Accidental Overdose on Benadryl: Seeking Advice
I’m a 30-year-old female living with congenital heart disease, diastolic heart failure, and factor V Leiden mutation. Currently, I’m on several medications including Cymbalta, Abilify, Eliquis, Seroquel, and Vistaril. I want to clarify upfront that my recent incident with Benadryl was not a suicide attempt. I neglected to check the dosage instructions when taking the medication, which was clearly a mistake on my part. It all began on Monday evening around 10 PM, when I started experiencing what I believed to be an allergic reaction. By 10:15 PM, my discomfort escalated, prompting me to take two extra-strength Benadryl tablets, each containing 50 mg. While this provided minimal relief, I was finally able to sleep. The following day, I went to the emergency department due to persistent severe itching. I took another 100 mg of Benadryl there and was given additional medications before being discharged. After getting back home at around 4 AM, I took a short nap. Later that day, around 5 PM, the itching returned, and I took another 100 mg dose, followed by an additional 100 mg again at 10 PM. When I consulted a friend who is a medical professional about whether 200 mg in one day was excessive, she confirmed that it was, which made me realize I had made a mistake. I reached out to poison control who advised against sleeping alone, so I ended up on the couch with my boyfriend. However, I struggled to find sleep—restlessly tossing and turning through the night, experiencing what felt like tremors or possibly a pseudo-seizure, shaking violently. When I awoke around 4 AM, I was disoriented and itchy again and mistakenly took yet another 100 mg of Benadryl. Upon recognizing the gravity of the situation, I went to the ER, but they reassured me that I was okay, stating they frequently administer such high doses. There was no blood work or EKG performed, and I was sent home. Seeking a second opinion at an urgent care facility, I was told not to worry and advised to simply rest and stay hydrated. It has been some time since my last Benadryl dose and I’m now experiencing a slew of symptoms including intense drowsiness, dry mouth, slight confusion, possibly tremors or pseudo-seizures, headaches, agitation, stomach pain, and nausea. How long might these effects persist? Should I consider visiting another ER to get evaluated again?
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 1:20:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve had a very challenging experience, and I appreciate you sharing those details. Managing a situation involving a medication like Benadryl—especially with your underlying health conditions—can understandably cause significant concern.
Main Points:
- Symptoms You’re Experiencing: Intense drowsiness, dry mouth, confusion, tremors (or pseudo-seizures), headaches, agitation, stomach pain, and nausea can be side effects of high doses of Benadryl.
- Duration of Effects: Many of these symptoms can last from several hours to a couple of days as the medication is eliminated from your system.
- When to Seek Further Help: If your symptoms worsen or you continue to feel disoriented, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
Explanation:
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and confusion, especially in higher doses. For most adults, the recommended dose is 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of around 300 mg per day. You’ve taken doses that exceed this recommendation significantly, which can lead to increased side effects, particularly given your medical history of congenital heart disease and diastolic heart failure.
The tremors or shaking you're experiencing may be a side effect of the medication or a response of your body to the high dosage. Intense drowsiness is also common with Benadryl, but it is concerning given your medical history and current symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Hydrate and Rest: Continue to stay hydrated and rest as advised. Avoid any additional antihistamines or medications that can increase sedation.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close watch on how you feel. If your drowsiness deepens, confusion increases, or you experience persistent tremors, agitation, or any new symptoms, these are indicators that you should seek medical attention.
-
Contact a Healthcare Provider: If symptoms do not improve within 24-48 hours, or if you feel any worsening of your condition, please go to an emergency room for an evaluation. Given your medical history, it's crucial to get a thorough check-up, including possibly an EKG, to ensure there are no complications from your recent Benadryl use.
-
Consider Medication Review: Once you stabilize, consider discussing your current medications and any side effects with your healthcare provider. This can help in preventing similar situations in the future.
Your health is important, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you have any immediate concerning changes, please take action and seek care. Stay safe and take care of yourself.
Related Questions
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Exploring Inositol and CoQ10 for Managing PCOS Symptoms
As a 28-year-old female, I have faced the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) since my teenage years. Starting from the age of 16, I have dealt with highly irregular menstrual cycles, occurring anywhere from three to eight months apart. My diagnosis has been substantiated through two ultrasounds and blood tests revealing elevated androgen levels. Despite maintaining a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle—balancing my work as an environmental biologist with gym sessions alongside my husband—I continue to wrestle with weight management. Other symptoms impacting my daily life include significant hair loss, unwanted facial hair, and persistent fatigue. In my journey to manage PCOS, I previously sought counsel from a gynaecologist, who primarily suggested hormonal birth control as the main approach to alleviate my symptoms. Although I adhered to this recommendation for several years, the hormonal changes negatively impacted my mood, leading me to discontinue its use. Another alternative proposed by my gynaecologist involved androgen blockers, but these are not suitable for me since my husband and I plan to start a family in the next two to three years. Recently, my research led me to discover that supplements like Inositol and CoQ10 might effectively combat insulin resistance and lower androgen levels. They are purported to improve various symptoms associated with PCOS, including the regulation of ovulation, all while boasting minimal adverse effects. I am curious about the viability of these supplements as alternatives to hormonal birth control or androgen blockers in managing my PCOS symptoms.
Seeking Clarity on My Spinal Tap Results: A Bit Anxious
I am a 31-year-old woman experiencing a continuous headache for the past four months, accompanied by feelings of nausea and exhaustion. I take Lexapro each day to manage my mental health. I have a history of migraines and headaches, but this recent episode doesn't align with my previous experiences. Here are the findings from my spinal tap: - **Opening Pressure of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)**: 9 cm H₂O - **Presence of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in CSF**: 2,570 - **Total Protein Level in CSF**: 107 mg/dL - **ACE Level in CSF**: 4.4 - **Other Tests on CSF**: Results were normal. - **Brain MRI and MR Venography**: Both tests yielded normal results. - **Blood Test Results**: Normal results were obtained. Given these results, I'm feeling a bit uneasy and I’m hoping to better understand what they might indicate about my health.
Injury to the Sciatic Nerve
At 25 years old and weighing 135 pounds, I am currently taking naproxen and Lyrica to manage my sciatic nerve injury. The pain in my right leg has made it incredibly difficult for me to remain upright. It’s been two weeks since I first sought treatment; I consulted a physician who advised medication and attended a physiotherapy session. Initially, I experienced some relief after the appointment, but unfortunately, the pain returned the following day—even the prescribed home exercises exacerbated my discomfort. Just yesterday, I attempted the cobra pose, along with the flossing technique, which only heightened my pain. I find it nearly impossible to stand for more than a few seconds before the discomfort becomes intolerable. Additionally, I have an appointment with an osteopath on Tuesday, but I can't shake off my worries— is it normal to still struggle with walking after two weeks? Although I am experiencing some numbness in my toes, I haven’t encountered any loss of bladder or bowel control, worsening numbness, or weakness in my legs, so I feel stable in that regard. Nonetheless, I fear the possibility of never fully recovering and being left with a lasting disability. The pain is overwhelming, adding to my anxiety about the future.
Concern Regarding Persistent Tongue Bump with White Coating
I am a 24-year-old male, standing at 190 cm tall and weighing 109 kg. For the past five weeks, I've experienced a peculiar issue on my tongue. Specifically, there's a noticeable bump on the right side near the tip, which I believe may have been developing over time, although I'm not entirely sure about that timeline. Recently, I've been troubled by an unusual sensation, including dryness, an odd taste, and a slight decrease in my sense of taste. Additionally, I've observed a white coating that is more pronounced on the aforementioned side of my tongue. The bump in question: - Does not cause any pain. - May have increased slightly in size over the weeks, though I'm uncertain. - Appears smooth with a pink surface, free of bleeding or ulceration. Given that this issue has persisted for over a month, I am feeling quite anxious and am concerned that it may indicate a serious problem. I have no significant medical history, but I confess that my dental hygiene has not been up to par, as I haven’t been brushing regularly. At this moment, I’m also under medication for H. pylori, known as Pylera, but this tongue concern predates my treatment. I am a non-smoker and am reaching out for any insights on this condition. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could this be a sign of irritation, infection, or something benign? I really appreciate any guidance you could provide. Thank you!