Benadryl side effects

DEAR DR. GOTT: I get severe leg cramps when I use Benadryl. Is it because I get dry mouth from the medication?

DEAR READER: There are a number of different Benadryl products on the market, each containing different inactive ingredients. And, as I have reported on countless occasions, all medications can carry side effects. As you have discovered, a common one in many Benadryl products is dry mouth. Furthermore, diphenhydramine/ibuprofen can cause numbness of an arm or leg and unusual joint or muscle pain.
Consider a trial without this medication. If your symptoms stop, you will have the answer. If you feel you need an antihistamine, speak with your physician regarding a substitution.

Daily Column

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am 70 years old. I have been a light sleeper for my entire adult life. However, sleep has been more evasive in recent months.

Do you have any non-medical strategies for relief? Across the years I have sometimes taken 25 mg of diphenhydramine for allergies and have noticed some assistance with sleeping. I would only be willing to take medication as a last resort. Please give me a quick, easy fix. Thank you.

DEAR READER:
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that is sometimes recommended as a non-habit forming sleep aid because it has sedative properties. This is why you experience some relief when taking the product. It is also sold under the trademark, Simply Sleep for those who do not take it for allergies.

Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep a day. There is no evidence to support the belief that older individuals require less. [Read more...]