Did you know? ✈️ Pilots cannot fly for 60 hours after taking Benadryl.
It causes significant cognitive impairment and sedative effects, yet parents and doctors frequently give it to infants and children of all ages for everything from sneezing and sniffles to help with sleep.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can cause lingering confusion and impairment of motor skills even after the initial effects have worn off. If pilots are not allowed to fly for 60 hours after taking it, how can you expect your child to perform in school or sports?
It can even cause seizures or cardiac arrythmias in young or sensitive children… it’s just not worth it when there are many other, better options nowadays.
And the negative cognitive effects are not just temporary either, unfortunately…
⚠️ Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl and many other products like Tylenol PM, Simply Sleep, Unisom, ZzzQuil, Simply Right Sleep Aid, and Equate Nighttime Sleep Aid can lead to serious health problems, including dementia, later on down the line.
Diphenhydramine is considered to be in two classes of drugs: antihistamines and anticholinergics. Antihistamines are used to treat allergy symptoms such as rashes, runny noses, and sneezing. Anticholinergic drugs are used for a wider variety of conditions including incontinence, sleep problems, and motion sickness.
A 2015 study, led by a researcher from the University of Washington, found that people who take Benadryl regularly are more likely to develop dementia as they age. The study also found that the more frequently a person took these medications, the more likely they were to develop the condition.
Think about the long term effects if we begin dosing in childhood and continue use of this drug throughout adulthood…
People tend to think that over-the-counter drugs are safer since they are more readily available, but this isn’t necessarily true because these drugs are not often tested for long-term effects over a long enough period of time before they are sold.
Play it safe and avoid these drugs except in cases of true emergency. If you or your child have allergies, trouble sleeping, motion sickness, incontinence or other health concerns where these drugs are commonly recommended, there are safer ways of coping than loading up on antihistamines and anticholinergics. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns or questions.
If you’d like more info on Sublingual Immunotherapy, we have a whole post about that, too! >> Check it out!
I drive an hour just to come to this office. Been coming since my daughter was 3, now she’s 5. It’s clean, professional, quick, friendly, reasonably priced and Jessica is a TOTAL PRO who is the main reason for our visits. Can’t recommend her and Well Rooted enough!
I want to send a huge THANK YOU to Victoria and the Well Rooted Practice as a whole. It began with Danielle calling me and taking detailed notes prior to our visit, which led us to being greeted by a welcoming staff and then, Victoria, the provider, who is simply amazing. She saw my son yesterday and was so knowledgeable and kind. I didn’t feel rushed at all. She took time to answer all of my questions.
Not only that, I felt wrapped in Jesus’ love hearing Christian music playing in the office.
Hand down the best practice around!
This practice is incredible! They are very friendly and welcoming. I was recommend to this practice from a relative and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve taken my son here twice so far and they have been great with him. What I also like is that it is a judgement free office. They respect my decisions regarding my son and always give me the best advice and service. They’ve answered all of my questions and concerns as well as took their time with us during our visit. Highly recommend!
Jessica and her staff at Well Rooted Pediatrics are very friendly and accommodating. We were welcomed with a smile and Jessica is very knowledgeable and thorough. Awesome practice!
I recently moved here from out of state and have been having a very hard time finding providers in the area for my kids. After a long search, I found Well Rooted and am so happy I did. Excellent providers who truly care, who listen to the parents and child and are very knowledgeable. It is worth the drive and the cost.
