Can Benadryl calm anxiety? (2023)

What does Benadryl do for anxiety?

Benadryl is an antihistamine that may cause you to feel sedated and drowsy. This doesn't mean it calms anxiety symptoms, though. There's simply no scientific evidence to support its use for anxiety. In fact, it's not recommended for this purpose.

Treating Anxiety Disorders

Taking antihistamines to treat anxiety and depression can be effective, but there are some drawbacks to consider. Major advantages of using commonly available antihistamines are their generally lower cost and easier availability than prescription anxiety drugs.

However, OTC antihistamines (i.e., Benadryl/diphenhydramine) have been recommended as a short-term solution for anxiety symptoms. While there is likely not any harm in taking an occasional OTC antihistamine as an over-the-counter Xanax alternative, the sedating side effects are not ideal for regular use.

Benadryl takes about 15 to 30 minutes to start working and its peak effect occurs about 2 to 4 hours after taking it. An adult dose to obtain sedating effects is between 25 and 50 milligrams.

However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine doesn't recommend using them as sleep aids, citing weak evidence for their effectiveness. In addition, long-term use of antihistamines may have potential side effects that can be dangerous, especially in older adults.

Hydroxyzine's unique effect on serotonin is likely why it's the only antihistamine used for anxiety. While hydroxyzine can be used to treat many different types of anxiety disorders, it is used most often for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), especially when it is associated with insomnia.

Chamomile: Widely regarded as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer, chamomile has a sedative effect. According to studies, it can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. It's one of the most popular herbs used in herbal teas and one of the most ancient medicinal herbs.

Unfortunately, the only medications for anxiety are prescription and can not be bought over the counter. There is no such thing as over-the-counter anxiety medication. Anxiety medication alters the brain which is why it is a controlled substance and something you have to obtain from a doctor.

It normally takes about 30 minutes to work. Common side effects include feeling sleepy, dizzy or unsteady on your feet. You may also have difficulty concentrating and have a dry mouth.

How long does it take for 25 mg of Benadryl to wear off?

Benadryl is absorbed quickly in the body. You'll probably notice the effects within about 20 to 30 minutes. The medicine should continue to work for about four to six hours.

The prescription antihistamine, cyproheptadine, works as an antidote for excessive serotonin, but other antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), work differently. In fact, diphenhydramine slightly increases serotonin levels and could make the condition worse.

In this study, melatonin worked better than a placebo sugar pill to improve sleep and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Research shows that melatonin can be effective at reducing anxiety before surgical or medical procedures.

Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.

Of all available research, kava is by far the most effective natural treatment option for anxiety. It's an herb that has been used for decades to fight anxiety with a considerable amount of success, and one that has research-supported benefits for reducing anxiety.

This can cause symptoms such as a runny nose or skin rashes. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms.

Antihistamines are known to cause extreme drowsiness; however, in certain people, they can cause insomnia, excitability, anxiety, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate.

How do you feel the day after taking Benadryl?

Second, although diphenhydramine might make you feel drowsy and help you fall asleep faster, it often causes next-day drowsiness and a hangover-like feeling in the morning. This means that while you might fall asleep faster, you may wind up feeling worse the next day.

A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are.

Unfortunately, the only medications for anxiety are prescription and can not be bought over the counter. There is no such thing as over-the-counter anxiety medication. Anxiety medication alters the brain which is why it is a controlled substance and something you have to obtain from a doctor.