Benadryl addiction

[susansuzyq]

Hi, this is the first time I have ever posted anything online. I am doing so now because I guess I am erabarrassed to tell anyone I know. I don't know where else to turn. I have been taking anywhere from 225mg-275mg of diphenydramine (benadryl) everynight for the past 4 yrs to help me sleep. Everytime I try to stop or even wean down I get nauseated and begin vomitting so I usually start back on it because I have two children to take care of. I don't know what the long term effects are and don't know what to do. I want to talk to someone that has been through this. Can my doctor help me? What should I do??????

 

[Titchou]

10 benedryl a night? WOW! I would talk with your doctor. You may have to wean youself off - that is, one less per night for so many nights, then 2, etc...

 

[reason101]

i haven't been through that personally but i definately think it is a good idea to talk to a helth profesiononal who can evalutate the state your body's in and formulate a plan. You shouldn't have to live like that, taking any drug for such a long time is harmful and the sooner you get help the better. No one in your personal life has to know anymore than you tell them, talking to a doctor can only help, at the very least it'll provide you with information you need. its never too late, hang in there

 

[mel486]

Definitely talk to your physician. I would also suggest that you begin tapering down off of it slowly. Take a little less every couple of days until you are down to manageable levels (i.e., one or two tabs) and then try stopping it. Maybe once you are off of the benedryl your physician can prescribe something else for sleep.