Mast Cell Disorders Forum - Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems?

Targs66

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Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems?
04/24/12 at 03:37:34

I am pretty new to all this....

I started taking the "old" Benadryl (diphenhydramine) at night to help with sleep problems. I am hypersensitive to meds so just a tiny crumb is enough to help me sleep.

However, I've noticed that in the past few weeks I have had some weird allergic-like reactions: I am terribly itchy all over my torso, my foot is numb and tingly and I've just been feeling worse than usual. (I have chronic fatigue and dysautonomia, so I'm always feelign tired and ill, but can usually get at least a few hours of the day where I am reasonably functional.)

I noticed that the Benadryl insert lists as potential side effects what sounds like masto issues: difficulty breathing, swollen throat and tongue, and so on. It makes me wonder - can Benadryl make some people's mast cell reactions worse, rather than better??

thanks in advance for any input!!

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Anaphylaxing

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Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems?
Reply #1 - 04/24/12 at 10:55:10

Hi Targs

Everyone is different as far as which meds they can tolerate and which they can't, so it is good that you are being cautious. If your doc thinks it safe you could try stopping the benadryl for a time and see if those other symptoms go away. Later you could consider another anithistamine instead.

I get tingling and itching as part of my reactions be it to drugs, foods, smells etc

Keep us posted

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Targs66 Rookie Offline Posts: 12	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #2 - 04/26/12 at 03:03:34 Thanks for your reply... Unfortunately, I don't have a doc - am in the UK and my GP just isn't interested. I may try stopping the benadryl, as you suggested. I do like the way it helps me sleep, though! Will have to try to find something similar. thanks!
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PamH Mentor Offline Posts: 447 Indianapolis, IN USA	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #3 - 05/12/12 at 06:24:47 I can't take the pink benedryl because of red 40. I am very salicylate sensitive and can't have food coloring. The oxide colorant I seem to tollerate better. I found benedryl in blue, it is a sleep aid. Same med different box, different color. Not pink!! Pam
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WendyH Tutor Offline I Love YaBB 2! Posts: 93 Hurricane, UT	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #4 - 05/12/12 at 08:39:07 I can only take the clear children's liquid benedryl that says dye free/alcohol free. I should buy stock in benedryl, I go thru about 3 bottle a week. PS it does not make me sleepy at all
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PamH Mentor Offline Posts: 447 Indianapolis, IN USA	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #5 - 05/12/12 at 08:55:35 Wendy, YOu must be immune to its side effects!! Pam
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WendyH Tutor Offline I Love YaBB 2! Posts: 93 Hurricane, UT	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #6 - 05/12/12 at 13:00:04 Pam I don't know, my doc said my body must use it all
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deblevstern

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Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems?
Reply #7 - 05/12/12 at 13:31:38

Wow, I just wanted to write about this and saw your post! I am struggling terribly with finding a H1 blocker that won't trigger stinging in the face and nausea...I tried Benedryl liquid today and had facial stinging for about an hour and nausea. So far I have tried, Claritin,Allegra,Zyrtec, Hydroxizine and Benedryl and they all give me a bad stinging sensation in the face. I too read that H1 blockers can cause stinging as a side effect.

The H2 blockers do help me with itchy,hurting ears, sore throat, itchy throat etc.
Does anyone else get facial stinging from H1 blockers and if so, what do you take for MCAS????? Help!! Debbie

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Doozlygirl Mentor Offline Posts: 262 Wisconsin	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #8 - 05/12/12 at 19:15:05 I use dye free Benedryl liquid gels, which are clear. Also bought Walgreens dye free diphenhydramine gel caps, but haven't had to take them yet. Like Pam, I am highly sensitive to dye colorings in meds and seem to tolerate the iron oxide dyes. Lyn
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Targs66

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Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems?
Reply #9 - 05/13/12 at 00:33:22

There's a product here (in UK) called Boots Sleep Ease which is just diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in white tablet form, which might solve problems with dyes. I don't know if there's something similar in the US?

Debbie - sorry to hear about your problems with the facial stinging!! That's got to be frustrating... I'm afraid I don't know what you can do for an H1.... anyone else?

-Shel

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cutty sark Tutor Offline I Love YaBB 2! Posts: 37	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #10 - 05/13/12 at 03:26:44 What about some of the natural sleep aids, Shel. Kalms or Valerian might help.
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WendyH Tutor Offline I Love YaBB 2! Posts: 93 Hurricane, UT	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #11 - 05/13/12 at 05:36:53 Have you tried Atarax for an H1. I was on that one for a couple of years before I had to change my cocktail.
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deblevstern Tutor Offline I Love YaBB 2! Posts: 54	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #12 - 05/13/12 at 09:37:08 Thank you WEndy. I did try Hydroxizine (Atarax). I became nauseated and it caused the facial stinging. I'm open to any suggestions anyone may have????Debbie
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WendyH Tutor Offline I Love YaBB 2! Posts: 93 Hurricane, UT	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #13 - 05/13/12 at 11:07:10 Deb I can't think of any other H1 yet but I wonder if your one of the very rare people who react to H1 like I had every adverse reaction to Gastrocrom, I can't take that at all.
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Joan FORUM ADVISOR Offline Posts: 1502 Colorado	Re: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) problems? Reply #14 - 05/13/12 at 15:46:03 Other H1s include Xyzal, Chlortrimeton, chlorpheniramine maleate, Sinequan (doxepin). If you call a pharmacist, they'll tell you the names of all they sell. Just be sure not to take any with decongestants in them, because those can cause symptoms to flare.
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