Benadryl Overdose: How Much Benadryl is Safe?

Understanding Benadryl: Uses and Recommended Dosage

Benadryl is the brand name of the antihistamine medication Diphenhydramine, which is also the active ingredient in Nytol, Sominex, and Tylenol PM. It can be purchased over the counter, but it is important to stick to the recommended dosage to avoid Benadryl overdose. If you are not sure whether you or a loved one should take Benadryl, or are taking other medications or substances, speak to your doctor before using this medication to stay safe.

People usually take Benadryl to help alleviate symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold, as it can help relieve itchy skin, eyes, nose, and throat, and can also help with watery eyes, rashes, runny nose, and sneezing. Some people may also use Diphenhydramine to reduce motion sickness symptoms like dizziness and nausea.

This medication works by reducing the natural histamine and acetylcholine that the body produces, effectively drying out mucous membranes and stopping the body from itching while in the presence of allergens.

When you take Benadryl, follow the directions printed on the product package. Chew the chewable tablets completely and swallow them, and allow the dissolving tablets or strips to dissolve on the tongue, and then swallow them. If you are measuring out the medication in liquid form, use a proper measuring spoon to ensure you are taking the right amount. Do not take more than is recommended, and do not take it more often than directed.

The Dangers of Exceeding the Safe Limit of Benadryl

In 2020 there was a dangerous “challenge” that went viral on social media, with teens taking up to ten times the recommended dosage of Benadryl so they would hallucinate. It is never a good idea to misuse any medication, even something that seems as harmless as an antihistamine drug. Medications can poison you or cause serious injury.

A Benadryl overdose can cause life-altering problems, especially if the person does not get medical treatment within 24 hours. Most people will recover if they receive proper medical care, but there is a risk of serious complications like:

• Pneumonia
• Muscle damage
• Brain damage
• Coma
• Heart rhythm disturbances that could lead to death

Recognizing the Signs of a Benadryl Overdose

Taking Benadryl can cause a person to feel slightly tired, constipated, or nauseated, it can impair hand-eye coordination, and it can also cause dry mouth, nose, and throat. Feeling these effects is normal, although if it lasts for a long time, or becomes uncomfortable, talk to a doctor immediately. Benadryl is not meant to make you feel confused or agitated.

Signs of a Benadryl overdose include:

• Very dry eyes with enlarged pupils and/or blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Ringing ears
• Dry, red skin
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty urinating
• Confusion or delirium
• Agitation or nervousness
• Tremors
• Unsteadiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased sleepiness and drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Immediate Actions to Take in Case of Benadryl Overdose

A Benadryl overdose should be taken as seriously as any other drug overdose, even though it is an over-the-counter medication. If you suspect you or another person is experiencing Benadryl overdose, you should call emergency, or bring them to the emergency room right away.

If you are not certain whether the person has taken too much Benadryl, you can also call the free and confidential Poison Control hotline for guidance. They are available 24 hours a day and can help you determine whether medical care is required.

If you call emergency services, they may ask how old the person is, their weight, and whether they are alert and awake. They will also need to know what type of medication was taken, what time it was swallowed, and how much was taken.

When you take a person to the hospital, their vital signs will be monitored (blood pressure, breathing rate, temperature, and pulse), and they may receive tests like a chest x-ray, blood and urine tests, or an ECG. Treatments may include laxatives, activated charcoal, IV fluids, medicines that may help reverse the overdose, and breathing support if necessary. The faster a person gets help, the easier it will be to keep them safe.

Long-Term Health Risks of Benadryl Misuse

Abusing Benadryl long-term has serious consequences. It is not meant for long-term use, and it is not safe to misuse this medication for recreational purposes or to sleep better. Some of the many issues Benadryl abuse can cause include:

• Cognitive impairment and memory problems
• Increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Liver problems
• Abnormal heart rhythm and palpitations
• Blurred or double vision
• Trembling hands
• Symptoms of withdrawal like psychosis, tremors, and seizures

Preventing Benadryl Overdose: Safe Medication Practices

Some of the ways to prevent Benadryl overdose include:

• Read the labels and follow the directions
• Only use the recommended dosage of the medication (and use the right tool to measure out dosages properly, not your kitchen spoon)
• Take Benadryl only when it is medically necessary or prescribed by a doctor
• Write down the time you take the medication or set an alarm so you know when it is safe to take more
• Never use Benadryl when drinking or on recreational substances
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if Benadryl is safe to take with any other medications you are on (and do not lie to your doctor about alcohol, tobacco, or drug use)
• Get all of your questions answered by a doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand the label before taking the medicine
• Never use anybody else’s medication
• Keep all medication locked up and out of children’s reach
• Stop taking Benadryl and seek medical attention if you feel worse or notice an allergic reaction

Support Services at WhiteSands for Overdose Recovery

WhiteSands Addiction Treatment Center is a safe place you can come to recover after experiencing a drug overdose. Our team is here to support and care for you in every aspect of your recovery, from providing mental health support to incorporating group sessions, medical treatment, and relaxation techniques into your life.

If you have found that you are taking Benadryl as a means of escape, or cannot stop using Benadryl and/or other substances, it may be a good time to consider entering a customized inpatient or outpatient treatment plan. At WhiteSands, we will work with you to create a tailored program that will help you stop misusing medications safely, while providing useful recovery skills and stress-reduction strategies, with strong support from your peers and professional therapists who are caring, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed.

For some, it may only take a few weeks of outpatient care, and for others with co-occurring physical or mental health disorders, or those who require a more in-depth treatment plan, treatment may last up to 90 days, with a stay in our campus-style inpatient facility, followed by a partial hospitalization program or intensive outpatient program. Each person is unique, and our admissions team will take care to get to know your needs through a thorough assessment before you get started.

At WhiteSands, we accept most health insurance, including most Tricare and VA policies, and we also offer flexible self-pay rates with some financing options to those without insurance coverage. If you would like to learn more about our luxury inpatient facilities, our detox programs, our outpatient treatment plans, or the types of treatment we can provide to you in a customized program, please call our admissions counselors today at 877-855-3470.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.