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Q. Over the past 30 years I have taken Benadryl twice. Both times it caused me memory loss as a side effect.
I had to look up phone numbers that I dialed daily. I wasn’t even sure what year it was. Thankfully, the problem only lasted for 24 hours.
A. Diphenhydramine (DPH), the active ingredient in the antihistamine Benadryl, is very sedating. Studies have shown that it can impair the ability to drive safely (Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, March, 2004). It may also affect memory and concentration (Journal of Psychopharmacology, July, 2006).
Anticholinergic Drugs and Brain Fog:
A new study in JAMA Neurology (online, April 18, 2016) reports that taking anticholinergic drugs like DPH is “associated with increased brain atrophy and dysfunction and clinical decline.”
Such medications interfere with the action of an essential brain chemical called acetylcholine. There is growing concern that they could increase the risk for cognitive decline and dementia in older people.
There are dozens of drugs with anticholinergic activity, including most of the over-the-counter “PM” pain relievers. Some medications for allergy, depression, diarrhea, motion sickness, heart problems and overactive bladder may also affect the brain.
If you would like to see a list we have complied of anticholinergic drugs, here is a link.
Stories from Readers:
Naomi in Palm Beach Gardens, FL shares this story about a couple of anticholinergic drugs:
“I have taken Benadryl, Paxil and oxybutynin (maybe others?) FOR YEARS. What can I do to UNDO their effects? I have felt as though my memory is half gone for quite a while. I am 83 and made good use of a very good brain and a high I.Q. This information has been demoralizing and I hope you have some suggestions for reversing my mental direction.”
All three of the medications Naomi lists above (Benadryl for allergies, oxybutynin for bladder control and paroxetine for depression) have strong anticholinergic activity. We are not surprised that she has brain fog and memory issues after such a combined drug effect. There are alternate ways to deal with allergies (steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines without such strong anticholinergic activity, such as Allegra). Naomi should have a conversation with her physician to reduce the load of anticholinergic medications she is taking. Hopefully, that might undo some of the brain fog she is experiencing.
The original questioner might benefit from the same advice. This person appears to be especially susceptible to brain fog from DPH. We think such individuals must be extra cautious about other medications that have anticholinergic activity.
In our book, Top Screwups, we have a whole chapter devoted to drugs that can be especially dangerous for older people including a long list of medications that have anticholinergic activity. This person will want to check this list periodically and talk to his doctor to make sure any prescriptions he receives have a low risk for causing brain fog.
Ruth
Elkins, West Virginia
I had been having some unexplained itching and was on Vistaril. Later while hospitalized I needed to have Dilaudid given with Benadryl due to reactions of pain medication. I was doing things without knowing I was, became unconscious and fell with muscle spasms. Taken to ER and transported to a nearby large medical facility. I was also taking Tizanidine for migraine headaches and Gabapentin for diabetic neuropathy. Needless to say I am now off these medications. This effect should have been known by my doctors, in my opinion.
Naomi
Oregon
I read with great interest your conversation concerning Benadryl, because I also have had “brain fog” while taking it. Just this week, my physician told me he would rather I not take Benadryl. Of course, I have stopped it.
Also of interest, I have the same first name as the person who posted her comment about this drug.
maria rose
I try to avoid all medications that list drowsiness as a side effect and look for ways to alleviate my sinus/allergy problem. I decided this after taking a prescription for hot flashes that as a side effect accelerated my osteoarthritis onset. You have to read all the fine print especially the side effects.
mary
The earlier article couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time.
I could not figure out what was happening to me. I was suffering terrible brain fog–indecision, confusion, even anxiety– and having very strange dreams. I had taken Benedryl 3-4 nights for a terrible unknown allergy just days before the article. Some thought was that these things were allergy caused. Of course I stopped immediately but took some days to get back on track.
To also note is that I took the lower children’s dose!
What a blessing that article was and at just the right time. Thank you!
But now what? Pharmacist told me to always have Benedryl on hand when we discussed a bee sting reaction I had a few years ago [never had any reaction to bee stings before]. MOSTLY she told me–have it on hand when I have my Grandchildren with me in the summer and we spend so much time outdoors. Would I even consider giving it to grandchildren? Is there an alternative, is there any other option?
It seems imperative to have ‘something’ available for this need.
I am worried.
Joan
Maryland
I am so grateful that you posted information about this type of drug a few weeks ago. I have been taking hydroxyzine for insomnia/anxiety for months and have noticed poor memory and concentration lately. (e.g., As I am writing this, I couldn’t remember the word “anxiety.”) As a result of your information, I am weaning myself off of the drug and am hoping that I won’t go back to not being able to sleep — and that I get my memory back.
RUTH
Phoenix
I have had rectal surgery, and take prescription drug lomotil as well as immodium, several times a week as needed. In reading comments others have posted, I am afraid of mental fog, but don’t know what my alternatives are. I would be happy to hear from others who may be in this same situation.
Roe
USA
Hi, thanks, I have similar concerns. Been taking Benadryl 50 mg nightly to stay asleep.
Been trying melatonin time release, since my problem is staying asleep.
The melatonin 3 mg keeps me down 5 hours and I need another 2.5 hours to feel good. I am 68 years old. Thanks
Vicki
Atlanta, GA
When my mother and mother-in-law saw psychiatrists regarding dementia, they both were taking Benadryl and both advised to stop it at once.
Today, at ages 79 and 84, both of them suffer from Alzheimer’s and can no longer live alone. The only common denominator of their lifestyles is Benadryl and statin drugs. My m-i-l, the younger, has always been extremely active and thin, high energy, no depression, no medication except statin drugs, no dental problems at all, no health concerns at all.
My mother has always suffered greatly with anxiety and depression and has taken medications for 20+ years and without them would have died in her early 50’s. She has always been overweight and not very active.
Sadly both of them were advised by their doctors to take Benadryl as a sleep aid. Recently a friend told me her doctor recommended the same and I strongly advised against it. Certainly my mother and m-i-l may have Alzheimer’s if they had not taken Benadryl and statins, but unlikely. There should be warnings on the packaging that Benadryl can cause brain fog and permanent memory loss, eve dementia. Thank you for allowing me to share our story.
A.X.
Neti pot for allergies! I used to be on antihistamines and all that for months every year. Now I just use the neti pot, and when the allergies are bad, you can just rinse more than once in a day. Keeps it manageable! NeilMed sells packets of saline stuff that’s at the right pH and all that. You can use them with your own neti pot and not keep buying their plastic bottles.
Marsh
Can Wellbutrin’s long-term use increase the risk of developing the symptoms similar to the anticholinergic drugs mentioned in the People’s Pharmacy newsletters? Wikipedia defines anticholinergic substances as those “that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and the peripheral nervous system.” Wikipedia also says that anticholinergics are further classified as either antimuscarinic or antinicotinic according to the receptors that are affected. Wellbutrin is an antinicotinic anticholinergic agent.
Pat
Wimberley TX
I switched from Benadryl to Valerian Root several years ago. It’s relaxing and provides a good night’s sleep. . Is this in the AC class of drugs?