Benadryl

[jmott4330]

I’ve read that Benadryl is a good med for Parkinson tremors. True?

[Hidden]

Not true. Do your research.

[dcpambrose]

I've heard benadryl is used for cough. Not more than that.

[Beckey]

I took a benadryl hoping it would make me sleepy. Instead I clattered and rattled all night.

[GymBag in reply to Beckey]

clattered and rattled ?

is that a good thing ?

[GymBag]

Roy I am surprised that you jumped so quick.

The answer is more complicated . The discovery in 1960 that carbadopa would carry the Levadopsa through the brain membrane resulted in dramatic improvement but prior to that it was known that antihistamines and alcohol where also somewhat effective and in the 1950s Benadryl was the most likely choice. It was found that constant use reduced its effectiveness same as expierianced with alcohol.

If I have a really bad day and need to do something and must knock down the severity a bit for an hour I take some Benadryl or some wine . But remember overuse renders it useless.

I am not suggesting that anyone take Benadryl , just telling you what I do

parkinsonhope.org/ask-docto...

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Dr. Sanchez-Ramos said...

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine used for treating allergic reactions, like itching, swelling, tearing, and sneezing. It is also is used as a sedative because it causes drowsiness. What many do not know is that diphenhydramine also blocks the action of acetylcholine (eg an anticholinergic effect). In fact this effect is shared with more potent anticholinergic drugs (the belladonna alkaloids) used since the 19th century to treat symptoms of PD (especially tremor and excessive salivation). Anticholinergic drugs are still used as medications for PD today. Examples are trihexyphenyl (Artane) or bentropine (Cogentin). These are much more potent anticholinergics (need a doctor’s prescription) than benadryl (over the counter) and should be used with caution in the elderly because of interference with short-term memory and inhibiton of the bladder and bowel. Benadryl is remarkably safe and was first approved by the FDA in 1947.

[Hidden in reply to GymBag]

GymBag, when replying to my comment be sure to click Reply below my comment and not the general Reply to author of the post.

[RickyTikki in reply to Hidden]

Yeah,

GymBag you have PD or something?

[GymBag in reply to Hidden]

ok, Its the new format, yea thats it , not my fault

[Hidden in reply to GymBag]

I do not want miss any of your Replies.

[GymBag in reply to Hidden]

Things change Roy. I would have said something witty with a bit of sarcasm and included a lead to a favorite song that had something to do with the subject but the time has come to let the new guys take over. You know what they say about doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I love that shirt. I will be around . God bless

I sound like Red Skeleton. I get the feeling that very few know what I am even talking about any more and more often I think "Been there Done that, same questions, same routine.

Ok there are these two seagulls Gertrude and Heathcliff..................

later

[Hidden in reply to GymBag]

I am trying Benadryl again for tremor reduction

[Motherfather]

good for a cough.nothing else

[Donzim in reply to Motherfather]

Not true. Benadryl is an anti histamine and used for any situation where too many histamines create a reaction. Not usually used during the day for seasonal allergies tho as it makes one very sleepy.

[Motherfather in reply to Donzim]

it does nothing for pd i have taken it dont even put me to sleep

[Juliegrace]

I would only take Benadryl for a severe allergic reaction.

health.harvard.edu/blog/com...

[Skymom2008]

I took it as my first med per a neurologist. Worked fine until I needed more of meds.

[Joy-love-magic]

No , my doctor said just the opposite .

I use to take to sleep and doc said no more , bad for pd

[aquario]

Anticholinergics like Benadryl may be a factor in memory loss for people over a certain age.

From Harvard Med School newsletter: " The ACT results add to mounting evidence that anticholinergics aren’t drugs to take long-term if you want to keep a clear head, and keep your head clear into old age. The body’s production of acetylcholine diminishes with age, so blocking its effects can deliver a double whammy to older people. It’s not surprising that problems with short-term memory, reasoning, and confusion lead the list of side effects of anticholinergic drugs, which also include drowsiness, dry mouth, urine retention, and constipation."

[Enidah]

I take one at night every once in awhile and it's helpful with getting to sleep and staying asleep. Let's face it, most meds do different things for different people that have PD. That's part of the puzzle we deal with.

[Donzim]

Valerian for sleep and get tested for skeeep apnea.