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Plavix Side Effects: What You Should Know
Plavix (clopidogrel) is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain people. As with other drugs, Plavix can cause side effects, such as bleeding, which can be mild or serious.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Plavix to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with:
* For this use, Plavix is given in combination with aspirin.
Plavix can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Plavix in clinical trials:
For more information about these side effects, see "Side effect specifics" below.
Mild side effects can occur with Plavix. This list doesn't include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Plavix's prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Plavix include:
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Plavix and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* For more information about this side effect, see "Side effect specifics" below.
Plavix may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Plavix's prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Plavix, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:
* For more information about this side effect, see "Side effect specifics" below.† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Plavix. However, this side effect wasn't reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the "Side effect specifics" section below.
Plavix may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug's side effects and their answers.
Does Plavix cause any different side effects in older adults?No, it's not likely. In clinical trials of Plavix, older adults (ages 65 years and over) reported the same side effects as other age groups. These side effects can include bruising and bleeding problems.
If you are an older adult and you have questions about side effects from Plavix, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If I stop taking Plavix 75 mg, will I experience withdrawal symptoms?No, withdrawal symptoms were not a reported side effect in Plavix's clinical trials. Withdrawal symptoms are effects that happen after you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel as it typically would.
However, stopping Plavix can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Talk with your doctor before stopping Plavix. If you need to stop the drug for any reason, follow their instructions for doing so.
Can Plavix cause fatigue, hallucinations, or constipation?Fatigue, hallucinations, and constipation were not reported in clinical trials of Plavix.
However, after the drug was available on the market, some people reported having hallucinations while taking Plavix. It's not known whether this side effect was caused by Plavix or something else.
If you have fatigue, hallucinations, or constipation while taking Plavix, talk with your doctor. They can help determine what may be causing these symptoms.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Plavix may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Plavix.
BruisingIn clinical trials, bruising was a common side effect reported with Plavix.
Bruising happens when small blood vessels under the skin break and release blood. A bruise may appear discolored at first and then change in color and appearance as it heals. The bruised area may be painful or tender.
What you can doMost bruises are small and will heal quickly. If a bruise is painful, you can apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time.
However, bruising can sometimes be serious. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about bruising, such as large bruises that don't seem to be healing or getting better.
NosebleedsIt's possible to have nosebleeds during treatment with Plavix. In clinical trials, this side effect was common. Symptoms can include tasting blood, needing to swallow frequently, and bleeding from either nostril.
What you can doTell your doctor about any nosebleeds that won't stop on their own or become severe.
To stop a nosebleed, you should:
Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room for a nosebleed that continues for more than 15 minutes or makes you feel lightheaded (as if you're going to pass out). You should also talk with your doctor if your nosebleed is very heavy, with blood rushing out your nostrils and down your throat.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpuraThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TPP) is a side effect that was reported after Plavix was released on the market.
TTP is a serious condition that can be life threatening. It happens when tiny blood clots form throughout your body. Symptoms can include:
If you have symptoms of TPP, call your doctor right away. If the symptoms seem life threatening or you think you are having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
ItchingIn clinical trials of Plavix, itching was a common side effect. Itching may go away on its own or may be a sign of an allergic reaction.
What you can doTell your doctor about any itching you develop while taking Plavix. They may be able to recommend ways to manage this side effect, such as taking an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
If the itching occurs with any symptoms of an allergic reaction, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. See "Allergic reaction" below for more details.
Allergic reactionAs with most drugs, Plavix can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn't reported in clinical trials.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may be able to recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Plavix. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Plavix comes with several precautions. Read on for more details.
Boxed warning: Drug metabolism problem in certain peopleThis drug has a boxed warning for a risk of drug metabolism problems in certain people. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In your body, Plavix is metabolized (processed) by the liver to its active form. This happens through an enzyme (protein) called CYP2C19. However, if you're missing this enzyme, you may not be able to metabolize Plavix. Because of this, the drug may not work as it should.
Your doctor may check your CYP2C19 function before prescribing Plavix to check whether your body is able to metabolize the drug.
Other precautionsBe sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Plavix. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are known as drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Risk of bleeding. Plavix increases your risk of bleeding. If you take other medications that affect your platelets, you may be at an increased risk of this side effect. Tell your doctor about all of the medications you take, including any over-the-counter medications such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen).
If you're bleeding from an injury or recent surgery, talk with your doctor before taking Plavix. They'll likely recommend that you give your body time to heal before taking this drug. If you have any health conditions that increase your risk of bleeding, such as hemophilia, tell your doctor. They may decide Plavix is not the best treatment option for you.
Surgery. If you're planning on having surgery, your doctor may advise you to stop taking Plavix beforehand. However, stopping Plavix can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendation about Plavix if you're having surgery.
Kidney problems. Let your doctor know if you have any problems with your kidneys. Plavix may not work as well for you if your kidneys aren't functioning effectively.
Allergic reaction. If you've had an allergic reaction to Plavix or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Plavix. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Alcohol with PlavixThere are no known interactions between Plavix and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol can irritate your stomach and intestines. Over time, this irritation may lead to ulcers (sores) and bleeding. Taking Plavix may make these conditions worse.
If you'd like to drink alcohol while you're taking Plavix, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on how much alcohol, if any, may be safe for you.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking PlavixPlavix has not been clinically trialed in pregnant humans. However, reports of people taking Plavix during pregnancy have not shown harm to the fetus.
Plavix has not caused fetal harm in animal studies. However, it's important to note that animal studies don't always predict what will happen in humans.
If you're pregnant and taking Plavix, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop the drug 5–7 days before you give birth. This is because Plavix increases the risk of serious bleeding during labor.
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the risks and benefits of taking Plavix during pregnancy.
It's not known whether Plavix may pass into breast milk or what effects it may have on a child who is breastfed. However, animal studies have shown that the drug passes into animal milk.
If you're breastfeeding or considering it, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you stop breastfeeding or that you try another treatment than Plavix.
Similar to other drugs, Plavix can cause side effects. Some of them are mild, and others, such as bleeding, are serious. If you'd like to learn more about Plavix, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Side Effects Of Viibryd: What You Need To Know
Viibryd (vilazodone) is a prescription drug that's used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Viibryd can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during Viibryd treatment. Examples of Viibryd's more commonly reported side effects include:
Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Viibryd include:
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. Some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don't stop using Viibryd unless your doctor recommends it.
Viibryd may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Viibryd prescribing information for details.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
Serious side effects are rare with Viibryd, but they can occur. Serious side effects that have been reported with Viibryd include:
If you develop serious side effects while taking Viibryd, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you'd like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Viibryd, visit MedWatch.
* Viibryd has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section below.† To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.‡ An allergic reaction is possible after using Viibryd. But it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
Suicide prevention
If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Viibryd's side effects.
When do side effects from Viibryd typically go away?Most mild side effects of Viibryd may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. This is because your body will likely get used to the medication. But some side effects, such as sexual problems, may last longer. If you have side effects that don't go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have serious side effects with Viibryd, these should usually ease quickly with treatment.
Is anger a side effect of Viibryd?It might be. Irritability has been reported in some people taking Viibryd, and this could come across as anger.
Mood changes, such as anger, irritability, or aggression, can also be warning signs of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. Depression can get worse in some people, despite taking Viibryd, and this can lead to suicidal thoughts.
But in young adults (ages 18–24 years), Viibryd can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. To read more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
If you have mood changes such as anger while taking Viibryd, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether this is a side effect of the medication.
Note that mood changes such as anger are possible withdrawal side effects that you may have after stopping Viibryd treatment. These side effects can also sometimes happen after missing doses of Viibryd. See the questions below to read more about this.
Will stopping my Viibryd treatment cause withdrawal side effects?Yes, stopping Viibryd treatment can sometimes cause withdrawal side effects. This is also called discontinuation syndrome. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.)
Examples of withdrawal side effects can include:
You're more likely to have withdrawal side effects if you suddenly stop taking Viibryd. If you and your doctor agree that you should stop taking Viibryd, your doctor will explain how to do this gradually. This should help to avoid withdrawal effects.
Will I experience any side effects if I miss a dose of Viibryd?You're unlikely to have side effects if you miss one dose of Viibryd. But missing more than one dose may sometimes cause withdrawal side effects. These are side effects that can happen if you suddenly stop taking Viibryd. To read more about these, see the question above.
If you have withdrawal side effects after missing a dose of Viibryd, these should ease after taking your next dose. Do not take extra doses to make up for missing a dose or to help ease withdrawal side effects. Taking too much Viibryd could cause serious side effects.
Do Viibryd's side effects vary depending on the tablet strength (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg)?Not really. In studies of Viibryd, side effects were very similar between the 20-milligram (mg) dose and the 40-mg dose. (The 10-mg tablet is typically taken only for the first week of treatment.)
Your risk of side effects with Viibryd is more likely to be affected by other factors than the dose. For example, certain medications or conditions can increase your risk of side effects more than taking a higher dose.
If you're concerned about the risk of side effects with higher doses of Viibryd, talk with your doctor.
Learn more about some of the side effects Viibryd may cause.
Weight gain or weight lossSome people may gain or lose weight while taking Viibryd, but this isn't common.
In studies of Viibryd, a few people had weight gain or increased appetite. Increased appetite can lead to weight gain over time.
Weight loss wasn't specifically reported in studies of Viibryd. But the medication commonly causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. And these digestive side effects could lead to weight loss.
Note that depression often affects appetite and eating patterns, and this can lead to weight changes. As your depression eases from Viibryd treatment, your appetite and eating patterns may change. And this could cause you to gain or lose weight.
What might helpIf you're concerned about gaining or losing weight with Viibryd, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to help you reach or maintain a body weight that's healthy for you.
HeadacheViibryd can sometimes cause a headache. Headaches caused by Viibryd are usually mild. They tend to go away over time as your body gets used to the medication.
But a headache can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious side effect of Viibryd, such as hyponatremia (low level of sodium in the blood). And if you have a sudden severe headache, this could be a symptom of closed-angle glaucoma (sudden buildup of pressure in the eye). This is another serious side effect of Viibryd.
What might helpIf you have a headache while taking Viibryd, it should usually go away on its own. But it may help to lie down, rest, and turn off bright lights.
If you have a troublesome headache, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever that contains acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, to help relieve it. It's best to avoid taking products that contain aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). These could increase the risk of bleeding, which is a rare but serious side effect of Viibryd. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a product that's safe for you.
If you have a headache that doesn't go away or is very severe, contact your doctor.
Serotonin syndromeViibryd can sometimes cause a rare but serious side effect called serotonin syndrome. It results in high levels of the chemical serotonin in the body. This side effect can be life threatening.
Serotonin syndrome can cause symptoms such as:
It's rare to develop serotonin syndrome with Viibryd if you take it on its own. But taking Viibryd with other medications that increase serotonin in the body can increase the risk of this side effect. Examples of these medications include:
Before you start taking Viibryd, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications that you take. Due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, don't take Viibryd if you've taken any of the following medications in the past 14 days:
To help avoid serotonin syndrome while you're taking Viibryd, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications. This includes OTC medications and herbal remedies. And do not take illegal drugs with Viibryd.
If you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome while you're taking Viibryd, contact your doctor right away. But if your symptoms are severe or feel life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serotonin syndrome usually gets better once you stop taking the medication that's causing the problem. But your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help treat its symptoms.
Allergic reactionLike most drugs, Viibryd can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. To manage your symptoms, they may suggest an OTC antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Or they may recommend a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream.
If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Viibryd, they'll decide whether you should continue using it.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Viibryd, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adultsLike all antidepressants, Viibryd has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults (ages 18–24 years). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Note that Viibryd is not approved by the FDA for use in anyone younger than 18 years.
Having depression increases the risk of having suicidal thoughts and actions. But for young people, studies show that taking antidepressants can increase this risk early in treatment. The risk is higher during the first few months of treatment and after any dosage changes.
Antidepressants don't increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in older adults with depression. In fact, studies show that antidepressants reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in adults ages 25 years and older.
Possible warning signs of suicidal thoughts and actions may include:
While taking Viibryd, it's important to be aware of the possible warning signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It can also help to talk with your friends, family, or caregivers you may have about these. They can keep watch for changes in your behavior. If you have any of the warning signs listed above, be sure to talk with your doctor right away.
It's also important that you keep taking Viibryd regularly every day, even if it doesn't seem to be working at first. It can take at least 2–4 weeks for Viibryd to start working. And it can take several months or longer before your depression eases.
If your doctor thinks that Viibryd could be making your depression worse, they may recommend switching to a different antidepressant. But this should only be done with careful monitoring. You shouldn't stop taking Viibryd or change your dosage on your own.
If you have questions or concerns about suicidal thoughts and behaviors during Viibryd treatment, talk with your doctor.
Keeping track of side effects
During Viibryd treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you're having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Viibryd affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Viibryd comes with several warnings.
Boxed warning: Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adultsViibryd has a boxed warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults (ages 18–24 years). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
It's important to note that Viibryd is not approved by the FDA for use in anyone younger than 18 years.
To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section above.
Other warningsViibryd may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Viibryd. The list below includes factors to consider.
Allergic reaction. If you've had an allergic reaction to Viibryd or any of its ingredients, your doctor won't prescribe Viibryd. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
Bleeding problems. Viibryd can make you bleed more easily than usual. If you have any bleeding problems, talk with your doctor about whether it's safe for you to take Viibryd.
History of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania. If you or a close family member have had these mental health problems in the past, Viibryd may not be safe for you. The drug could increase your risk of having a manic episode. Before starting Viibryd, talk with your doctor about any mental health problems that have affected you and your close family.
Epilepsy or other conditions that cause seizures. Viibryd may increase the risk of seizures. If you've had seizures in the past, talk with your doctor about whether it's safe for you to take Viibryd.
Low sodium levels. Viibryd can sometimes cause hyponatremia (low level of sodium in the blood). If you already have a low sodium level, Viibryd could make it worse. This side effect is more likely to happen in people ages 65 years and older and in people taking diuretic medications. If either factor applies to you, ask your doctor whether Viibryd is safe for you to take. If your sodium level gets too low during Viibryd treatment, you may need to stop taking the drug.
Alcohol and ViibrydAlcohol could make some of Viibryd's side effects worse. For example, it could increase dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and diarrhea. As a result, you should avoid consuming alcohol while taking Viibryd.
Alcohol can also worsen symptoms of depression.
If you drink alcohol, and you're concerned about avoiding it while taking Viibryd, talk with your doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking ViibrydIt's not known if Viibryd is safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The drug might increase the risk of problems in a newborn or birth complications. For more information, you can refer to the "Pregnancy" section in this article.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Viibryd.
If you take Viibryd during pregnancy, you could consider joining this pregnancy registry. Pregnancy registries help gather information about how certain drugs affect pregnancy. Your doctor can provide more information about this.
Viibryd is considered an effective treatment for depression, and most people can take it without any problems. It does have some common side effects, but these are usually mild and tend to lessen as your body gets used to the medication. Some serious side effects are also possible, but these are rare.
Your doctor can give you more information about how likely you are to have side effects with Viibryd. And they can help you decide whether this medication is a good treatment option for your condition.
Here are some examples of questions you might want to ask your doctor:
To learn more about Viibryd, see these articles:
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline's newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It's a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Benadryl Side Effects: Examples And Treatment Options
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is used for allergies and allergic reactions, as well as common cold symptoms. It may cause mild or serious side effects, such as sleepiness and seizures, among others.
Benadryl is available as a prescription and an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. It helps reduce symptoms of hay fever (nasal allergies), other allergies, and colds. Examples include a runny nose and sneezing.
This drug is also used to treat certain allergic reactions, such as swelling and hives. For these purposes, the OTC version of Benadryl can be taken by adults and children ages 6 years and older.
The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) The drug comes in many different forms. Some you take by mouth, such as tablets or liquid solutions. Others you apply to your skin, such as creams or gels.
Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Benadryl can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
Some people may have mild or serious side effects during their Benadryl treatment. Examples of a few of Benadryl's more commonly reported side effects include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Benadryl include:
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Benadryl may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
Serious side effects that have been reported with Benadryl include:
If you develop serious side effects while taking Benadryl, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of medications. If you'd like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Benadryl, visit MedWatch.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.† An allergic reaction is possible after using Benadryl. But it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
The side effects of Benadryl in children are generally similar to the drug's side effects in adults. But it's also possible for this medication to cause hyperactivity and excitability in children.
Benadryl typically should not be used in children younger than age 6 years because they can have more serious side effects from the drug. This includes seizures and a fast heartbeat.
The OTC forms of Benadryl are approved only for children ages 6 years and older, as well as adults. If your child is younger than age 6 years, talk with their doctor about whether Benadryl is safe for them.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Benadryl's side effects.
Are there any long-term side effects of Benadryl?Yes, there are. Some long-term side effects that Benadryl may cause include:
Benadryl is recommended only as a short-term treatment for people with symptoms of allergies or other conditions that the drug treats. If you take Benadryl long term, you may develop long-term side effects of the medication.
Which side effects you experience can determine how long your side effects last. For example, if you feel sleepy, this side effect may last a few hours or until the medication is no longer in your body. But other side effects can be longer lasting.
Talk with your doctor about your Benadryl use and which other medications may be better for your condition.
* With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like you usually do. With withdrawal, you experience uncomfortable symptoms after stopping a drug that you've become dependent on.
Do seniors have a higher risk of side effects from Benadryl?Yes, older adults (ages 65 years and older) likely have a higher risk of side effects from Benadryl than younger adults. This is because their bodies may get rid of the drug more slowly.
Older adults may have more side effects from Benadryl, including sleepiness, dizziness, or heart problems. Sleepiness and dizziness can increase the risk of falling, which can be very serious.
If you're an older adult interested in taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you take a lower dose of Benadryl to reduce your risk of side effects. Or they may suggest that you take a different medication to treat your allergy or cold symptoms.
Can Benadryl be used in babies or toddlers? If so, what are the possible side effects?OTC forms of Benadryl should not be used in babies or toddlers. This is because children younger than age 6 years old have an increased risk of side effects from Benadryl.
Children can have the same side effects of Benadryl as adults, such as dizziness or drowsiness. But Benadryl can also cause more serious side effects in children, such as a fast heartbeat or seizures. The drug may also cause children to become more excitable or hyperactive.
You should never use Benadryl to help your child fall asleep. This can be very dangerous.
Due to these risks, you should not give Benadryl to your baby or toddler without the direction of their doctor. If your child has symptoms of an allergy or cold, talk with their doctor about the best way to treat those symptoms.
Does Benadryl cause side effects in dogs?Possibly. If your veterinarian recommends giving Benadryl to your dog, be sure to discuss possible side effects to watch for and the correct dosage. The dosage may be based on how much your dog weighs, to reduce the risk of side effects.
Benadryl is not approved to be used in dogs, but a veterinarian may recommend it in some cases. It's important to talk with a veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. They can recommend whether Benadryl is safe for your dog and which dosage to give.
Does my risk of side effects from Benadryl vary, depending on the dose (such as 25 mg or 50 mg)?Yes, your risk of side effects can vary, depending on the dose of Benadryl you take.
A higher dose of Benadryl can increase the risk of side effects. So you're more at risk of side effects from taking 50 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl than from taking 25 mg.
If you have concerns about side effects from your dose of Benadryl, talk with your doctor.
Does Benadryl cause diarrhea?No, you shouldn't have diarrhea from taking Benadryl. In fact, Benadryl can cause constipation.
Some other medications used to treat allergy symptoms, such as Allegra Allergy (fexofenadine), may cause diarrhea.
If you have diarrhea while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor about what may be causing it.
Learn more about some of the side effects Benadryl may cause.
Fast heartbeatA fast heartbeat is a common side effect of Benadryl. In rare cases, it can become serious.
Symptoms of a fast heartbeat may include:
What might helpIf you have symptoms of a fast heartbeat while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you take a lower dose of the medication to treat your symptoms. Or they may recommend a different medication for you.
Blurry visionBenadryl works by drying out your body, which may result in blurry vision. This is a more common side effect of Benadryl.
What might helpIf you have blurry vision from taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend ways to decrease this side effect. They may also suggest a different medication to treat your symptoms.
Until your vision has cleared, you should not drive a car or operate other machinery.
Memory loss or dementiaTaking Benadryl may cause memory loss or dementia. Although rare, this side effect may be more common in older adults or people who've taken the drug long term. Symptoms can include:
What might helpIf you're experiencing memory loss or dementia while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. They'll likely suggest that you stop taking Benadryl. They'll also look for the cause of your memory loss or dementia so that they can recommend the right treatment for you.
DizzinessDizziness is a common side effect of Benadryl. This side effect can be serious.
Until you know how Benadryl will affect you, you should not drive a car or operate other machinery after taking the drug. If it causes you to feel dizzy, avoid doing either activity until the effects of the medication have worn off.
In addition, dizziness may lead to an increased risk of falling for older adults. Falls can be very dangerous for people who are older.
What might helpIf you have dizziness from taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. They'll recommend that you do not drive a car or operate other machinery while you're dizzy.
In addition, they may suggest a different medication for your symptoms, one that doesn't make you dizzy.
Allergic reactionLike most drugs, Benadryl can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They can suggest treatments to manage your symptoms.
If your doctor confirms that you had a mild allergic reaction to Benadryl, they'll decide if you should continue using it.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms that you had a serious allergic reaction to Benadryl, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Benadryl treatment, consider keeping notes about any side effects you're having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Benadryl affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Benadryl may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Benadryl. The list below includes factors to consider.
Dementia: Benadryl may cause dementia, as well as worsen symptoms of dementia in a person with this condition. If you have dementia, talk with your doctor before you take Benadryl. Your doctor may recommend that you take a different medication instead.
Allergic reaction: If you've had an allergic reaction to Benadryl or any of its ingredients, you should not take it. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
Heart problems or high blood pressure: Benadryl can increase your heart rate and may cause more serious heart-related side effects, such as heart rhythm problems. If you already have heart disease, taking Benadryl can make your condition worse. Talk with your doctor about whether it's safe for you to take Benadryl.
Liver problems: Benadryl is removed from your body through your liver. If your liver isn't working properly, it may take your body longer to remove the medication. This can increase your risk of side effects. If you have any liver conditions, tell your doctor before taking Benadryl.
Kidney, bladder, or prostate problems: Benadryl may decrease the amount of urine that you make. If you have kidney or bladder problems, you may already produce a decreased amount of urine. If you have prostate problems, you may have urinary retention (not being able to fully empty your bladder). These conditions may worsen due to Benadryl. If you have kidney, bladder, or prostate problems, talk with your doctor before you take this drug.
Respiratory conditions, including asthma: Benadryl works by drying out your nose and mouth, which decreases symptoms of an allergy or a cold. This can make mucus in your nose or mouth thicker. If you have trouble breathing, thickened mucus can make it even harder for you to breathe. Before you start taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor if you have any respiratory conditions.
Certain eye conditions: Benadryl may increase pressure in your eyes. If you already have a condition that increases eye pressure, taking Benadryl may worsen your condition. An example of this type of condition is glaucoma. Talk with your doctor to see if it's safe for you to take Benadryl with your eye condition.
Alcohol use and BenadrylYou should not drink alcohol while you're taking Benadryl. Alcohol can increase your risk of drowsiness or dizziness. It may also cause more serious side effects, such as trouble breathing or slowed breathing.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about other medications you can take to treat your cold or allergy symptoms.
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