I overdosed on Benadryl and I feel lightheaded.When will I feel normal?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a healthy 15 year old male. It has been two weeks since I overdosed on Benadryl and I still feel lightheaded and everything is like a dream.

The dose I had taken was 500mg. I also get random confusion spells. When will I feel normal?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Benadryl consists of Diphenhydramine and the drug is an antihistaminic drug.

In high doses it causes side effects like blurred vision, dry mouth, confusion, delirium, severe sedation etc.

In very high doses this may result in death also. So, I would advise you to please avoid overdose in future.

Usually the toxicity symptoms reduce in about a week and individuals recover, but mild form of toxicity symptoms like confusion, drowsiness, dizzy feeling, restlessness etc., may persist even for up to 4 weeks.

So, try to relax yourself, such episodes of restlessness may occur for some time.

If symptoms are causing impairment in functioning, then low dose anti-anxiety drugs like Benzodiazepines as Clonazepam or Alprazolam can help.

These drugs would reduce any anxiety and confusion. You should take these drugs with proper prescription only.

Avoid alcohol, excess tea or coffee for a few days.

Revert back to a general practitioner online for further follow up

Answer 2

Hello again and welcome to icliniq.com.

These symptoms had occurred probably because of the anticholinergic side effects of Benadryl.

This may persist for a few days as confusion, dream like state etc.

With proper relaxation therapy and exercise you would improve.

For further follow up, consult a general practitioner online