A Case of Statin-Induced Myopathy
Medroxyprogesterone: Uses, Dosage And Side Effects
Current uses of medroxyprogesterone oral tablets approved for adults by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include:
"Oral medroxyprogesterone acetate is used to help manage heavy or irregular periods or to decrease the risk of developing endometrial cancer for postmenopausal people who are using hormone therapy," explains Dr. Doty. If you're having period-related problems, she says it's important to have your symptoms carefully evaluated to figure out the cause before starting medroxyprogesterone. Changes in menstrual flow have many causes and may require different treatments.
Medroxyprogesterone is also approved for secondary amenorrhea—the absence of a menstrual cycle—not caused by pregnancy, lactation or menopause. Medroxyprogesterone is "commonly given to induce a period," explains Alexander Lin, M.D., medical director of Women's Health at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in Illinois.
Endometrial hyperplasia is another common medroxyprogesterone use, says Dr. Lin. Too much estrogen relative to progesterone can lead to this common condition, which results when the uterine lining becomes too thick, often causing abnormal vaginal bleeding.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends treating endometrial hyperplasia to prevent cancer from forming in the uterus. Progestin medications, like medroxyprogesterone, are often used, including the tablet form.
In some cases, medroxyprogesterone might also be used for uterine cancer, says Dr. Lin.
Medroxyprogesterone vs. Natural Progesterone for Menopause Hormone TherapyIf you're taking estrogen during menopause and have a uterus, adequate doses of either oral progesterone or a progestin are needed to protect the uterus from endometrial cancer. Both medroxyprogesterone and micronized progesterone (a medicine containing progesterone) are FDA-approved for use with estrogen in menopause hormone therapy. However, some research suggests that micronized progesterone may have lower cardiovascular and breast cancer risks than medroxyprogesterone .
If you're taking estrogen during menopause and have a uterus, adequate doses of either oral micronized progesterone, or a progestin like medroxyprogesterone, are needed to protect your uterus from endometrial cancer. Both oral forms are FDA-approved for use with estrogen in menopause hormone therapy. However, some research suggests that micronized progesterone may have lower cardiovascular and breast cancer risks than medroxyprogesterone .
"Natural progesterone is frequently used in lieu of medroxyprogesterone when used for hormone replacement therapy," says Dr. Lin. He notes concerns for risks of blood clots—and possibly breast cancer and dementia—with medroxyprogesterone. But it's also possible that medroxyprogesterone may offer better uterine protection than micronized progesterone, according to one systematic review .
"Medroxyprogesterone may have a more potent effect than natural progesterone," notes Dr. Lin. In addition, Dr. Doty points out that medroxyprogesterone is more reliably processed in the body, which can provide a more predictable therapeutic effect.
The North American Menopause Society recommends talking to your doctor to decide which form of progesterone—natural or synthetic—is best based on your individual risks and preferences.
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Pristiq Side Effects: What You Should Know
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is a brand-name extended-release tablet that's prescribed for major depressive disorder in adults. As with other drugs, Pristiq can cause side effects, such as headache and nausea.
Pristiq can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Pristiq in clinical trials:
Mild side effects can occur with Pristiq use. This list doesn't include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Pristiq's prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Pristiq include:
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Pristiq and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* For more information, see the "Side effect specifics" section below.
Pristiq may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Pristiq's prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Pristiq, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported with Pristiq and their symptoms include:
* Pristiq has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).† For more information, see the "Side effect specifics" section below.
Long-term side effectsAlthough Pristiq can cause some serious side effects, these were rarely reported in clinical studies. Most of them aren't long term and should go away if treatment with Pristiq is stopped.
But in rare cases, Pristiq may cause long-term side effects. For example, interstitial lung disease (scarring in your lungs) may not go away, even if you stop taking Pristiq. And if you develop high blood pressure from Pristiq, you may need to take medication long term for this condition.
Pristiq may also cause long-term side effects in people who already have certain medical conditions. For more information, see the "Precautions for Pristiq" section below.
Pristiq may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug's side effects and their answers.
Do Pristiq side effects go away?If your doctor prescribes Pristiq for you, you may wonder how long Pristiq side effects last.
Most mild side effects caused by Pristiq usually go away on their own after a few days to weeks. Although the medication can also cause serious side effects, most of these can be treated and go away if you stop taking Pristiq.
But in rare cases, Pristiq may cause long-term side effects that don't go away. For more information, see "Long-term side effects" in the "Serious side effects" section above.
Are weight gain and weight loss side effects of Pristiq?A very small number of people reported weight gain from taking Pristiq. However, it's unclear whether this side effect occurred during clinical studies of Pristiq before or after the drug was approved. In addition, decreased appetite was a common side effect in people who took Pristiq. Having less of an appetite may cause you to lose weight.
Keep in mind that depression, which Pristiq is prescribed to treat, can also affect your appetite and your weight. It can be difficult to know whether weight changes are due to depression symptoms easing, medications (such as Pristiq), or a combination of factors.
If you're concerned about your weight, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on how to maintain a weight that's healthy for you with your depression treatment plan.
Could stopping Pristiq treatment cause side effects of withdrawal?Yes, stopping treatment with antidepressants, such as Pristiq, can cause side effects of withdrawal. (Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is used to.) This is also known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.
For more information about this syndrome and Pristiq, see the "Side effects specific" section below.
Do Pristiq's side effects vary depending on the strength (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg)?Not necessarily. Pristiq's side effects are typically the same regardless of the strength.
However, the risk of certain side effects may be greater with higher doses of Pristiq. For example, nausea and dizziness were more common in people taking a higher dose of the drug during clinical trials.
To see more information about how side effects varied depending on strength in clinical trials, you can refer to Pristiq's prescribing information.
Does Pristiq cause side effects when you first start treatment?It's possible for Pristiq to cause side effects when you first start treatment. Some of the more common ones when you begin taking the drug can include:
For most people, these side effects are usually mild and ease within a few days to weeks.
Keep in mind that side effects can occur at any time while you take Pristiq. If your doctor increases your dose of the drug, side effects may become more bothersome.
If you have side effects that don't go away or become severe during your Pristiq treatment, be sure to talk with your doctor.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Pristiq may cause.
HeadacheIt's possible to have a headache as a side effect from Pristiq. But this wasn't commonly reported by people taking the medication in clinical studies.
A headache can also be a symptom of serious side effects of Pristiq. These side effects rarely occurred with the drug but can include:
* To learn more, see the "Precautions for Pristiq" section below.
What you can doIf you have a sudden, severe headache while taking Pristiq, talk with your doctor right away. This could be a symptom of the serious side effects mentioned above.
If you have a mild headache during Pristiq treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Certain over-the-counter pain relievers may increase your risk of bleeding if you take them with Pristiq. This is why it's important to not take any medication for a headache unless you first speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Sexual side effectsRarely, Pristiq can cause sexual side effects. Such side effects can occur with antidepressant medications, including Pristiq.
Sexual side effects were more likely to happen in males* taking Pristiq in clinical trials and included:
A small number of females* taking Pristiq in these studies reported reduced sex drive and not being able to have an orgasm.
The risk of sexual side effects increases with higher doses of Pristiq.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms "male" and "female" in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
What you can doIf you have sexual side effects while taking Pristiq, talk with your doctor. These side effects may ease over time. But if they don't go away, your doctor may recommend that you switch to a different antidepressant. They can recommend the best treatment plan for your depression.
Discontinuation syndromeStopping treatment with antidepressants, such as Pristiq, can cause side effects of withdrawal (uncomfortable side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is used to). This is also known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. It's not known how often people taking Pristiq in clinical studies had withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, especially if you suddenly stop taking a high dose of Pristiq. Examples of symptoms can include:
Keep in mind that missing a dose of Pristiq may also cause mild withdrawal symptoms. They can include dizziness, headache, changes in mood, and feeling anxious. These symptoms should ease shortly after you take a dose. To help make sure that you don't miss a dose, try using a medication reminder.
* Pristiq has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see "Suicidal thoughts and actions" below.
What you can doYou should not stop taking Pristiq unless your doctor specifically advises you to.
If you're interested in stopping Pristiq treatment, talk with your doctor. They can suggest a drug taper for you. A drug taper is when your doctor slowly decreases your dosage over time until it's safe for you to stop taking the medication. Tapering drugs such as Pristiq can help avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms. Keep in mind that if you're taking a high dose of Pristiq, your drug taper may take several months.
High blood pressureTreatment with Pristiq can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), but this wasn't common in clinical studies.
High blood pressure doesn't cause symptoms in most people.
If you have certain medical conditions, they may worsen if you take Pristiq and have high blood pressure as a side effect. These conditions include:
To learn more, see the "Precautions for Pristiq" section below.
What you can doBefore you start taking Pristiq, your doctor will typically check your blood pressure. They'll also monitor your blood pressure during your treatment.
If you have high blood pressure, it will need to be treated before you start taking Pristiq.
If you develop high blood pressure, your doctor will typically decrease your Pristiq dose. But if your blood pressure remains high, they may recommend a different treatment for your depression.
Allergic reactionAs with most drugs, Pristiq can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It's unclear whether this side effect occurred during clinical studies of Pristiq before or after the drug was approved.
Symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious and can include:
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Pristiq. But if your symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actionsPristiq has a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Antidepressant drugs, including Pristiq, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in children and adults younger than age 25 years. This risk is highest during your first few months of taking an antidepressant and any time your doctor adjusts your dose.
Pristiq is not approved for use in people younger than 18 years old.
It's important to note that depression and other mental health conditions are often linked to suicidal thoughts or actions.
What you can doWhile taking Pristiq, call your doctor right away if you:
During your Pristiq treatment, it's important to keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor. You can also talk with your doctor between visits if you have concerns about any symptoms.
Keep reading for important information about precautions to consider before you start taking Pristiq.
Boxed warning: Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actionsPristiq has a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the "Side effect specifics" section above.
Other precautionsBe sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Pristiq. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania: Pristiq may not be safe for you to take if you or a close relative has ever had bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania. Antidepressants such as Pristiq may worsen these problems or increase your risk of a manic episode. In addition, Pristiq is not approved to treat bipolar depression. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your mental health before you start taking Pristiq.
High bleeding risk: Treatment with Pristiq can increase your risk of bleeding. Your risk may be higher than usual if you already have a bleeding problem, such as hemophilia, or take certain drugs. These medications include blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You may also have an increased risk of bleeding after birth if you take Pristiq while pregnant.* Your doctor can determine if Pristiq is safe for you to take with your condition and current treatments.
Heart problems: Taking Pristiq can cause increases in your blood pressure. This could worsen any existing heart problem, including heart disease, you already have. Your doctor can advise you on whether Pristiq is safe for you to take if you have a heart problem.
High blood pressure: Taking Pristiq can cause increases in your blood pressure. People who already have high blood pressure may need to be monitored more closely if they take Pristiq. Your blood pressure needs to be treated before you can consider treatment with Pristiq. Your doctor can help determine if Pristiq is safe for you to take with your high blood pressure.
High cholesterol or triglycerides: Pristiq may raise cholesterol or triglyceride levels in some people, but this isn't common. If your levels are already high, taking Pristiq could worsen them. Your doctor can advise you on whether Pristiq is safe for you to take if you have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels. If they prescribe Pristiq, they may monitor your levels more often than usual.
History of stroke or ministroke: Taking Pristiq can cause increases in your blood pressure. This can raise your risk of stroke or ministroke if you've had one in the past. Your doctor can determine if Pristiq is safe for you to take if you have a history of stroke or ministroke.
Kidney or liver problems: After you take a dose of Pristiq, your kidneys and liver help remove the drug from your system. If you have kidney or liver problems, this may be harder for your body to do. So your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Pristiq than usual. If your kidney or liver problems worsen during treatment, they may have you stop taking the drug. Your doctor may also recommend a different medication.
Low blood sodium levels: Treatment with Pristiq can cause low blood sodium levels in some people. You may have an increased risk of this side effect if you're age 65 years or older or take a diuretic. If you already have low sodium levels, taking Pristiq could worsen your condition. Your doctor can help determine if Pristiq is safe for you to take.
Seizures and epilepsy: Some people reported seizures after taking Pristiq in clinical trials. The drug wasn't studied in people who previously had seizures. So it's not known whether Pristiq is safe for people with epilepsy or another condition that causes seizures. Your doctor can advise you on whether Pristiq is safe for you.
Allergic reaction: You should not take Pristiq If you've ever had an allergic reaction to Pristiq or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about which other treatments are better choices for you.
* For more information about this risk, see the "Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Pristiq" section below.
Alcohol with PristiqThe manufacturer of Pristiq advises that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication. Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of certain side effects of Pristiq, including:
Drinking alcohol can also make depression worse. (Pristiq is approved to treat depression.)
Before you start treatment with Pristiq, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. They can help develop the best treatment plan for your depression.
* For details, see the "Side effect specifics" section above.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking PristiqHere's some information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and Pristiq.
Pregnancy: Pristiq has not been studied in pregnant people. However, antidepressants such as Pristiq can increase the risk of certain side effects if taken during pregnancy. This can include severe postpartum bleeding.
Before you start taking Pristiq, tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant. They can advise you on the risks and benefits of Pristiq treatment. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you become pregnant during your Pristiq treatment.
If you decide to take Pristiq while pregnant, talk with your doctor about joining the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants. This registry helps identify effects that may occur when antidepressants are taken during pregnancy. You can learn more by visiting the registry website or by calling 844-405-6185.
Breastfeeding: Pristiq passes into breast milk in low levels. But the drug has not been shown to cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.
If you're breastfeeding or considering it, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the risks and benefits of taking Pristiq and recommend healthy ways to feed your child.
Like most medications, Pristiq can cause side effects. Most are mild and usually go away on their own after a few days to weeks. Pristiq can also cause some serious side effects. You should talk with your doctor if you have any side effects that last, are bothersome, or are serious.
You should also talk with your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Pristiq.
If you'd like to learn more about Pristiq, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.
You can also do some research on your own. These articles might help:
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Benadryl Side Effects: Examples And Treatment Options
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is used for allergies and allergic reactions, as well as common cold symptoms. It may cause mild or serious side effects, such as sleepiness and seizures, among others.
Benadryl is available as a prescription and an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. It helps reduce symptoms of hay fever (nasal allergies), other allergies, and colds. Examples include a runny nose and sneezing.
This drug is also used to treat certain allergic reactions, such as swelling and hives. For these purposes, the OTC version of Benadryl can be taken by adults and children ages 6 years and older.
The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) The drug comes in many different forms. Some you take by mouth, such as tablets or liquid solutions. Others you apply to your skin, such as creams or gels.
Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Benadryl can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
Some people may have mild or serious side effects during their Benadryl treatment. Examples of a few of Benadryl's more commonly reported side effects include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Benadryl include:
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Benadryl may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
Serious side effects that have been reported with Benadryl include:
If you develop serious side effects while taking Benadryl, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of medications. If you'd like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Benadryl, visit MedWatch.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.† An allergic reaction is possible after using Benadryl. But it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
The side effects of Benadryl in children are generally similar to the drug's side effects in adults. But it's also possible for this medication to cause hyperactivity and excitability in children.
Benadryl typically should not be used in children younger than age 6 years because they can have more serious side effects from the drug. This includes seizures and a fast heartbeat.
The OTC forms of Benadryl are approved only for children ages 6 years and older, as well as adults. If your child is younger than age 6 years, talk with their doctor about whether Benadryl is safe for them.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Benadryl's side effects.
Are there any long-term side effects of Benadryl?Yes, there are. Some long-term side effects that Benadryl may cause include:
Benadryl is recommended only as a short-term treatment for people with symptoms of allergies or other conditions that the drug treats. If you take Benadryl long term, you may develop long-term side effects of the medication.
Which side effects you experience can determine how long your side effects last. For example, if you feel sleepy, this side effect may last a few hours or until the medication is no longer in your body. But other side effects can be longer lasting.
Talk with your doctor about your Benadryl use and which other medications may be better for your condition.
* With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like you usually do. With withdrawal, you experience uncomfortable symptoms after stopping a drug that you've become dependent on.
Do seniors have a higher risk of side effects from Benadryl?Yes, older adults (ages 65 years and older) likely have a higher risk of side effects from Benadryl than younger adults. This is because their bodies may get rid of the drug more slowly.
Older adults may have more side effects from Benadryl, including sleepiness, dizziness, or heart problems. Sleepiness and dizziness can increase the risk of falling, which can be very serious.
If you're an older adult interested in taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you take a lower dose of Benadryl to reduce your risk of side effects. Or they may suggest that you take a different medication to treat your allergy or cold symptoms.
Can Benadryl be used in babies or toddlers? If so, what are the possible side effects?OTC forms of Benadryl should not be used in babies or toddlers. This is because children younger than age 6 years old have an increased risk of side effects from Benadryl.
Children can have the same side effects of Benadryl as adults, such as dizziness or drowsiness. But Benadryl can also cause more serious side effects in children, such as a fast heartbeat or seizures. The drug may also cause children to become more excitable or hyperactive.
You should never use Benadryl to help your child fall asleep. This can be very dangerous.
Due to these risks, you should not give Benadryl to your baby or toddler without the direction of their doctor. If your child has symptoms of an allergy or cold, talk with their doctor about the best way to treat those symptoms.
Does Benadryl cause side effects in dogs?Possibly. If your veterinarian recommends giving Benadryl to your dog, be sure to discuss possible side effects to watch for and the correct dosage. The dosage may be based on how much your dog weighs, to reduce the risk of side effects.
Benadryl is not approved to be used in dogs, but a veterinarian may recommend it in some cases. It's important to talk with a veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. They can recommend whether Benadryl is safe for your dog and which dosage to give.
Does my risk of side effects from Benadryl vary, depending on the dose (such as 25 mg or 50 mg)?Yes, your risk of side effects can vary, depending on the dose of Benadryl you take.
A higher dose of Benadryl can increase the risk of side effects. So you're more at risk of side effects from taking 50 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl than from taking 25 mg.
If you have concerns about side effects from your dose of Benadryl, talk with your doctor.
Does Benadryl cause diarrhea?No, you shouldn't have diarrhea from taking Benadryl. In fact, Benadryl can cause constipation.
Some other medications used to treat allergy symptoms, such as Allegra Allergy (fexofenadine), may cause diarrhea.
If you have diarrhea while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor about what may be causing it.
Learn more about some of the side effects Benadryl may cause.
Fast heartbeatA fast heartbeat is a common side effect of Benadryl. In rare cases, it can become serious.
Symptoms of a fast heartbeat may include:
What might helpIf you have symptoms of a fast heartbeat while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you take a lower dose of the medication to treat your symptoms. Or they may recommend a different medication for you.
Blurry visionBenadryl works by drying out your body, which may result in blurry vision. This is a more common side effect of Benadryl.
What might helpIf you have blurry vision from taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend ways to decrease this side effect. They may also suggest a different medication to treat your symptoms.
Until your vision has cleared, you should not drive a car or operate other machinery.
Memory loss or dementiaTaking Benadryl may cause memory loss or dementia. Although rare, this side effect may be more common in older adults or people who've taken the drug long term. Symptoms can include:
What might helpIf you're experiencing memory loss or dementia while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. They'll likely suggest that you stop taking Benadryl. They'll also look for the cause of your memory loss or dementia so that they can recommend the right treatment for you.
DizzinessDizziness is a common side effect of Benadryl. This side effect can be serious.
Until you know how Benadryl will affect you, you should not drive a car or operate other machinery after taking the drug. If it causes you to feel dizzy, avoid doing either activity until the effects of the medication have worn off.
In addition, dizziness may lead to an increased risk of falling for older adults. Falls can be very dangerous for people who are older.
What might helpIf you have dizziness from taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. They'll recommend that you do not drive a car or operate other machinery while you're dizzy.
In addition, they may suggest a different medication for your symptoms, one that doesn't make you dizzy.
Allergic reactionLike most drugs, Benadryl can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They can suggest treatments to manage your symptoms.
If your doctor confirms that you had a mild allergic reaction to Benadryl, they'll decide if you should continue using it.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms that you had a serious allergic reaction to Benadryl, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Benadryl treatment, consider keeping notes about any side effects you're having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Benadryl affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Benadryl may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Benadryl. The list below includes factors to consider.
Dementia: Benadryl may cause dementia, as well as worsen symptoms of dementia in a person with this condition. If you have dementia, talk with your doctor before you take Benadryl. Your doctor may recommend that you take a different medication instead.
Allergic reaction: If you've had an allergic reaction to Benadryl or any of its ingredients, you should not take it. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
Heart problems or high blood pressure: Benadryl can increase your heart rate and may cause more serious heart-related side effects, such as heart rhythm problems. If you already have heart disease, taking Benadryl can make your condition worse. Talk with your doctor about whether it's safe for you to take Benadryl.
Liver problems: Benadryl is removed from your body through your liver. If your liver isn't working properly, it may take your body longer to remove the medication. This can increase your risk of side effects. If you have any liver conditions, tell your doctor before taking Benadryl.
Kidney, bladder, or prostate problems: Benadryl may decrease the amount of urine that you make. If you have kidney or bladder problems, you may already produce a decreased amount of urine. If you have prostate problems, you may have urinary retention (not being able to fully empty your bladder). These conditions may worsen due to Benadryl. If you have kidney, bladder, or prostate problems, talk with your doctor before you take this drug.
Respiratory conditions, including asthma: Benadryl works by drying out your nose and mouth, which decreases symptoms of an allergy or a cold. This can make mucus in your nose or mouth thicker. If you have trouble breathing, thickened mucus can make it even harder for you to breathe. Before you start taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor if you have any respiratory conditions.
Certain eye conditions: Benadryl may increase pressure in your eyes. If you already have a condition that increases eye pressure, taking Benadryl may worsen your condition. An example of this type of condition is glaucoma. Talk with your doctor to see if it's safe for you to take Benadryl with your eye condition.
Alcohol use and BenadrylYou should not drink alcohol while you're taking Benadryl. Alcohol can increase your risk of drowsiness or dizziness. It may also cause more serious side effects, such as trouble breathing or slowed breathing.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about other medications you can take to treat your cold or allergy symptoms.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking BenadrylIt's usually safe to take Benadryl during pregnancy. Benadryl doesn't seem to increase the risk of fetal harm.
And taking small doses of Benadryl for a short time may be safe while breastfeeding. However, Benadryl does pass into breast milk, and it can also decrease milk supply.
If you're breastfeeding and you take high doses of Benadryl, it may increase your child's risk of side effects. This is also the case if you take the drug long term.
High doses or long-term use of Benadryl may also reduce your supply of breast milk.
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safety of Benadryl treatment during pregnancy. Also talk with your doctor about this if you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
Most side effects of Benadryl are mild, and some people may not have any side effects at all from it. In some rare cases, the drug can cause serious side effects.
Before you take Benadryl, be sure to talk with your doctor about whether the drug is safe for you. Some questions that you may wish to ask about Benadryl's side effects include:
To learn more about Benadryl, refer to these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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