Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a popular over-the-counter antihistamine for allergies, but researchers have raised concern over a potential link between Benadryl and dementia.
Why would anybody even think that Benadryl could cause dementia?
First, Benadryl is an older antihistamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier. That simply means it gets into your brain. Second, Benadryl also acts as an anticholinergic medication. This class of medications can cause confusion and memory loss, especially in older adults.
The result is that Benadryl affects far more than the itching, sneezing, and congestion of allergies. At best, Benadryl can help you get a good night’s sleep, which is why it’s marketed as a sleep aid. At worst, it can make you confused and groggy the next day, and increase the risk of getting into a car accident.
So I reviewed the research on Benadryl and dementia in an article for GoodRx.
Here’s the bottom line:
The research to date has not definitively proven that Benadryl (as a specific individual medication) raises the risk of developing dementia. However, the class of medications Benadryl belongs to (anticholinergics) does appear to be associated with dementia.
Even if there is no definitive evidence of Benadryl causing dementia, it’s worth taking precautions. Benadryl is not intended to be used as a long-term daily medication for allergies or sleep. Take the smallest dose for the shortest time possible.
Check out the full article for more details.
If you’re using nasal steroids for allergies, check out my other post: Are you using your nasal steroids for long enough?
