Diphenhydramine Side Effects In Older Or Elderly People
This article explores how diphenhydramine works, potential side effects, and why it’s generally recommended that older adults avoid using diphenhydramine except to manage allergic reactions. What Is Diphenhydramine? Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. Histamines are chemicals naturally produced by the body that enhance wakefulness. Diphenhydramine blocks h1 receptors, histamine pathways in the brain that are crucial for these wake-promoting effects. In doing so, diphenhydramine can cause sleepiness. This effect is beneficial for those who turn to over-the-counter sleeping pills to treat insomnia....