long list of possible side effects. In fact, the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has given serious warnings about them, even for people. The organization issued a 2019 position statement about Benadryl. They advised against the drug because of the high risk of side effects and overdose. They said the drug ...Children's Benadryl Allergy - Uses, Side Effects, and More Generic Name(S): diphenhydramine HCl, diphenhydramine citrate ... (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in ...Hives. Swelling and inflammation. Redness. Runny nose and eyes. Coughing. Sneezing. Anaphylactic reaction. One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which can help to calm anxious dogs ...Answer (1 of 2): Here is one long term study: “These drugs are called anticholinergics, among them the first-generation antihistamines that are now marketed as sleep aids.People who take too much Benadryl start to experience many of the medication’s side effects. These can include mild symptoms, such as dry mouth, constipation, and tiredness. Usually, the more Benadryl a person takes, the worse these side effects become. In more severe Benadryl overdose cases, symptoms like seizures, irregular heartbeats, and ...Jun 5, 2019 · Addiction and Misuse. Another cause of overdose is an addiction to Diphenhydramine. Patients can become addicted to Benadryl after taking it for an extended period or when it is used for recreational purposes. Side effects of Diphenhydramine overdose often cause long-term damage, which can be fatal to patients ingesting it. Addiction and Misuse. Another cause of overdose is an addiction to Diphenhydramine. Patients can become addicted to Benadryl after taking it for an extended period or when it is used for recreational purposes. Side effects of Diphenhydramine overdose often cause long-term damage, which can be fatal to patients ingesting it.Feb 18, 2010 · One Benadryl per night seems to be enough to keep the ears dry & the resulting nausea at bay. I must admit that I'm not sure this is still even a problem for me. The last time I stopped to see if I still needed it was about 2 years ago. After 3 days, the dizziness/nausea/inner ear issues came back, so I promptly started taking the nightly ... Children's Benadryl Allergy - Uses, Side Effects, and More Generic Name(S): diphenhydramine HCl, diphenhydramine citrate ... (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in ...Hives. Swelling and inflammation. Redness. Runny nose and eyes. Coughing. Sneezing. Anaphylactic reaction. One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which can help to calm anxious dogs ...Giving Benadryl to dogs long term in some cases can be helpful for the dog. However, one of the main side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness. Giving too much dog Benadryl can cause the dog to go into a deep sleep for some time. Additionally, in some cases Benadryl can cause upset stomach and even possibly loss of appetite.Jan 6, 2023 · Diphenhydramine is a common ingredient in sleeping aids; it is also used to treat allergies. While effective, the risk of serious diphenhydramine side effects—including confusion, dizziness, urinary retention, and liver or kidney issues—is increased in people age 65 and older. Jun 5, 2019 · Moderate and Severe Benadryl Side Effects. If patients are using Benadryl for an allergic reaction, and experience any of the following moderate to severe Benadryl side effects they should consult their medical doctor or contact emergency medical services to minimize injury to their health: Contact and Atopic dermatitis ~1.0-10.0%; Confusion Take one to two 50mg tablets at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime. The maximum dose of two tablets works best for sleep. You can take Dramamine with or without food, but make sure you take a dose with a full glass of water 1 2. Swallow tablets whole; don't crush or chew. Plan on taking Dramamine four to six hours prior to waking for the next ...Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes /nose/throat, cough, runny ...May 25, 2023 · Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes. Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed. A very bad skin reaction ( Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. Long-Term Side Effects of Diphenhydramine Abuse. Continued diphenhydramine use can cause long-term adverse side effects that result in permanent damage. Not only will prolonged use cause harm, but it can lead to other aspects such as dependence on the medication. Common long-term side effects of prolonged diphenhydramine use include: Dependence. The most common side effect is drowsiness, causing mild disorientation or dementia. An elderly person may fall asleep during normal activities. This sedating effect can cause unsteadiness. A person over 60 should get up slowly from a sitting or prone position to avoid fainting. If you take an anti-anxiety drug, it is not advisable to use ...skin rash. swollen joints. stomach discomfort, upset or pain. tender swollen glands in neck. tremor. unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability. vomiting. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.You may take an antihistamine every day to keep long-term allergy symptoms under control. Types of antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamine. If you take an antihistamine frequently or daily, your health care provider may recommend a second-generation antihistamine as they are less likely to cause side effects like sleepiness and fatigue ...Diphenhydramine or : Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may cause sedation the next day (due to its long half-life), decreased alertness, diminished cognitive function, delirium, ... Read More. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Learn how we can help. 5k views Reviewed >2 years ago.Benadryl may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of diphenhydramine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine.Jan 10, 2023 · hoarseness. lack or loss of strength. pain in the lower back or side. swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs. trembling or shaking. Common side effects that do require medical attention ... Long-term side effects Over-the-counter Benadryl is approved for temporary or short-term use and is not intended for long-term use. There is very little scientific research about the long-term ...Inhaled corticosteroids are often used daily as part of treatment for asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers (allergens). Side effects are generally minor and can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators.Jun 14, 2023 · The symptoms you have noticed are very likely the result of long-term heavy antihistamine use. Antihistamines tend to dry up the nose, which is why they are so effective in humans with allergic rhinitis, but the way they do that is by making the secretions thicker. In dogs, we are not worried much about a runny nose, but we are concerned about ... Apr 23, 2021 · Hives. Swelling and inflammation. Redness. Runny nose and eyes. Coughing. Sneezing. Anaphylactic reaction. One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which can help to calm anxious dogs ... Aug 15, 2023 · It can sometimes cause a decrease in memory, confusion, and thinking issues. These side effects are more common in elders. In addition, taking Benadryl long-term might increase the risk of dementia. People aged> 65 who took medications such as Benadryl daily for over three years had an increased risk of dementia. Yeah, look at r/dph.Datura is even worse. It's like dph, but way more likely to kill you or make you go blind. Shadow people and spiders and having full conversations with people who don't exist usually only happens in the 400+ category. Between 150mg and there, it's usually just having to piss but being unable to, dysphoria/fear, beFirst-generation antihistamines come with an increased risk of certain side effects and drug interactions, so they are not generally advised for long-term usage. “With first-generation antihistamines, some people note decreasing effectiveness if used daily for several days,” says Dr. Lin.Feb 18, 2010 · One Benadryl per night seems to be enough to keep the ears dry & the resulting nausea at bay. I must admit that I'm not sure this is still even a problem for me. The last time I stopped to see if I still needed it was about 2 years ago. After 3 days, the dizziness/nausea/inner ear issues came back, so I promptly started taking the nightly ... Section snippets Sedation. The sedation associated with diphenhydramine is one of the most acknowledged effects of this medication. Indeed, it is frequently used as a medication to treat insomnia. 3 The sedative effect of diphenhydramine is related to its easy penetration of the blood-brain barrier. 4 In the brain, diphenhydramine interferes with H 1 receptors, which causes drowsiness and ...Sep 4, 2023 · Impaired concentration. Memory difficulties. Anxiety. Stomach disturbances. Nausea and vomiting. A dry mouth. Constipation. Liver problems, etc. In certain people, a paradoxical reaction to diphenhydramine is possible, meaning that the drug causes different symptoms than the intended ones. Anxiety. Asthma. Car Sickness. Insomnia. Motion sickness. Reactions to Vaccines. Because one of the common side effect of Benadryl in dogs is drowsiness, your vet may use it to alleviate dog anxiety, particularly associated with traveling and motion sickness that may occur during plane rides or car trips.
May 8, 2019 · Answer. While Benadryl ( diphenhydramine) can safely be used once in a while as a sleep aid, long-term use is not recommended for multiple reasons. Even the intermittent use of Benadryl for sleep isn't generally recommended if you are elderly (over 65). Studies show that the elderly population doesn't metabolize Benadryl as quickly and are far ... . 10 day weather forecast for spokane
Jun 5, 2019 · Addiction and Misuse. Another cause of overdose is an addiction to Diphenhydramine. Patients can become addicted to Benadryl after taking it for an extended period or when it is used for recreational purposes. Side effects of Diphenhydramine overdose often cause long-term damage, which can be fatal to patients ingesting it. Jan 10, 2023 · hoarseness. lack or loss of strength. pain in the lower back or side. swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs. trembling or shaking. Common side effects that do require medical attention ... Diphenhydramine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. It is used in some allergy and sleep medicines. Overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose.Uses Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes /nose/throat, cough,...Jun 23, 2009 · The most common side effect is drowsiness, causing mild disorientation or dementia. An elderly person may fall asleep during normal activities. This sedating effect can cause unsteadiness. A person over 60 should get up slowly from a sitting or prone position to avoid fainting. If you take an anti-anxiety drug, it is not advisable to use ... Aug 15, 2023 · It can sometimes cause a decrease in memory, confusion, and thinking issues. These side effects are more common in elders. In addition, taking Benadryl long-term might increase the risk of dementia. People aged> 65 who took medications such as Benadryl daily for over three years had an increased risk of dementia. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Benadryl Allergy. Summary. More frequent side effects include: sedated state and thickening of bronchial secretions. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects. Applies to diphenhydramine: oral capsules and tablets, parenteral injection. Side effects include:While there are cases of misuse and abuse, withdrawal symptoms from Benadryl are rare, even with long term use. Nevertheless, Benadryl has strong anticholinergic effects, and there have been reports of 'anticholinergic withdrawal' in some individuals taking Benadryl for extended periods of time. Potential symptoms include:Uses Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes /nose/throat, cough,...May 17, 2018 · Answer From Eric J. Olson, M.D. It's unlikely you'll become dependent on zolpidem (Ambien). Ambien and similar sleep medications can be effective, and they're much less likely to be habit-forming than some other drugs sometimes prescribed for sleep problems — for example, benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) or ... Side Effects Of Benadryl. Overall, Benadryl is well tolerated and side effects are generally mild in severity. If they do occur, they should subside 4 to 6 hours after dosing, although this can be extended in those with kidney disease and in the elderly. Below, we discuss the most common side effects associated with Benadryl.First-generation antihistamines come with an increased risk of certain side effects and drug interactions, so they are not generally advised for long-term usage. “With first-generation antihistamines, some people note decreasing effectiveness if used daily for several days,” says Dr. Lin.• Common side effects of montelukast include upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, earache or ear infection, flu, runny nose, and sinus infection. Section snippets Sedation. The sedation associated with diphenhydramine is one of the most acknowledged effects of this medication. Indeed, it is frequently used as a medication to treat insomnia. 3 The sedative effect of diphenhydramine is related to its easy penetration of the blood-brain barrier. 4 In the brain, diphenhydramine interferes with H 1 receptors, which causes drowsiness and ...Feb 6, 2023 · Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine that contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. People often use it to treat allergies. Because it causes drowsiness, some people take it as a ... Applies to diphenhydramine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral disintegrating strip, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating. General The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, dizziness, and incoordination.Sep 4, 2023 · Impaired concentration. Memory difficulties. Anxiety. Stomach disturbances. Nausea and vomiting. A dry mouth. Constipation. Liver problems, etc. In certain people, a paradoxical reaction to diphenhydramine is possible, meaning that the drug causes different symptoms than the intended ones. Long-term use of Benadryl can also lead to constipation and confusion. Interactions. Benadryl containing diphenhydramine can interact with alcohol as both are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness may be enhanced when taking alcohol with diphenhydramine. There is evidence that the use of diphenhydramine among older adults or the elderly may result in serious side effects. This holds true esp. if you are older than age 65. The older a person becomes, the greater the risk of adverse effects. Benadryl is listed as potentially Inappropriate Medication in Older Adults ( also known as Beers criteria).