What should I avoid while taking diphenhydramine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Diphenhydramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
diphenhydramine.
What are the possible side effects of diphenhydramine?
Stop taking diphenhydramine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience
an
allergic reaction (
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
diphenhydramine and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness;
-
headache;
-
dry mouth; or
-
difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect diphenhydramine?
Do not take diphenhydramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14
days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Talk to your pharmacist before taking other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or
insomnia medications. These products may contain medicines similar to diphenhydramine, which
could lead to an antihistamine overdose.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
-
anxiety or sleep medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam
(Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion);
-
medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or
paroxetine (Paxil); or
-
any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or
relaxed.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
diphenhydramine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about diphenhydramine written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Diphenhydramine is available with a prescription and over the counter generically and under
many brand names as tablets, capsules, an elixir, and a syrup. Other formulations may also be
available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new
to you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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