What Are the Side Effects of Benadryl?
Like every drug, Benadryl can lead to mild and serious side effects. Let’s take a look at the most common side effects of the drug. It is important to note that the list below does not contain all the side effects.
The common side effects
The common side effects of Benadryl are:
- Headache
- Sleepiness [1]
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Weakness
These common side effects usually leave after a few days or some weeks. You can contact your doctor if they don’t go away or worsen after some days.
The Serious side effects
Serious side effects can lead to life-threatening health complications. You can contact 911 if your symptoms are life threatening. Serious side effects of Benadryl include:
- Fast heartbeat
- Decreased memory
- Seizures [2]
- Impaired thinking
- Confusion
- Dementia [3]
Long-term side effects
Over-the-counter Benadryl is not approved for long-term use. Little research has been done about the long-term side effects of the drug. However, doctors notice the following symptoms in people who use the drug for a long time:
- Dependence
- Constipation [4]
- Blurred vision [5]
- Memory problems and dementia (especially in seniors)
- Anxiety [6]
You can speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing allergy symptoms regularly.