Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction in the peripheral nervous system, which transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, exposure to toxins, nutritional deficiencies, alcoholism, and inherited conditions. It’s estimated that neuropathy affects roughly 20 million people in the U.S. alone.
The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, tingling, burning, and pain in the hands and feet. Neuropathic pain is often described as shooting, stabbing, sharp, or burning. For many people, the pain from neuropathy is severe and extremely challenging to manage. While there are medications specifically designed to treat neuropathy, they don’t work for everyone. Some people turn to over-the-counter medications like Benadryl in search of relief.
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is the brand name for an antihistamine called diphenhydramine. It’s used to treat symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold by blocking the effects of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. It’s responsible for causing symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, and hives. Diphenhydramine also has anticholinergic properties, meaning it blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that activates pain-sensing nerves.
In addition to its antihistamine effects, Benadryl can also act as a mild sedative. That’s why it’s often included in over-the-counter sleep aids. At higher doses, diphenhydramine may cause significant drowsiness. For that reason, it should never be combined with other medications or substances that cause CNS depression, including alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, and tranquilizers.
How Benadryl Might Help with Neuropathy
Because of its ability to reduce pain signaling and cause mild sedation, some people take Benadryl to relieve neuropathic pain and promote sleep. There are a few possible ways diphenhydramine could help dampen the discomfort and other symptoms of neuropathy:
- Blocks histamine receptors – Histamine activity in the body may play a role in neuropathic pain. Blocking histamine receptors with an antihistamine like Benadryl may reduce inflammation and calm overactive nerves.
- Anticholinergic effects – Diphenhydramine blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in pain signaling. This may directly reduce sensations of pain.
- Sedative properties – The drowsiness caused by Benadryl may enable sleep and temporarily mask feelings of pain and discomfort.
Unfortunately, there is limited scientific research looking specifically at the effects of Benadryl on neuropathy. The evidence that does exist is mainly anecdotal reports from patients, rather than controlled clinical trials. Many people do claim taking Benadryl helps relieve tingling, numbness, and pain associated with peripheral neuropathy.
Benadryl Dosage for Neuropathy
The standard adult dosage of Benadryl for allergies or insomnia is 25-50 mg taken 1-3 times per day. For treating acute neuropathy flares, some patients report good results taking 50 mg every 8 hours or 25 mg every 4-6 hours as needed for pain.
It’s important not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dose of 150 mg in 24 hours. At higher doses above 100 mg, side effects like extreme drowsiness, confusion, constipation, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating are more likely to occur.
Always follow dosage guidelines on the Benadryl package or as directed by your doctor. Because diphenhydramine can cause significant drowsiness, it’s best to take Benadryl at bedtime when treating neuropathy symptoms.
Benadryl Dosage Table
| Age Group | Dosage | Frequency | Max per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults and children over 12 | 25-50 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 150 mg |
| Children 6-12 years | 12.5-25 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 75 mg |
| Children under 6 years | 6.25 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 37.5 mg |
Risks and Side Effects
All medications carry potential risks and side effects, and Benadryl is no exception. Some of the most common side effects of diphenhydramine include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rate
These effects often increase with higher dosages of Benadryl. Paradoxically, diphenhydramine may also cause excitability or insomnia in some people. Those with angle-closure glaucoma should avoid Benadryl due to the risk of worsening intraocular pressure.
Since Benadryl causes significant drowsiness, it’s critical to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking it. Combining diphenhydramine with other sedatives like alcohol or narcotic pain relievers may lead to dangerous CNS and respiratory depression.
Benadryl Drug Interactions
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) has major interactions with numerous drugs and substances. Some potentially dangerous combinations include:
| Drug/Substance | Interaction Effects |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Increased sedation, impaired motor skills and judgment |
| Opioids | Dangerous CNS and respiratory depression |
| CNS Depressants | Extreme sedation, potential respiratory failure |
| MAO Inhibitors | Serotonin syndrome – severe headache, fever, seizures |
Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking Benadryl with any other medications, supplements, or herbal products. Those with chronic medical conditions like glaucoma, heart disease, hypertension, thyroid disorders, seizures, or prostate issues should use diphenhydramine cautiously.
Alternatives for Neuropathy
While some find Benadryl helpful for temporary relief of neuropathy symptoms, it’s not a good long-term solution. Tolerance tends to build quickly, meaning larger doses are required for ongoing efficacy. And chronic use of diphenhydramine may result in dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.
For treating the underlying nerve damage and chronic pain of neuropathy, several options may provide more benefit with less risk than Benadryl:
- Prescription medications – Anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, topical creams, and opioids specifically indicated for neuropathic pain management.
- Physical therapy – Stretching, strengthening exercises, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and other modalities to reduce neuropathy symptoms.
- Acupuncture – Fine needles inserted into specific body points has been shown to reduce neuropathic pain for some people.
- Lifestyle changes – Improving diet, exercising, limiting alcohol, stopping smoking, and reducing stress may help mitigate neuropathy progression and discomfort.
- Alternative therapies – Massage, meditation, biofeedback, and spinal manipulation may complement other treatment approaches.
For moderate to severe neuropathy, working closely with your doctor to find an effective management strategy is highly recommended. While Benadryl may offer temporary numbness or pain relief for some, it’s not a substitute for addressing the root cause of nerve damage.
Conclusion
Due to its antihistamine and mild sedative properties, many people turn to Benadryl as a quick home remedy for alleviating neuropathy symptoms like pain, burning, and tingling. While diphenhydramine may provide short-term numbness or relief for some, Benadryl is not FDA approved for treating neuropathy. And its use for chronic pain conditions remains limited and controversial.
Potential side effects like extreme drowsiness and dangerous drug interactions are also reasons for caution with long-term Benadryl use. Always consult a doctor before taking diphenhydramine, especially if you have other medical conditions or take any other medications.
To address the underlying nerve damage of neuropathy, prescription medications, various therapies, and lifestyle changes tailored to your specific condition are more likely to provide lasting relief with less risk than over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl.