Due to the fact that Benadryl can induce a sedative and/or hypnotic effect, and has been suggested to facilitate an anxiolytic effect, some have questioned whether it could be effective for the treatment of anxiety. Though this is an animal model study and the data cannot be generalized to humans, it indicates that diphenhydramine may be ineffective as a treatment for psychostimulant-induced anxiety and/or withdrawal-related anxiety. Clonidine For Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms: Does It Help? To determine whether diphenhydramine may be useful as an intervention for anxiety, it’s necessary to examine the available scientific literature assessing its anxiolytic efficacy. Just several years after its synthesis, diphenhydramine received FDA approval in 1946 as a prescription pharmaceutical for the management of allergy, common cold, and cough-related symptoms. 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Other experiments by Privou, Knoche, Hasenöhrl, and Huston (1998) analyzed the effect of the H1 receptor blocker chlorpheniramine on rats. Though pharmacodynamics differ slightly based on the specific drug administered, all SSRIs enhance postsynaptic receptor stimulation through inhibiting serotonin reuptake. Lexapro (Escitalopram) vs Zoloft (Sertraline): Extensive Comparison. Just several years after its synthesis, diphenhydramine received FDA approval in 1946 as a prescription pharmaceutical for the management … The safety of over-the-counter medications for anxiety generally depends on what you are purchasing and how you are using it. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Nonetheless, the finding that diphenhydramine attenuated stress-induced biomarker changes does not indicate that it was an effective anxiolytic. Administration of diphenhydramine prior to the stress exposure significantly attenuated stress-induced changes of the aforestated biomarkers, indicating that diphenhydramine may protect against anxiety-related physiology. Though it is unknown as to whether antagonism of alpha-1 receptors could be used to treat anxiety in humans, a report by Miller (2008) suggests that they could be helpful. One possibility is that a subset of humans exhibit excessive H1 receptor activation as a predominant or partial cause of their anxiety disorders. Herbal remedies can also have calming effects, but these are generally mild. Based on the available literature, it seems as though persons with mild cases of anxiety disorder and/or nonorganic insomnia could derive some degree of anxiety reduction from Benadryl. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. How Long Do Benzodiazepines Stay in Your System? … Paine, Jackman, and Olmstead (2002) discussed the fact that cocaine withdrawal and administration can induce symptoms of anxiety and organized a study to determine whether putatively effective anxiolytic agents could reduce the anxious symptoms. Animal model studies support the idea that alpha-1 receptor antagonists can affect fear-related behavior. Worth mentioning is a study by Sarlus, Höglund, Karshikoff, et al. Besides the direct CNS targets such as the H1 and M1 receptors, there are other possible means by which diphenhydramine may generate and/or contribute to an anxiolytic effect in some users. That said, anyone considering Benadryl as an anxiolytic should always confirm its safety and theorized efficacy with a medical professional prior to administration. As a result, more serotonin remains within the synaptic cleft and binds frequently to postsynaptic receptors, thereby increasing serotonin signaling. In other words, the effect of its central actions within the brain upon H1 receptors and M1 receptors may not always directly reduce anxiety. A study by Sharma, Sagar, Deepak, et al. Herbal remedies are best used to help you calm down or fall asleep, rather than as a first-line defense for intense anxiety. 2013;24(6):966-73. doi:10.1177/0956797612464786, Saran JS, Barbano RL, Schult R, Wiegand TJ, Selioutski O. Mazurkiewicz-Kwilecki and Bielkiewicz (1982) conducted a study in which they exposed rats to various stressors and monitored stress-induced biomarker changes within the brain. In fact, researchers went as far as to pinpoint a specific pathway by which systemic inflammation induces anxiety in mice. It’s also somewhat difficult to believe that the combination intervention managed to improve verbal memory over a 4-week duration, yet standalone lorazepam worsened it. Lithium For Anxiety Disorders: An Unconventional, Underinvestigated Intervention. In the second experiment, it was noted that chlorpheniramine administration reduced anxiety-like behavior, as was evidenced by increased scanning and open arm times in an elevated plus maze. Note: Benadryl sold in the United Kingdom (UK) does not contain diphenhydramine, instead it’s comprised of acrivastine, a different antihistamine. In summary, anyone claiming that Benadryl works well for their anxiety at standard dosages is likely experiencing an anxiolytic effect mediated by H1 receptor inverse agonism and M1 receptor competitive antagonism. Some of the safety concerns you should consider include: While there are some advantages to taking OTC remedies for anxiety, there are also a number of potential drawbacks to consider. Because of it and the calming effect, people may use Benadryl for their anxiety … A significant antidepressant and anxiolytic response were observed among patients following treatment with the scopolamine, and the effects were greater in women compared to men. Benadryl (diphenhydramine): Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is not an anti-anxiety medication. Measures collected prior to the trial included the severity of a person’s depression based on the MADRS (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) and the HAM-A (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale). Although this study didn’t specifically focus on the M1 receptor, it indicates that agonism of muscarinic receptors (including the M1 receptor) may cause unremitting anxiety over an extended duration. The downstream outcome of antihistaminergic and anticholinergic action is downregulated tone of the sympathetic nervous system, a branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) implicated in arousal, anxiety, and stress. Based on these findings, it was concluded that crosstalk between the M1 receptors and CB1 receptors influence anxiety-like behavior. inversely agonizes) the receptor [as compared to histamine]. As of current, no individuals should be recommended to take Benadryl as a treatment for anxiety because there are superior anxiolytic interventions. Due to the fact that Benadryl isn’t approved for the treatment of anxiety, no dosing guidelines have been established for its usage as an anxiolytic. During treatment with each intervention, no significant improvements were observed on Zung Self-Rating Depression measures nor on the Withdrawal Symptom Scale (WSS). Let's consider each of these questions below to help you sort through your options in terms of over-the-counter medication for anxiety. Prior to the active treatment phase of the trial, researchers had collected measures of anxiety with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Withdrawal Symptom Scale (WSS).
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