What You Need to Know About Benadryl and Brain Health
New research shows that Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may affect your brain health, especially if you're over 60 years old. This common over-the-counter medicine is found in many allergy and sleep products. Here's what you need to know:
The Risks
Long-term use: Studies show that taking Benadryl regularly over many years may increase your risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The risk goes up the more you use it. Even using it for months or years can add to this risk.
Single or rare use: Just one dose can cause immediate problems in older adults, including confusion, dizziness, falls, and trouble thinking clearly. These effects happen because Benadryl blocks an important chemical in your brain called acetylcholine that helps with memory and thinking.
Why Older Adults Are at Higher Risk
As we age, our brains become more sensitive to Benadryl's effects. Older adults may experience sleepiness, confusion, falls, and trouble with balance - even from one dose.
Safer Options
For allergies: Ask about newer allergy medicines like loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofenadine (Allegra). You can also try nasal sprays (Flonase) or saline rinses.
For sleep: Talk with your clinician about better sleep habits and non-drug treatments first. If you need medicine, newer options like low-dose doxepin may be safer.
What You Can Do
Check your medicine labels - Benadryl is in many products
Talk to your doctor/nurse practitioner before using Benadryl, especially if over 60
Ask about safer alternatives for allergies and sleep
Never stop prescription medicines without talking to your clinician first
Remember, this information is meant to help you have better conversations with your healthcare team about the safest options for your health.
- Gina Perez-Baron MD
Sources:
Anticholinergic Drugs and the Risk of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Zheng YB, Shi L, Zhu XM, et al. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 2021;127:296-306. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.031.
Risk Assessment and Prevention of Falls in Older Community-Dwelling Adults: A Review. Colón-Emeric CS, McDermott CL, Lee DS, Berry SD. JAMA. 2024;331(16):1397-1406. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.1416.
Alternative Treatments to Selected Medications in the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria®. Steinman MA. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2025;73(9):2657-2677. doi:10.1111/jgs.19500.
