Another antihistamine you may see in over-the-counter allergy medicines is diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine isn’t just for allergies; it is also used for a variety of other problems like insect bites and bee stings, poison ivy and sunburns, motion sickness, sleeplessness, and Parkinson’s disease. Because it has so many different possible uses, read the directions carefully and be sure to follow them!
Before taking an over-the-counter allergy medicine that contains diphenhydramine, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Be sure to talk about what other medicines you are currently taking — prescription and nonprescription. Diphenhydramine can be a problem if you have or ever had asthma, lung disease, glaucoma, enlarged prostate gland, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid. You may not be able to use diphenhydramine if you have some of these health issues, but the only way to know for sure is to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The most commonly reported side effect of taking diphenhydramine is drowsiness. Keep in mind that drinking alcohol can intensify this effect. Other medicines (like sedatives and antidepressants) can also intensify the feeling of drowsiness. You may want to plan to take your diphenhydramine before bed whenever possible. Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you combine an antihistamine like diphenhydramine with a sedative, tranquilizer, or anti-depressant.
Other side effects include dry mouth/nose/throat, upset stomach, and headache. You can lessen the dry feeling by adding more water to your diet when you are taking diphenhydramine for allergies or sleep problems. Also keep in mind that a dry nose during a time when you are blowing your nose more than usual can result in nosebleeds.
The list of name brand medicines that may use diphenhydramine is a long one! This list is not all-inclusive; always read the label on your allergy medicine or sleep aid to see what the active ingredients are!
- Alka-Seltzer PM
- AllerMax
- Bayer PM
- Benadryl
- Compoz
- Dermarest
- Doan’s PM
- Excedrin PM
- Genahist
- Legatrin PM
- Nytol
- Simply Sleep
- Sleepinal
- Sominex
- Sudafed
- Tylenol Allergy and/or Tylenol PM
- Unisom