Do you experience:

Rapid heartbeat
insomnia
restlessnes
racing thoughts
shakiness

These are all symtoms of overdosing on Anphidimines. I don't have to tell you, your life could be at risk. Your heart suffers the most.

I have never heard of Benadryl increasing someone's sex drive or giving them a high from it. It always makes me sleepy and then I feel drowsy the next day. It is a good medication if used for allergies or allergic reactions, but for sexual pleasure, I have never heard of that. Also, I did not know that it could cause an addiction.

Niether have I for that matter.

Adkinje,

I used to take Benadryl and Dramamine (Both had the same effect and classified as a delieriant) recreationally. However, I never had any heightened sexual arousal. It is definately a good idea for you to discontinue use. One reason is simply the psychological effect it has on the brain. The reason it is classified as a delieriant and not as a hallucinogen is because unlike LSD and Mushrooms, it can actually make you see and interact with things that are not actually there, or even make you not see things that are there (i.e. I once did not see a chair that was in the middle of my path and toppled over it). Long term side effects are not well known yet, because recreational use of this drug is a fairly new thing. But they may include a risk of permanent dementia, and brain and stomach damage. You know that fuzzy electric feeling you get in your head when you take it? I always felt when I was on it that it was some sort of brain decay. It also can cause a great deal of stress on the heart at higher doses.

If you want to heighten your sexual experience, I suggest looking into some sort of sexual exercise or kama sutra of some sort. Much safer than a mind altering drug.

CarolDianne

I don't experience any of the above; only difficulty urinating. Can benadryl enlarge the prostate, or cause any long term urinary problems?

I do not think so, but again, I am not a doctor! I took liquid benadryl for years to help me sleep and had no problems, but then again, everyone is different.

You may want to check into that but, all my years in the health care industry, I have never heard of that as a side effect. But, that does not mean it could not be.

I still take benedryl but its for exactly opposite the effect -- I just want to sleep and sleep and sleep....

It's actually pretty comforting.

My father takes between 10-15 benadryl a day. He went from alcohol addiction to the benadryl. From the outside, I can say it makes you look like a complete zombie and ridiculously slow. I'm sure it can't be good for the brain.

definitely addictive. i'm a youth worker, just in the middle of helping a youth detox from benadryl - who just tried shoplifting more tabs today. i agree that it definitely 'zombifies' you and the detoxing effects include your body cramping up and lack of being able to partake in 'normal' conversations...i think if you are not able to stop taking benadryl, and you need to ask, then it's a pretty good sign you are addicted.

good luck.

Benadryl is the real "sleeper" OTC wonder drug. It has a relatively low potential for abuse according to several pharmacology books. It is considered a mild sedative. Diphenhydramine, the active chemical in Benadryl, tends to activate the psychological addiction rather than the physiological aspect. Translation: a person might feel like they need to take it when they really don't, just to help them sleep.

I tend to get hooked on it periodically. You might want to speak with your doctor about a prescription for a different medication. Melatonin might be a good alternative too, but only when your sleep cycles seem irregular.

Does it harm your stomach in anyway?

Adkinje,
If you still subscribe to this thread you will be heartened to know that you are not alone. I too use Benadryl to achieve a heightened state of arousal and for heightened orgasms. I started taking it as a way to combat insomnia after I quit drinking. I am a recovering alcoholic who hasn't had a drink in almost two years but I'm afraid I substituted Benadryl for the alcohol.
I also have Psoriasis and Benadryl helps with the itching.
Not that any of this is an excuse or a solution to your problem but you aren't alone...

I just got out of the hospital where i was detoxed for my benedryl addiction. In high dosages it is very hard on the heart. It can also damage your kidneys and your liver. It is a psychological addiction, but it will be rough for about 4 or 5 days. Do not cold turkey if you want to kick it yourself. I would detox around drs and nurses if I were you