Misc Diphenhydramine(benadryl) withdrawal?

[pahn]

So ive developed an addiction to Benadryl of all things. Im currently on zubsolv(suboxone) which potentiates the effects. I started taking it for sleep 8 months ago at 50mg and my dose gradually kept going up. Now for the past 3-4 months ive been taking 175mg but I only take it every other night to stay "safer". I get the slightest buzz from it with almost a nod effect and I grew to like it. My memory is destroyed, I'm always dizzy, and I just feel like shit all the time. Trouble is i work 50+ hr weeks at an intense job so I NEED sleep. I keep trying to force myself to stop but I can't. I always hit the 48hr mark and resort to taking it again. I'm kimda afraid of whats waiting for me after that 48hr Mark. I'm EXTREMELY well versed in opiate and benzo wd. That being said, last year I wd off gabapentin and it ruined my life permanently. I'll literally never be the same again, and would sooner kill myself than to go thru another wd like that. Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Painful One]

Can you taper down the mg slowly?
That way your body can adjust without the sleep loss.

It has been my experience with diphenhydramine that after two nights of problems with sleep, the insomnia starts to really clear up.
You might be almost there at 48 hours.

Try some sleepy time tea extra with valerian (nature’s Valium) and some hot bath soaks before bed.
Aromatherapy is helpful. There are quite a few essential oils that are sedative.
lavendar and ylang ylang oil are two good ones.
All of the above are available at pretty much any grocery store or Walmart.

I think the dizziness and memory loss will clear up if you stop taking the diphenhydramine everyday. even every other day is too much, as you are noticing. Use sparingly as it does become habit forming and it does have a little bit of a withdrawal.

 

[BeachBum4u]

Have you ever tried Melatonin? When I really need help, its what I take and believe it or not one pill is more effective than when I tried two one night. It is very helpful for many folks and is definitely worth a shot. Good Luck!

 

[Wickedelic]

I know this is old but just get some seroquel or trazodone from your doctor. Taking 7 benadryls every other night is horrible for you. This stuff has been found to increase the chance in getting dementia in some people. Not to mention its dries you up and is bad for your heart.

Over-the-counter sleep aids linked to dementia

Higher dosage or long-term use of common drugs with anticholinergic effects is linked to significantly increased risk of dementia - including Alzheimer’s - says large study.

www.medicalnewstoday.com

 

[Flower Fairy]

I'm addicted to something similar, 80mg of Promethazine I've had enough of the groggyness and it drying my eyes and mouth out as I already have dry eye syndrome

I used the promethazine to come off Mirtazapine now I'm stuck on it