
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine drug, used widely for treating allergies of various kinds. It a few key ingredients that bring about sedation; thus, the med makes you sleep and treats conditions such as common cold or flu, discomforts such as itchiness, inflammation and / or swelling. This med is categorised under antihistamines of the first generation. You can procure it as a topical med and also as an injectable. Can you use it as a sleep aid? It is a wise thing to know more on this front.
Meds categorised as antihistamines are capable of treating a sizable number of allergic conditions; conditions these drugs help treat include common cold, allergic rhinitis, nose blocks, skin conditions such itchiness, reddening of skin as well as swelling. Most of the antihistamine drugs work over the short term, and are hence not used for a longer duration.
Antihistamine meds work well to clear off nasal congestions or blockages caused by allergens such as dander, pollen, dust or mites. As an extended use, your treating doctor may prescribe such drugs for the management of skin problems like hives, rashes and other allergic symptoms.
Use of diphenhydramine
Injectable form of diphenhydramine is taken for anaphylaxis. But, this form is likely to trigger severe adverse side effects. However, topical forms are available as gels and / or lotions; in some countries, spray / foam version are also sold. Most of the topical versions are used for treating skin infections such as itchiness, discoloration and swelling. Lotions or sprays may not cause severe counterproductive effects; but, the pill or orally taken tablet form may trigger adverse side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness or lack of coordination.
Can you use diphenhydramine as a sleep aid?
Yes, diphenhydramine can be used as a sleep-aid to treat short term spells of insomnia or one-off episodes of sleeplessness. This drug is however not administered onto women who are pregnant as well as children age less than 17 years. A safe dose of this drug for adults hovers in the range of 50 milligrams (mg) per day.
It may take nearly half hour for the drug to start working. The best time to take this drug is a few minutes prior to your bed-time. Often, people mistake this drug as a cure for chronic spells of sleeplessness or insomnia. Evidences too support this are absent.
Above all, those who used diphenhydramine for more than 10 days develop resistance to its key ingredients. As a result, intake of this med over the long term may fetch counterproductive effects or can aggravate the state of sleeplessness.
Safety measures to stay aware of prior to taking diphenhydramine
At times, people take diphenhydramine over the counter mode. This practice may lead to being overdosed. One can infer an overdose of this antihistamine through a few tell-tale signs; these are erratic pulse-rates, excessive level of sweating, abnormal heart beats, dizziness, fits or epileptic seizures. In a few instances, fatal outcomes – i.e., death – have occurred when people take it in excess.
So, if you notice adverse effects such as respiratory problems (gasping, panting or wheezing), swelling of oral organs (like throat, tongue or lips), passing out, etc., take clinical support on an emergency mode. Users living in a Canadian province must be taken to a local poison control cell as quickly as possible. Canadian residents may also dial Health Canada for needful clinical support on an urgent mode. People who are residing in US are advised to dial the helpdesk run by the food & drug administration in US, or dial 911 as soon as you possibly can.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.