Where are these warnings while opium addiction killed hundreds of thousands?
How many people has Benadryl killed? Almost no one....
Statistics
- 2019–2020 Data: Of all US drug overdose deaths in this period, 14.7% were antihistamine-positive, and 3.6% were antihistamine-involved.
- Antihistamines Alone: Only 90 of these deaths during 2019-2020 involved antihistamines as the sole drug.
- Diphenhydramine's Role: Diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl) is the most common antihistamine found in overdose deaths, representing 71.1% of antihistamine-positive cases and 66.5% of antihistamine-involved deaths in 2019–2020.
Say What?
- Combination Overdoses: The majority of antihistamine-involved overdose deaths during 2019–2020 (82.7%) also involved opioids, particularly illicitly manufactured fentanyls.
The opioid crisis in the United States alone has claimed over 564,000 lives from overdose deaths since 1999. The number of annual opioid overdose deaths in the US remains significantly higher than it was in 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2023, approximately 80,000 deaths in the US were opioid-related.
Beyond overdose deaths, opium addiction can also contribute to a range of severe health problems, increasing the overall risk of mortality from various causes, including:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer
- Respiratory diseases (including asthma, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis C and HIV, particularly in those who inject opioids
- Liver and kidney damage
- Compromised immune systems
Opium use has also been linked to other negative health effects like depression, sexual dysfunction, and sleep problems. Additionally, opium can be contaminated with harmful substances like lead, further escalating health risks for users.
Opium addiction's devastating effects on individuals and society are undeniable, leading to a substantial number of deaths and a range of serious health problems. It is crucial to address the problem of opium addiction through prevention, treatment, and harm reduction initiatives.
Uncovering the Opioid Epidemic | CDC
1. Drug overdose deaths have been increasing in the United States since the 1990's, mostly due to the use of opioids. More than 500,000 people in the United Sta...
Physical Health Risks of Opioid Use: Short- and Long-Term ...
While they are highly effective at relieving pain, opioids also depress the central nervous system, leading to several common side effects. *
Opioids | National Institute on Drug Abuse - NIDA
Nov 22, 2024 — What are the health risks of using opioids? Opioids are addictive. People can quickly lose control over their opioid use and need to keep using them to feel
 - ===========================================
- f [color =blue]While a fatal outcome following diphenhydramine overdose is not common, it can occur,e particularly in cases of massive or
intentional overdose
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 10:29:15 AM EDT, National Review <newsletter@e.nationalreview.com> wrote:Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a common over-the-counter antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. While generally considered safe when used as directed, it can cause various side effects
.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness: This is one of the most well-known side effects, as Benadryl can readily enter the brain and interfere with histamine receptors, causing drowsiness and sedation according to GoodRx.
- Dry mouth, nose, and throat.
- Dizziness.
- Blurred vision.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Headache.
More serious side effects
- Difficulty or painful urination: Benadryl can cause urinary retention, especially in older adults, which can lead to kidney issues in rare cases.
- Vision problems: These may include blurry vision, double vision, or even acute angle-closure glaucoma in rare cases, especially in individuals at risk.
- Cardiovascular issues: Benadryl may cause low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and in some instances, even irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- Neurological effects: These can include confusion, agitation, nervousness, and even seizures, especially in overdose situations. Children may experience paradoxical hyperactivity instead of drowsiness.
Long-term use
While Benadryl is generally recommended for short-term use, there's some evidence suggesting a potential link between long-term, frequent use of Benadryl and similar medications and an increased risk for cognitive decline and dementia, particularly in older adults.
Who should be cautious or avoid Benadryl?
Individuals with certain conditions should consult a doctor before taking Benadryl, including those with:
- Glaucoma.
- Heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems.
- Enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Children under 2 years old (always consult a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to children, advises Drugs.com).
- Older adults (65 years and older) should generally avoid Benadryl due to an increased risk of falls and other side effects, says Medical News Today.
Important considerations
- Avoid alcohol while taking Benadryl, as it can worsen drowsiness and other side effects.
- Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Benadryl affects you.
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as this can increase the risk of serious side effects or overdose.
- Always check the labels of other medications you are taking to avoid accidental overdose or drug interactions, as many products contain diphenhydramine or other antihistamines.
It's crucial to consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about potential side effects or drug interactions with Benadryl. They can assess your individual health and recommend the safest and most effective course of treatment for your needs.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
- 8 Potential Side Effects of Benadryl - GoodRx
May 10, 2023 — 8 Benadryl Side Effects You Should Know About. ... Key takeaways: * Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a common over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication. It's also ...
Diphenhydramine: MedlinePlus Drug Information
Jan 15, 2022 — Before taking diphenhydramine, * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diphenhydramine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in dip...
Benadryl: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com
Feb 29, 2024 — Last updated on Feb 29, 2024. * What is Benadryl? Benadryl is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can...
Using Benadryl (diphenhydramine) long-term can pose various risks, particularly for older adults, even though it's commonly used as an allergy and sleep aid
.
1. Cognitive decline and dementia
- Benadryl is an anticholinergic medication that blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for learning, memory, and other cognitive functions.
- Some studies indicate a possible link between long-term, regular use of anticholinergic medications, including Benadryl, and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, especially in older adults.
- One study found that individuals over 65 who took anticholinergic medications daily for three years or longer had a higher risk of dementia, compared to those with lower exposure.
- The risk appears to be dose-dependent, meaning higher use (either higher dosage or longer duration) could increase the risk.
- This cognitive impairment may persist even after discontinuing the medication, says the University of Washington School of Pharmacy.
2. Dependence and addiction
- Although not classified as a controlled substance, Benadryl can lead to psychological and physical dependence, particularly when misused or taken in higher doses than recommended.
- Individuals may develop a tolerance to Benadryl's sedative effects, requiring increased doses to achieve the desired effect, says the Greater Boston Addiction Centers.
- Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and agitation can occur upon cessation.
3. Other long-term side effects
- Tolerance: The body may develop tolerance to some of Benadryl's effects, such as drowsiness, requiring larger doses to achieve the initial effect.
- Constipation: Regular use of Benadryl can cause or worsen constipation.
- Chronic dry mouth: This can potentially lead to dental issues over time.
- Urinary retention: This can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or affect kidney function, especially in older adults.
- Exacerbation of certain conditions: Benadryl can worsen symptoms in individuals with conditions such as glaucoma, asthma, heart disease, or enlarged prostate, according to Verywell Health.
Recommendations
- Avoid long-term use: Benadryl is intended for temporary, short-term use, according to Medical News Today.
- Consult a healthcare provider: If you are using Benadryl regularly or frequently, discuss alternative options for managing your symptoms with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Consider safer alternatives: Newer generation antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine), have fewer side effects and are not associated with cognitive decline or dementia risks, says The New York Times.
- Read labels carefully: Be aware that diphenhydramine is an ingredient in many over-the-counter products, including some nighttime cold and sleep aid medications.
- Especially for older adults: Older adults are more susceptible to the side effects of Benadryl, including drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive impairment, and should generally avoid it unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.
It is important to remember that this information is for general knowledge and should not replace professional medical advice. Always discuss your concerns about long-term Benadryl use or any other medication with your doctor or pharmacist to determine the safest and most appropriate course of treatment for you.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Besides dementia, what other cognitive issues are linked to long-term Benadryl use?
What are the symptoms of a Benadryl overdose?
Can Benadryl interact with other meds
Benadryl (diphenhydramine): Dosage, side effects, uses, and ...
Aug 22, 2024 — Tolerance. Your body can develop a tolerance to some of the effects of Benadryl. This means your body's response to the drug may decrease over time.
- Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to ...
Jan 9, 2025 — Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk. ... A report published in JAMA Internal Medicine several years ago highlighted a l...
Benadryl: Side Effects and Cautions - Verywell Health
Jan 23, 2025 — Older Adults. Benadryl is not typically recommended for adults ages 65 and older, except to treat an acute allergic reaction. Older adults may be more affected ...
Verywell Heal
|
