Current:Home > StocksGot fall allergies? Here's everything you need to know about Benadryl. -ProfitLogic
Got fall allergies? Here's everything you need to know about Benadryl.
View
Date:2025-04-27 19:53:43
Over-the-counter medications can be safe and effective for all kinds of mild ailments.
However, just because a medication is over the counter, does not mean it can’t have severe side effects, or even be harmful if taken incorrectly.
If you have fall or winter allergies and are searching for ways to get more sleep, you may be wondering how long Benadryl (diphenhydramine) lasts. We find answers to how long it lasts, how long it takes to kick in, how many pills you should take, how to combat drowsiness, and what side effects to look out for.
How long does it take for Benadryl to kick in?
According to GoodRx, it generally takes about 15-20 minutes to start to feel the effects of Benedryl. If you are taking it for allergy symptoms, you may start to relief from itching, sneezing or coughing. You may also feel drowsy, which could be the desired effect if you are taking it as a sleep aid while congested.
It’s important to note that using Benadryl as a sleep aid if you have no other symptoms may not be recommended. In an interview with Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Philip Alapat, an assistant professor of medicine, says, “Using Benadryl or any antihistamine for sleep has no long-term benefit,” adding “most people develop a tolerance very quickly.”
How long does Benadryl last?
When we take Benadryl, our body metabolizes or processes it. The concentration of the medication will reach its peak (highest point) around 2 hours after ingestion. Then, the concentration decreases in increments called half-lives. A half-life is the time it takes for the concentration of the medication to be cut in half. The length of the half-life is dependent on the person, but for this medication, it ranges from about 4 to 9 hours. For every half-life that passes, the amount of medication in your system will be cut in half.
This is where it gets important – you may stop feeling the effects of the medication after about 4-6 hours, but Benadryl can be in your system for up to 60 hours. This is why it is vital to follow the instructions found on the package or given by your doctor, so you do not take too much.
Struggle with seasonal allergies?Doctors recommend you try this
How long will Benadryl make you sleepy?
You may feel drowsy for about 4-6 hours, but this can differ depending on the person. The best way to combat drowsiness caused by Benadryl (if this isn’t the goal) is to simply take a non-drowsy antihistamine like Zyrtec or Claritin. If drowsiness is the goal, you may want to take it about 30 minutes before bedtime.
What are some of the side effects of Benadryl?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the common side effects of Benadryl include:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Upset stomach
RxList.com outlines some of the serious side effects:
- Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
- Painful or difficult urination
- Little or no urination
- Confusion
- Lightheadedness
- Tightness in your neck or jaw
- Uncontrollable movements of your tongue
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Can I take two Benadryl at once?
An adult can take 1-2 tablets at a time, but no more than 6 tablets should be consumed in 24 hours. Be sure to follow any instructions on the package or ask your healthcare provider for further instructions.
What is sleep hygiene?Tips and changes you can make to get better quality sleep.
veryGood! (557)
Related
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Is 'color analysis' real? I put the viral TikTok phenomenon to the test − and was shocked.
- Violence clouds the last day of campaigning for Mexico’s election
- American Airlines hits rough air after strategic missteps
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Powerball winning numbers for May 29 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $143 million
- Video shows Michigan man with suspended license driving while joining Zoom court hearing
- Haiti's transitional council names Garry Conille as new prime minister as country remains under siege by gangs
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Bird flu updates: 4.2M infected chickens to be culled in Iowa, cases detected in alpacas
Ranking
- See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
- Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley says he didn't see 'a need for a break'
- A Jewish veteran from London prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings
- Suki Waterhouse Shares Cheeky Update on Her and Robert Pattinson's Baby Girl
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Nelly Korda makes a 10 and faces uphill climb at Women’s Open
- Biden to make his first state visit to France after attending D-Day 80th commemorations next week
- A Jewish veteran from London prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings
Recommendation
The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
Authorities arrest man allegedly running ‘likely world’s largest ever’ cybercrime botnet
Kate Middleton Will Miss Trooping the Colour Event 2024 Amid Cancer Treatment
Nelly Korda makes a 10 and faces uphill climb at Women’s Open
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
Dangerous weather continues to threaten Texas; forecast puts more states on alert
Polish man sentenced to life in Congo on espionage charges has been released and returned to Europe
Graceland foreclosure: Emails allegedly from company claim sale of Elvis' home was a scam