I've been taking Benadryl-D (antihistamine & decongestant) nightly for three weeks. I've bumped up my dosage from 25 mg to 40mg after the first two weeks. Since starting Benadryl, my AHI's have never been lower but lately I don't think I'm sleeping as well. Also, I've been feeling a little light-headed the last few days.
Has anyone experienced these or similar symptoms taking Benadryl?
Tonight I'm going to try Claritin-D which is a non-drowsy antihistamine & decongestant using different chemical compounds.
SnoreNoMore2005
Benadryl
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I've taken Benadryl at night. I sleep really well, but I have to be sure and take it early, or I'm really sleepy and tired the next day.
Hope the Claritin-D doesn't keep you awake. I like the "drowsy" kind. lol
I have trouble sleeping at times, and that's why I take it.
Let us know what the Claritin does. ok?
Hope the Claritin-D doesn't keep you awake. I like the "drowsy" kind. lol
I have trouble sleeping at times, and that's why I take it.
Let us know what the Claritin does. ok?
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Sleepless on LI
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Isn't there a limit as to how long you can safely take an OTC drug like Benadryl? I would think three weeks seems too long. Of course I am no doctor and I don't have the box it comes in in front of me to read, but I would imagine there is something on there listing the length of time you can safely continuously take it on there. Or is this something you can take every day for unlimited periods?
L o R i
Diphenhydramine has a very long half life so you should take it a few hours before going to bed. You may want to take it for say 3 days and take a day off so that it doesn't build up in your system.
My own G.P had said that I could take it every night with no problems, but I too had that lethargic dragged down feeling.
Diphenhydramine from my experience works weel , but I never get the REM sleep when I take it. See below.
For a break you may want to try the cheap generic version of Dramamine and or Melatonin.
Dramamine etc. (Dimenhydrinate) is first generation (H1 blocker) antihistamine and anti-emetic (anti-nausea) medication. Dimenhydrinate is used for the prevention and relief of motion sickness and treatment of vertigo (dizziness), nausea or vomiting.
Histamine is a central nervous system neurotransmitter, and Hydroxyzine works by blocking the H1 histamine receptors in the brain. By blocking histamine, Dimenhydrinate and other first generation antihistamines reduce anxiety, produce drowsiness and, in high dosages, impair psychomotor performance of complex tasks. Mild tolerance to the sedative effects may occur with long term use. The first generation antihistamines have anticholinergic properties, causing dry mouth, increased heart rate and decreased gastro intestinal activity. However, unlike other anxiolytic medications like benzodiazepines, antihistamines have no abuse / addiction potential.
Benadryl etc. (Diphenhydramine)
Benadryl etc. (Diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine medication that has strong sedating properties. Diphenhydramine is a first generation H1 receptor antagonist antihistamine which blocks the effects of the naturally occurring neurotransmitter chemical histamine. Like other first generation anti-histamines, Diphenhydramine crosses the “blood-brain” barrier and causes side-effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, inability to concentrate etc.. In contrast, the second generation anti-histamines like Allegra (Fexofenadine), Claritin etc. (Loratadine) and Zyrtec etc. (Cetirizine), are much more selective and do not cause these side-effects (and thus are not used as sleep aids).
Diphenhydramine acts quickly, usually between 15- 30 minutes, and has a half-life of between 3 and 12 hours in adults (which is why it may produce some sleepiness the following day). Unlike some other sleep aid medications like the benzodiazepines, Klonopin (Clonazepam), Restoril (Temazepam) etc., anti-histamines like Diphenhydramine do not cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms with long-term use. However, with regular use (more than several nights in a row) they can quickly lose their effectiveness, and they may also interfere with normal sleep architecture (in particular the REM cycle, or dream sleep), which may make for less restful sleep
Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone released nightly by the pineal gland to signal the body to go to sleep. As a synthetic supplement it is used to enhance sleep. Low-dose melatonin treatment, increasing circulating melatonin levels to those normally observed at night, has been found to promote sleep onset and sleep maintenance without changing sleep architecture. The "pharmacologic dose" is 3 mg., but some research indicates that it can cause plasma melatonin levels to remain elevated into the daylight hours. Additionally, pharmacologic doses may disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm (the sleep / wake cycle). The “physiologic dose” is 0.3 mg. and for many individuals may be as effective in improving sleep as higher doses. In the United States melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement and is not subject to FDA approval. In Europe, melatonin is classified as a neurohormone and cannot be sold over-the-counter.
I have tried Valerian root, Kava Kava, ambien, temazapam, valuim, klonipin, xanax in the past for short periods of time when my insomnia was chronic. Now I only take OTC and natural relaxants like vitamins.
look into niacinimide NOT niacin and magnesium asporotate or glycinate NOT oxide it is useless.Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and the niacinamide helps to relax the mind.
Everyone is different and this works for ME and may not work for you. I have tried Yoga, relaxing cds, sedatives and they weren't for me.
Good luck!
SLPYHED
My own G.P had said that I could take it every night with no problems, but I too had that lethargic dragged down feeling.
Diphenhydramine from my experience works weel , but I never get the REM sleep when I take it. See below.
For a break you may want to try the cheap generic version of Dramamine and or Melatonin.
Dramamine etc. (Dimenhydrinate) is first generation (H1 blocker) antihistamine and anti-emetic (anti-nausea) medication. Dimenhydrinate is used for the prevention and relief of motion sickness and treatment of vertigo (dizziness), nausea or vomiting.
Histamine is a central nervous system neurotransmitter, and Hydroxyzine works by blocking the H1 histamine receptors in the brain. By blocking histamine, Dimenhydrinate and other first generation antihistamines reduce anxiety, produce drowsiness and, in high dosages, impair psychomotor performance of complex tasks. Mild tolerance to the sedative effects may occur with long term use. The first generation antihistamines have anticholinergic properties, causing dry mouth, increased heart rate and decreased gastro intestinal activity. However, unlike other anxiolytic medications like benzodiazepines, antihistamines have no abuse / addiction potential.
Benadryl etc. (Diphenhydramine)
Benadryl etc. (Diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine medication that has strong sedating properties. Diphenhydramine is a first generation H1 receptor antagonist antihistamine which blocks the effects of the naturally occurring neurotransmitter chemical histamine. Like other first generation anti-histamines, Diphenhydramine crosses the “blood-brain” barrier and causes side-effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, inability to concentrate etc.. In contrast, the second generation anti-histamines like Allegra (Fexofenadine), Claritin etc. (Loratadine) and Zyrtec etc. (Cetirizine), are much more selective and do not cause these side-effects (and thus are not used as sleep aids).
Diphenhydramine acts quickly, usually between 15- 30 minutes, and has a half-life of between 3 and 12 hours in adults (which is why it may produce some sleepiness the following day). Unlike some other sleep aid medications like the benzodiazepines, Klonopin (Clonazepam), Restoril (Temazepam) etc., anti-histamines like Diphenhydramine do not cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms with long-term use. However, with regular use (more than several nights in a row) they can quickly lose their effectiveness, and they may also interfere with normal sleep architecture (in particular the REM cycle, or dream sleep), which may make for less restful sleep
Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone released nightly by the pineal gland to signal the body to go to sleep. As a synthetic supplement it is used to enhance sleep. Low-dose melatonin treatment, increasing circulating melatonin levels to those normally observed at night, has been found to promote sleep onset and sleep maintenance without changing sleep architecture. The "pharmacologic dose" is 3 mg., but some research indicates that it can cause plasma melatonin levels to remain elevated into the daylight hours. Additionally, pharmacologic doses may disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm (the sleep / wake cycle). The “physiologic dose” is 0.3 mg. and for many individuals may be as effective in improving sleep as higher doses. In the United States melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement and is not subject to FDA approval. In Europe, melatonin is classified as a neurohormone and cannot be sold over-the-counter.
I have tried Valerian root, Kava Kava, ambien, temazapam, valuim, klonipin, xanax in the past for short periods of time when my insomnia was chronic. Now I only take OTC and natural relaxants like vitamins.
look into niacinimide NOT niacin and magnesium asporotate or glycinate NOT oxide it is useless.Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and the niacinamide helps to relax the mind.
Everyone is different and this works for ME and may not work for you. I have tried Yoga, relaxing cds, sedatives and they weren't for me.
Good luck!
SLPYHED
Snorenomore, I should have highlighted this part of the previus post .
Diphenhydramine crosses the “blood-brain” barrier and causes side-effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, inability to concentrate etc.. In contrast, the second generation anti-histamines like Allegra (Fexofenadine), Claritin etc. (Loratadine) and Zyrtec etc. (Cetirizine), are much more selective and do not cause these side-effects (and thus are not used as sleep aids).
Diphenhydramine crosses the “blood-brain” barrier and causes side-effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, inability to concentrate etc.. In contrast, the second generation anti-histamines like Allegra (Fexofenadine), Claritin etc. (Loratadine) and Zyrtec etc. (Cetirizine), are much more selective and do not cause these side-effects (and thus are not used as sleep aids).
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
Wow, SLPYHED, what an informative post. Thanks for the info.
May I ask what dose and how often you take the niacinamide? Sounds like something that could be beneficial to sleep archiecture, too. I am trying my hardest to stay away from prescription meds. or even OTC meds. and now am leaning towards holistic measures and vitamins/supplements. I know those, too, can have drawbacks as they are not monitored by the FDA and, thereby, can be just as harmful if used incorrectly. But I know that just about all prescription meds. pass through the liver or the kidneys , plus you can build up an intolerance for them if used more than necessary. So I am trying to keep my body as pure as it can be and save the prescriptions for those absolutely necessary times when nothing else is available so that they will work the most efficiently.
Thanks.
May I ask what dose and how often you take the niacinamide? Sounds like something that could be beneficial to sleep archiecture, too. I am trying my hardest to stay away from prescription meds. or even OTC meds. and now am leaning towards holistic measures and vitamins/supplements. I know those, too, can have drawbacks as they are not monitored by the FDA and, thereby, can be just as harmful if used incorrectly. But I know that just about all prescription meds. pass through the liver or the kidneys , plus you can build up an intolerance for them if used more than necessary. So I am trying to keep my body as pure as it can be and save the prescriptions for those absolutely necessary times when nothing else is available so that they will work the most efficiently.
Thanks.
L o R i
I had this approved by my doctor, but this is for my 6'3" 230lb frame.
Make sure that you acquire natural supplements at a health food store for quality reasons. You get what you pay for and Walgreens and Rite Aide don't carry 3 of what I list below.
500mg Niacinamide>>>>crosses the blood brain barrier..helps to relax the mind.
0.75mg sublingual Melatonin>>>>triggers the sleep cycle clock
500mg of Magnesium Asporotate>>> relaxes the muscles
1000mg ester C>>> helps with blood crossover
These are all natural products that I take.
Talk to your doctor since too much Niacinamide can be harmful to the liver. I have been taking this for over 2 years and have had three lipid test with no elevated levels at all. in fact my counts are down below 200.
Again this is not my advice for you, but what I do for me.
Slpyhed
Make sure that you acquire natural supplements at a health food store for quality reasons. You get what you pay for and Walgreens and Rite Aide don't carry 3 of what I list below.
500mg Niacinamide>>>>crosses the blood brain barrier..helps to relax the mind.
0.75mg sublingual Melatonin>>>>triggers the sleep cycle clock
500mg of Magnesium Asporotate>>> relaxes the muscles
1000mg ester C>>> helps with blood crossover
These are all natural products that I take.
Talk to your doctor since too much Niacinamide can be harmful to the liver. I have been taking this for over 2 years and have had three lipid test with no elevated levels at all. in fact my counts are down below 200.
Again this is not my advice for you, but what I do for me.
Slpyhed
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
-
Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
I take the Melatonin about 3 to 4 times a week.
Between .75mg and 1.5mg of the sublingual. I had not mentioned on the previous post that I take a multi and a complete B complex vitamin in the morning. My sleep has gone from severely fragmented, to sustained sleep patterns with infrequent awakenings. I am sure that my stress levels have changed over the last two years and I have also introduced CPAP therapy during this same time frame taht has also helped my sleep patterns. It is nice to dream again.
Thanks for your help during my encore dilemma.
Kirk
Between .75mg and 1.5mg of the sublingual. I had not mentioned on the previous post that I take a multi and a complete B complex vitamin in the morning. My sleep has gone from severely fragmented, to sustained sleep patterns with infrequent awakenings. I am sure that my stress levels have changed over the last two years and I have also introduced CPAP therapy during this same time frame taht has also helped my sleep patterns. It is nice to dream again.
Thanks for your help during my encore dilemma.
Kirk
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
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SnoreNoMore2005
- Posts: 228
- Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 12:58 pm
benadryl
I have a deviated septum, caused by a youthful indiscretion( ie)sparing with a Golden Glove champ, that makes nose breathing difficult,
My ENT doc suggested daily lavage with"Salt Aire"available OTC seems to work well for me. I hope this will help someone.
Macoil
My ENT doc suggested daily lavage with"Salt Aire"available OTC seems to work well for me. I hope this will help someone.
Macoil
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Coach
I've been using Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, and I think also Sominex; one of those OTC sleep-aids is, like Benadryl, nothing but Diphenhydramine)nightly for a few years. If I wake in the night with more than five more hours sleep still available I often take a second, and if I have serious trouble getting unconscious rarely add a Xanax to the mix. I start CPAP Wednesday and may have to revise my practice then but that's another story.
15 posts
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