Benedryl

[Salty0987]

I had an abalation 6 months ago and things are going pretty good but I just can't sleep. Will benedryl be ok to take?

[Thomps95]

I wouldn't touch benedryl personally - it messes with my heart.  

[sfh3l]

I agree with the other respondent.  I think I am right that it has ephedrine in it, which for me is a huge fib-boost.  Try something else that doesn't have stimulants in it.  You say benedryl, but it is for allergies and the like.  Is that really what you want for sleeping in any case?

[BobD Volunteer]

You really must discuss any medication with your medical team. Many of these over the counter drugs are bad news for AF.

[G0dfather]

I have had sucess with Phenergan which is non prescription that you can get from the chemist. Things were so bad I got a prescription one called Zopiclone but it can become addictive.

[Ialla]

Benedryl is an anti histamine & is the substance in most over the counter sleep aids because it makes you drowsy.  It does not contain ephedrine.  That being said, I would definitely check with my doc.  I used to take it for hives, & it messes with my head. I haven't used it since being diagnosed with AF.  

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Benadryl is diphenhydramine and is well known to be capable of producing cardiac arrhythmia.   Unfortunately many people who take it for sleep aid are unaware of this, until they develop AF.   It's best to avoid it.  The benefit does not outweigh the risk.

[Kodaska]

You may want to look into melatonin.

[Healthtime]

It seems that Benadryl has a negative impact on the brain.  Possibly, the supplement Melatonin in  very tiny doses (1.5 milligrams per the sleep expert doc on Dr. Oz -- otherwise you may not feel as awake and alive as you should)  taken a couple hours before going to bed may help.   Have you checked the Huffington Post site which has been running articles on sleep together with Dr. Oz?

It seems that Arrianna Huffington has overcome her own sleep issues and wants to share the tips and tricks to sleep.  Here's some links even before their joint project bagan. huffingtonpost.com/news/sle...