From the Research
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is not recommended as a treatment for anxiety due to its significant drawbacks and lack of approval for anxiety treatment. While it can cause drowsiness and may temporarily reduce feelings of anxiety in some people, using it for anxiety can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Side effects include extreme drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and impaired cognitive function. Long-term use may increase dementia risk, especially in older adults.
Alternative Treatments for Anxiety
For anxiety, better options include:
- Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 1
- FDA-approved medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or benzodiazepines prescribed by a doctor 2, 3
- Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques These approaches address the underlying causes of anxiety rather than just temporarily masking symptoms and have better safety profiles for ongoing use.
Key Considerations
When considering treatment for anxiety, it's essential to prioritize evidence-based approaches that address the underlying causes of anxiety, rather than relying on medications like Benadryl that may have significant drawbacks. The most recent and highest-quality study, 3, supports the use of SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety due to their efficacy and tolerability.