Benadryl for Insomnia

Benadryl^® (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine that is used for a variety of different purposes. The approved uses may vary, depending on the particular product. Approved uses include the treatment of:

Allergy symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies
Sneezing and runny nose due to the common cold
Skin itching and pain due to a variety of different causes
Allergic reactions, such as food allergies
Dermatographism, a severe form of hives
Motion sickness
Parkinson's disease.

Many people also commonly use Benadryl for insomnia. Specifically, prescription Benadryl products and other non-prescription diphenhydramine products are approved for this use. Not only is Benadryl an antihistamine, but it also works as a sedative. Although this action has made the medication useful as a sleep aid, it also limits the usefulness of the medication for other uses (since drowsiness can be a bothersome side effect).

(Click Benadryl Uses for more information about using Benadryl for insomnia, to find out how the drug works for other uses, and to learn about possible off-label uses for this medication.)