Health professionals are raising new concerns about Benadryl, a widely used over-the-counter allergy medication, warning it may pose serious long-term health risks.
Benadryl, the brand name for diphenhydramine, became the first antihistamine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1946—well before modern drug safety standards were established. Now, researchers are urging a reassessment of its use.
A recent review published in the World Allergy Organization Journal calls for the medical community to reconsider the drug due to its potential neurological effects. Diphenhydramine crosses the blood-brain barrier, a trait that allows it to interfere with brain signaling related to allergic reactions.
However, this same property is linked to significant side effects including drowsiness, impaired coordination, and heightened risk of falls, motor vehicle accidents, and even cognitive decline.
The drug affects acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital for memory and cognition. A 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that individuals using anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl had a 54% greater chance of developing dementia and a 63% increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Beyond the elderly, young users may also face challenges. The World Allergy Organization Journal noted that diphenhydramine use has been associated with diminished academic performance, showing measurable deficits in attention, working memory, alertness, and processing speed.
Medical experts emphasize that occasional use of Benadryl is acceptable when no other options are available. However, they recommend choosing alternative antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or fexofenadine (Allegra), which are less likely to impair brain function.
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