Oct 9, 2018 · Many older adults may take sleeping pills because pain, nerve problems or other health issues are keeping them up at night, she says. For these people, a sleeping pill is standing in the way of ... and readily penetrates the blood-brain-barrier. Thus side effects such as grogginess, drowsiness, and memory loss are common. Diphenhydramine is also used for motion sickness and extrapyramidal symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. Potential harm to the brain: Long-term anticholinergic use has been associated with increased Side Effects Of Benadryl. Overall, Benadryl is well tolerated and side effects are generally mild in severity. If they do occur, they should subside 4 to 6 hours after dosing, although this can be extended in those with kidney disease and in the elderly. Below, we discuss the most common side effects associated with Benadryl.feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest. large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs. shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest. large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs. shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest. large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs. shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a common over-the-counter allergy medication. It’s part of a class of drugs called anticholinergics that research has linked to dementia in older people.Answer (1 of 2): Here is one long term study: “These drugs are called anticholinergics, among them the first-generation antihistamines that are now marketed as sleep aids.Jun 28, 2021 · Experts say skip antihistamines. Dana Benson. 713-798-8267. Houston, TX - Jun 28, 2021. Share this article. For people who take an antihistamine such as Benadryl for a cold or allergies, drowsiness is often a welcome side effect. But a Baylor College of Medicine sleep expert cautions against turning to this type of medication as a sleep aid. May 22, 2013 · When corrected based on the number of drugs with anticholinergic effects an individual was taking, the odds ratio for cognitive impairment was 1.46 with a p value of .0181. However, overall the authors conclude that their data did not support the hypothesis that the use of anticholinergic medications increased the risk of alzheimer’s dementia ... Jul 5, 2023 · Benadryl is an antihistamine that can be used to treat allergic reactions, relieve motion sickness, as a sleep aid, and relieve some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Sedation is a common side effect. 5. Tips. Benadryl may be taken with or without food. Take exactly as directed. IV administration of 50 mg of DPH resulted in immediate improvement of tremor, rigidity, tachycardia, and eye versions. The patient was started on oral DPH 50 mg 4 times a day and the dose was reduced by 25% every 3 days. Oral clonidine 0.1 mg 3 times a day and a weekly 0.1 mg transdermal patch was added to mitigate sympathetic side effects.Jun 15, 2016 · IV administration of 50 mg of DPH resulted in immediate improvement of tremor, rigidity, tachycardia, and eye versions. The patient was started on oral DPH 50 mg 4 times a day and the dose was reduced by 25% every 3 days. Oral clonidine 0.1 mg 3 times a day and a weekly 0.1 mg transdermal patch was added to mitigate sympathetic side effects. Apr 8, 2022 · People who take too much Benadryl start to experience many of the medication’s side effects. These can include mild symptoms, such as dry mouth, constipation, and tiredness. Usually, the more Benadryl a person takes, the worse these side effects become. In more severe Benadryl overdose cases, symptoms like seizures, irregular heartbeats, and ... Apr 6, 2023 · Dizziness. Feeling nervous and excitable. Not able to sleep. Feeling sleepy. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https ... Sep 4, 2023 · Impaired concentration. Memory difficulties. Anxiety. Stomach disturbances. Nausea and vomiting. A dry mouth. Constipation. Liver problems, etc. In certain people, a paradoxical reaction to diphenhydramine is possible, meaning that the drug causes different symptoms than the intended ones. The active ingredient in Benadryl is called diphenhydramine. Like any medication, Benadryl has several side effects. Some of the most common are: feeling sleepy or drowsy. dry mouth or throat ...Apr 11, 2023 · In the drug realm, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) can help with a stuffy nose are safe for the heart. Nasal sprays deliver a decongestant right where you need it. In theory, this should minimize cardiovascular effects. Jun 14, 2023 · The symptoms you have noticed are very likely the result of long-term heavy antihistamine use. Antihistamines tend to dry up the nose, which is why they are so effective in humans with allergic rhinitis, but the way they do that is by making the secretions thicker. In dogs, we are not worried much about a runny nose, but we are concerned about ... Diphenhydramine or : Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may cause sedation the next day (due to its long half-life), decreased alertness, diminished cognitive function, delirium, ... Read More. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Learn how we can help. 5k views Reviewed >2 years ago.There is evidence that the use of diphenhydramine among older adults or the elderly may result in serious side effects. This holds true esp. if you are older than age 65. The older a person becomes, the greater the risk of adverse effects. Benadryl is listed as potentially Inappropriate Medication in Older Adults ( also known as Beers criteria)Dear Alice, I've experimented with the abuse of Benadryl on a few occasions now and have been absolutely blown off to another world, I was just curious as to what the side affects, long or short-term, can look like, and what the dangers are of abusing this drug (acetaminophen free).Giving Benadryl to dogs long term in some cases can be helpful for the dog. However, one of the main side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness. Giving too much dog Benadryl can cause the dog to go into a deep sleep for some time. Additionally, in some cases Benadryl can cause upset stomach and even possibly loss of appetite.May 25, 2023 · Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes. Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed. A very bad skin reaction ( Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. Central side effects. Since these actions are disrupted by sedating antihistamines, these drugs produce sedation, drowsiness, tiredness, lack of concentration, difficulty in learning and memory ...May 25, 2023 · Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes. Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed. A very bad skin reaction ( Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. Benadryl is an antihistamine that can be used to treat allergic reactions, relieve motion sickness, as a sleep aid, and relieve some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Sedation is a common side effect. 5. Tips. Benadryl may be taken with or without food. Take exactly as directed.January 19, 2022. By Harvard Health Publishing Staff. A report published in JAMA Internal Medicine several years ago highlighted a link between long-term use of anticholinergic medications like Benadryl and dementia. While this study and other observational studies have also found this association, it doesn't prove that these drugs cause dementia.A 2017 study revealed that 10% of adults aged 18-45 use OTC sleep aids while 17.5% of people 65 years and older do. Most over-the-counter options are considered safe when used occasionally—as long as the medication is compatible with any medical conditions you have and other medications you take. But when taken night after night, trouble can ...Official answer. Diphenhydramine can be used as a short-term sleep aid to help ease occasional sleep problems. Older adults, children under age 16 and pregnant women should avoid taking diphenhydramine, as the risks to these groups may outweigh the benefits. Diphenhydramine should not be taken as a treatment for chronic insomnia.Mar 21, 2023 · There is very little scientific research about the long-term effects of Benadryl. Some side effects that may occur with long-term use include: constipation; blurred vision Oct 9, 2018 · Many older adults may take sleeping pills because pain, nerve problems or other health issues are keeping them up at night, she says. For these people, a sleeping pill is standing in the way of ... The main long-term side effects of Plaquenil are eye-related. ... To manage your symptoms, they may suggest an over-the-counter antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine ...This video examines the question and remark: Benadryl long term side effects! I WISH I had KNOWN! Benadryl is a common OTC medication and is also known as D...Official answer. Diphenhydramine can be used as a short-term sleep aid to help ease occasional sleep problems. Older adults, children under age 16 and pregnant women should avoid taking diphenhydramine, as the risks to these groups may outweigh the benefits. Diphenhydramine should not be taken as a treatment for chronic insomnia. Side effects of antihistamines that make you drowsy can include: sleepiness (drowsiness) and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement – do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines. dry mouth. blurred vision. difficulty peeing. Side effects of non-drowsy antihistamines can include: headache. Jun 8, 2022 · Sleep aids: The options. Sleep aids available without a prescription are widely available. Common choices and the potential side effects include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention. Doxylamine (Unisom). Apr 8, 2022 · People who take too much Benadryl start to experience many of the medication’s side effects. These can include mild symptoms, such as dry mouth, constipation, and tiredness. Usually, the more Benadryl a person takes, the worse these side effects become. In more severe Benadryl overdose cases, symptoms like seizures, irregular heartbeats, and ... Side effects of antihistamines that make you drowsy can include: sleepiness (drowsiness) and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement – do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines. dry mouth. blurred vision. difficulty peeing. Side effects of non-drowsy antihistamines can include: headache.The active ingredient in Benadryl is called diphenhydramine. Like any medication, Benadryl has several side effects. Some of the most common are: feeling sleepy or drowsy. dry mouth or throat ...Long-term use of Benadryl can also lead to constipation and confusion. Interactions. Benadryl containing diphenhydramine can interact with alcohol as both are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness may be enhanced when taking alcohol with diphenhydramine. Apr 8, 2022 · People who take too much Benadryl start to experience many of the medication’s side effects. These can include mild symptoms, such as dry mouth, constipation, and tiredness. Usually, the more Benadryl a person takes, the worse these side effects become. In more severe Benadryl overdose cases, symptoms like seizures, irregular heartbeats, and ... Inhaled corticosteroids are often used daily as part of treatment for asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers (allergens). Side effects are generally minor and can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators.Dec 1, 2022 · Section snippets Sedation. The sedation associated with diphenhydramine is one of the most acknowledged effects of this medication. Indeed, it is frequently used as a medication to treat insomnia. 3 The sedative effect of diphenhydramine is related to its easy penetration of the blood-brain barrier. 4 In the brain, diphenhydramine interferes with H 1 receptors, which causes drowsiness and ... Diphenhydramine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. It is used in some allergy and sleep medicines. Overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose. This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose.There could be both short- and long-term consequences. Worried about the side effects of Ambien, Lunesta or other sleep aids? ... Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic drug, which means it blocks ...Jun 28, 2021 · Experts say skip antihistamines. Dana Benson. 713-798-8267. Houston, TX - Jun 28, 2021. Share this article. For people who take an antihistamine such as Benadryl for a cold or allergies, drowsiness is often a welcome side effect. But a Baylor College of Medicine sleep expert cautions against turning to this type of medication as a sleep aid. Side Effects Of Benadryl. Overall, Benadryl is well tolerated and side effects are generally mild in severity. If they do occur, they should subside 4 to 6 hours after dosing, although this can be extended in those with kidney disease and in the elderly. Below, we discuss the most common side effects associated with Benadryl.Jan 24, 2018 · Taking an over-the-counter sleep aid with diphenhydramine once in a while is generally not going to cause problems, other than a possible hangover the next day. Older people, however, can get confused when taking diphenhydramine because it also blocks a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which plays a big role in attention and short-term memory. Uses Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes /nose/throat, cough,... There could be both short- and long-term consequences. Worried about the side effects of Ambien, Lunesta or other sleep aids? ... Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic drug, which means it blocks ...Take one to two 50mg tablets at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime. The maximum dose of two tablets works best for sleep. You can take Dramamine with or without food, but make sure you take a dose with a full glass of water 1 2. Swallow tablets whole; don't crush or chew. Plan on taking Dramamine four to six hours prior to waking for the next ...Uses Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes /nose/throat, cough,... Benadryl and Depression. Although there is no direct effect of Benadryl on depression, regular and daily use of Benadryl does result in severe depression in the individual. It is believed to be helpful only for the short term, however, long term use of Benadryl results in certain depressive symptoms in the individual.Jun 5, 2019 · Moderate and Severe Benadryl Side Effects. If patients are using Benadryl for an allergic reaction, and experience any of the following moderate to severe Benadryl side effects they should consult their medical doctor or contact emergency medical services to minimize injury to their health: Contact and Atopic dermatitis ~1.0-10.0%; Confusion Long-term side effects Over-the-counter Benadryl is approved for temporary or short-term use and is not intended for long-term use. There is very little scientific research about the long-term ...Jun 5, 2019 · Addiction and Misuse. Another cause of overdose is an addiction to Diphenhydramine. Patients can become addicted to Benadryl after taking it for an extended period or when it is used for recreational purposes. Side effects of Diphenhydramine overdose often cause long-term damage, which can be fatal to patients ingesting it. Inhaled corticosteroids are often used daily as part of treatment for asthma caused or complicated by reactions to airborne allergy triggers (allergens). Side effects are generally minor and can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections. Some inhalers combine corticosteroids with long-acting bronchodilators.IV administration of 50 mg of DPH resulted in immediate improvement of tremor, rigidity, tachycardia, and eye versions. The patient was started on oral DPH 50 mg 4 times a day and the dose was reduced by 25% every 3 days. Oral clonidine 0.1 mg 3 times a day and a weekly 0.1 mg transdermal patch was added to mitigate sympathetic side effects.It can sometimes cause a decrease in memory, confusion, and thinking issues. These side effects are more common in elders. In addition, taking Benadryl long-term might increase the risk of dementia. People aged> 65 who took medications such as Benadryl daily for over three years had an increased risk of dementia.May 19, 2022 · Yes, certain side effects are possible after using Benadryl long term. For example, long-term use of Benadryl may cause: an increased risk of dementia; withdrawal symptoms after the drug is stopped* However, keep in mind that doctors typically don’t recommend taking Benadryl as a long-term treatment. feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest. large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs. shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.Taking an over-the-counter sleep aid with diphenhydramine once in a while is generally not going to cause problems, other than a possible hangover the next day. Older people, however, can get confused when taking diphenhydramine because it also blocks a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which plays a big role in attention and short-term memory.May 19, 2022 · Yes, certain side effects are possible after using Benadryl long term. For example, long-term use of Benadryl may cause: an increased risk of dementia; withdrawal symptoms after the drug is stopped* However, keep in mind that doctors typically don’t recommend taking Benadryl as a long-term treatment. May 19, 2022 · Yes, certain side effects are possible after using Benadryl long term. For example, long-term use of Benadryl may cause: an increased risk of dementia; withdrawal symptoms after the drug is stopped* However, keep in mind that doctors typically don’t recommend taking Benadryl as a long-term treatment. What are the side effects of Benadryl ... Diphenhydramine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. ... (such as a long car ride, airplane or boat travel, amusement park rides, etc ...Jun 5, 2019 · Moderate and Severe Benadryl Side Effects. If patients are using Benadryl for an allergic reaction, and experience any of the following moderate to severe Benadryl side effects they should consult their medical doctor or contact emergency medical services to minimize injury to their health: Contact and Atopic dermatitis ~1.0-10.0%; Confusion Common Side Effects of Diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is considered an H1 receptor antagonist, and it works by blocking the effect of histamine in the body. The chemical reactions that diphenhydramine trigger in the body can cause other potentially significant sedative side effects on the central nervous system (CNS).Oct 3, 2022 · Applies to diphenhydramine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral disintegrating strip, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating. General The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, dizziness, and incoordination. Nov 24, 2022 · But it has quite a long list of possible side effects. In fact, the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has given serious warnings about them, even for people. The organization issued a 2019 position statement about Benadryl. They advised against the drug because of the high risk of side effects and overdose. They said the drug ... Benadryl helps reduce the effects of natural chemicals in the body called histamines. It is used to treat the side effects of an allergic reaction, including: Benadryl can be taken to relieve the symptoms of hayfever (seasonal allergies) and motion sickness. It can also be taken to induce sleep and treat certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease.The short answer seems to be yes. While occasionally taking a Benadryl for sleep probably won’t lead to significant weight gain, chronic use of antihistamines can interfere with weight loss efforts. If you need an antihistamine for frequent allergy symptoms, however, the best choice is Claritin because it does not cross into the brain and has ...Oct 6, 2015 · Caution should be exercised for long-term use of Benadryl (diphenhydramine), an antihistamine and a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, because of the association of increased risk for dementia. Addiction and Misuse. Another cause of overdose is an addiction to Diphenhydramine. Patients can become addicted to Benadryl after taking it for an extended period or when it is used for recreational purposes. Side effects of Diphenhydramine overdose often cause long-term damage, which can be fatal to patients ingesting it.Jan 6, 2023 · Diphenhydramine is a common ingredient in sleeping aids; it is also used to treat allergies. While effective, the risk of serious diphenhydramine side effects—including confusion, dizziness, urinary retention, and liver or kidney issues—is increased in people age 65 and older. Jul 9, 2015 · 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. There could be both short- and long-term consequences. Worried about the side effects of Ambien, Lunesta or other sleep aids? ... Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic drug, which means it blocks ...It can sometimes cause a decrease in memory, confusion, and thinking issues. These side effects are more common in elders. In addition, taking Benadryl long-term might increase the risk of dementia. People aged> 65 who took medications such as Benadryl daily for over three years had an increased risk of dementia.Benadryl can cause some children to be hyperactive. OTC cough and cold medicine should not be given to children under the age of 4. Research has shown that these products do not work in children younger than 6 years old and can have serious side effects.Central side effects. Since these actions are disrupted by sedating antihistamines, these drugs produce sedation, drowsiness, tiredness, lack of concentration, difficulty in learning and memory ...Feb 18, 2010 · One Benadryl per night seems to be enough to keep the ears dry & the resulting nausea at bay. I must admit that I'm not sure this is still even a problem for me. The last time I stopped to see if I still needed it was about 2 years ago. After 3 days, the dizziness/nausea/inner ear issues came back, so I promptly started taking the nightly ... Potential Kidney Risks. Yes, long-term use of Benadryl can put strain on the kidneys, as it can build up in the system. This can cause toxicity and potentially lead to kidney damage. It's important to be aware of the potential side effects of long-term use and to consult a doctor if any symptoms arise.Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning. Diphenhydramine increased the risk of dementia by 54% in one 3,000 patient study followed for seven years. Jul 9, 2015 · 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. People who take too much Benadryl start to experience many of the medication’s side effects. These can include mild symptoms, such as dry mouth, constipation, and tiredness. Usually, the more Benadryl a person takes, the worse these side effects become. In more severe Benadryl overdose cases, symptoms like seizures, irregular heartbeats, and ...People who take too much Benadryl start to experience many of the medication’s side effects. These can include mild symptoms, such as dry mouth, constipation, and tiredness. Usually, the more Benadryl a person takes, the worse these side effects become. In more severe Benadryl overdose cases, symptoms like seizures, irregular heartbeats, and ...Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine. This can help a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose.
Oct 3, 2022 · Applies to diphenhydramine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral disintegrating strip, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating. General The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, dizziness, and incoordination. . Antiques for sale by owner craigslist
Oct 3, 2022 · Applies to diphenhydramine: oral capsules and tablets, parenteral injection. Side effects include: Sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, epigastric distress, thickening of bronchial secretions. Apr 8, 2023 · The main long-term side effects of Plaquenil are eye-related. ... To manage your symptoms, they may suggest an over-the-counter antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine ... 1. McMillan JM, Aitken E, Holroyd-Leduc JM. Management of insomnia and long-term use of sedative- hypnotic drugs in older patients. CMAJ 2013;185:1499–505. [ PMC free article] [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] 2. Gray SL, Anderson ML, Dublin S, et al. Cumulative use of strong anticholinergics and incident dementia: a prospective cohort study.Jun 8, 2022 · Sleep aids: The options. Sleep aids available without a prescription are widely available. Common choices and the potential side effects include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention. Doxylamine (Unisom). Benadryl dosage for dogs. The correct dosage of diphenhydramine for dogs depends on their weight. A small dog will need much less than a big dog to receive the same positive effects. According to ...Jun 28, 2021 · Experts say skip antihistamines. Dana Benson. 713-798-8267. Houston, TX - Jun 28, 2021. Share this article. For people who take an antihistamine such as Benadryl for a cold or allergies, drowsiness is often a welcome side effect. But a Baylor College of Medicine sleep expert cautions against turning to this type of medication as a sleep aid. Aug 15, 2023 · It can sometimes cause a decrease in memory, confusion, and thinking issues. These side effects are more common in elders. In addition, taking Benadryl long-term might increase the risk of dementia. People aged> 65 who took medications such as Benadryl daily for over three years had an increased risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a common over-the-counter allergy medication. It’s part of a class of drugs called anticholinergics that research has linked to dementia in older people.Feb 6, 2023 · Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine that contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. People often use it to treat allergies. Because it causes drowsiness, some people take it as a ... Applies to diphenhydramine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral capsule, oral disintegrating strip, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating. General The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, dizziness, and incoordination.Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine. This can help a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose. .