Danger With Benadryl of Self Medication and Large Dosage

Diphenhydramine versus nonsedating antihistamines for acute allergic reactions: A literature review

“…Diphenhydramine has been available in the United States since 1945, and its potential adverse effects were reported as early as 1947. 20 In 1981, diphenhydramine was first sold over the counter (OTC) and within 20 years diphenhydramine was the topselling OTC antihistamine with 40% market share. 21 Diphenhydramine is a first-generation H 1 -receptor antagonist.…”

H1-Receptor Antagonists

“…Occasionally, stimulatory effects such as insomnia, hyperreflexia, irritability, excitement, headaches, muscle twitching, nervousness, tremor, dyskinesia, dystonia and seizures may occur (Bailie et al 1987;Davis 1976;Favis 1976;Gott 1968;King & Weeks 1965;Krenzelok et al 1982;Lavenstein & Cantor 1976;Lee et al 1975;Lewith & Davidson 1981;Magera et al 1981 ;McMahon 1986;Thach Drug Safety 10 (5) 1994Wyngaarden & Seevers 1951). Neuropsychiatric effects such as anxiety, confusion, impaired mental efficiency, impairment judgement, depression, delusions, hallucinations and even psychoses have been reported (Baehr et al 1986;Berger et al 1977;Borman 1947;Dollberg et al 1989;Gott 1968;Jones et al 1986;Leighton 1982;Nigro 1968;Richmond & Seger 1986;Roman 1972;Sachs 1948;Schipior 1967). Peripheral nervous system adverse effects such as areflexia, paralysis, paraesthesias, and toxic neuritis have also been noted (Douglas 1980;Meltzer 1990;Wyngaarden & Seevers 1951).…”

Diphenhydramine and Dimenhydrinate Poisoning: an Evidence-Based Consensus Guideline for Out-of-Hospital Management

“…However, three of these cases were dermal exposures (89,93,97) and one was a combined dermal/oral exposure (85); therefore, the dose could not be quantified accurately for these cases. Of the remaining cases, there were seven in which the amount of diphenhydramine exceeded the 400 mg maximum oral daily dose for adults (33,90,92,95,96,99). Of these, one was abuse of diphenhydramine at 750 mg/day (95) and another was abuse at 800 mg twice daily (92).…”

“…There were two reported cases of diphenhydramine abuse by 18-year-old women who each ingested 2000 mg over 48 hours. One developed hallucinations and agitation and the other had altered judgment (33,90). The largest dose ingested for abuse purposes was 2500 mg/day (99).…”