Ad·dict·ed /əˈdiktəd/ adjective: Physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.

The idea may seem a bit ridiculous, particularly when there are millions of individuals fighting much more severe addictions. Nevertheless Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, has been linked to severe mental issues when used in excess and for extended periods of time.

Benadryl is an anticholinergic drug. Some men and women use it as an over-the-counter bedtime aid, while others appreciate the sedative and euphoric effects it offers as a result of dopamine release. Nonetheless, resilience can develop in as little as few days, indicating you should take more and more to accomplish the same outcomes. Sound familiar?

Thanks to Benadryl’s impacts on the central nervous system, misuse and dependency ends up being feasible, though it’s much more prevalent in those with a background of substance mishandling.

Your Brain on Diphenhydramine

According to a JAMA Internal Medicine research, extreme use of anticholinergic drugs, like older antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, and bladder-control medications, cause an escalated risk of dementia in many individuals.

Prior to getting to that stage, long-term Benadryl usage is linked to short-term memory loss. Anticholinergic medicines impact the central nervous system and cause you to get sleepy. In doing this, the drugs decrease the brain’s choline levels, which can create memory problems in as little as two or three days.

Added unfavorable impacts associated with Benadryl misuse include:

• Nausea
• Excitability and rapid heart rate
• Anxiety
• Dry Mouth
• Difficulty urinating
• Constipation
• Blurred vision

The University of Washington and Group Health performed a study of 3,500 individuals who took these medications daily over the course of more than seven years. Their results showed that 800 subjects eventually developed dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Other investigations came to similar determinations.

In the end, if the benefit outweighs the danger, diphenhydramine should be used in the lowest therapeutic dose feasible.

Signs of Benadryl Withdrawal

The impacts associated with the interruption of Benadryl may not be as bad as heroin or alcohol withdrawals, but they are however very true and should be supervised.

There aren’t presently any known medications that aid ease withdrawals from Benadryl. As with most medication used for prolonged periods of time, tapering down is always the safest and least unpleasant bet.

Signs of withdrawal consist of:

• Insomnia and restlessness
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Hot and cold sweats
• Cold-like symptoms

Speak to Someone You can Trust.

Be cautious of the warning signs. Like most things in life, moderation is the key. Anything taken in excess can be potentially harmful, even water. Understanding the science, literature available, and warning signs of early addiction can help save the life of you or a loved one. For more information or on Drug or Alcohol addiction, contact AION Recovery today at 888-811-2879 toll-free, anytime.