A Brief Introduction to the Wildly Popular OTC Product Known as Benadryl

It would be practically impossible to live in the industrialized world and not know about Benadryl. Hailed as a miracle by many who suffer from allergies, Benadryl is also referred to as diphenhydramine. Commonly used when people are suffering from hives, sneezing, and other symptoms of allergies, Benadryl is sometimes employed as a sleep aid as well. Once someone takes a dose of Benadryl, the drug will usually stay active in their body for around four to six hours. Of course, the length of efficacy is affected by factors such as the person’s weight and how quickly their liver may process the drug. It may even be affected by other medications and supplements that they are taking.

“Over the Counter” Does Not Mean No Risk

Benadryl, which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is offered over the counter in many drug stores and pharmacies all over the world, which means that one does not need a prescription to purchase the drug. It is possible to become high from diphenhydramine — and even to become dependent. With over-the-counter medications, even just an over-the-counter antihistamine (Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine) Xyzal (levocetirizine)), there is always a risk of people interacting with them as gateway drugs, so it is crucial to exercise caution. Once a patient has taken higher doses of this drug leading to serious common side effects and health conditions, medical advice is a must.

The History: What Is Benadryl?

First released on the market almost 80 years ago now, the properties of diphenhydramine were first discovered in a lab. A scientist, George Rieveschl, was experimenting with creating a muscle relaxer when he realized that the compound he had created had a different use entirely. Its antihistamine properties were quickly recognized, and history was made. After all, people at the time were often unable to help their symptoms when afflicted by seasonal allergies and allergic reactions. Diphenhydramine was truly a game-changer, stepping in to block histamine, which appears in the body when someone comes into contact with allergy triggers.

The Chemical Makeup of Benadryl

With the chemical composition of C17H21NO, diphenhydramine that is sold under various labels may contain some other fillers and active ingredients. As a first-generation antihistamine, it is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. This topic has been of some interest to researchers recently, with some investigating whether or not this may result in links to dementia. As a first-generation antihistamine, Benadryl is more likely to cause drowsiness or sleepiness than some of the newer allergy medications on the market.

A Timeline: What Happens to Your Body When You Ingest Benadryl?

Of course, everyone’s body is different, but this is how a person will typically process Benadryl.

Half Hour After Taking Pill
Within 30 minutes or so, the substance will interact with the GI tract. After this, it is released into the bloodstream.

One Hour After Taking Pill
Within 60 minutes of taking Benadryl orally, most people will begin to notice symptoms of drowsiness. During this time, the vast majority of allergy sufferers will also start to feel relief from their symptoms. Itchiness, runny noses, and other allergic reactions will start to abate. The drowsiness and relief will occur concurrently for most people.

Two to Four Hours After Taking Benadryl
This is when people seem to notice that the drug is having the greatest effect upon them; it is also when the highest concentration of Benadryl can be seen circulating in the bloodstream.

Four to Six Hours After Ingesting Diphenhydramine
Approximately four to six hours after taking the drug, many will perceive that it is gradually beginning to wear off. A person might notice that their drowsiness is shaking off — or that their allergy symptoms are starting to make a comeback.

Two to Nine Hours After Ingestion
The liver gets to work, metabolizing the drug. Eventually, it will leave the body through urination.

Time Since Ingestion	Effects and Observations
Half Hour After Taking Pill	Interaction with the GI tract, followed by release into the bloodstream.
One Hour After Taking Pill	Onset of drowsiness and relief from allergy symptoms (itchiness, runny noses, etc.). Symptoms and drowsiness occur concurrently.
Two to Four Hours After	Peak effectiveness; highest concentration of Benadryl in the bloodstream.
Four to Six Hours After	Gradual wearing off of effects. Decrease in drowsiness and return of allergy symptoms.
Two to Nine Hours After	Liver metabolizes the drug; eventual elimination through urination.

What Is the Elimination Half-Life? And What Is It for Benadryl?

Elimination half-life is a phrase used to describe the amount of time it takes for the concentration of a drug to reduce by half in the bloodstream — literally the half-life. Once it has reduced by 50%, a person may start to feel the Benadryl wearing off ever so slightly. For those who take the drug on a more regular basis, it may be easy to notice when certain symptoms start creeping back in. Due to its specific elimination half-life of between two and nine hours, it is easy to see why many medical professionals recommend taking another dose every four to six hours, depending upon the person.

What Types of Drug Tests Can Detect Benadryl?

It’s important to note that Benadryl is not usually a substance that is tested for during drug screenings. However, it is possible to test for it. Here are some guidelines when it comes to testing for diphenhydramine.

Hair Follicle Analysis: This method is probably the best for determining whether or not someone ingested Benadryl within a longer timeframe.

Urine Test: The guidelines indicate that diphenhydramine can be detected in urine several days after use.

Blood Test: This tends to be the least reliable way of testing for the drug in someone’s system. Chances are that it will only be present in the blood for a day or so after ingestion.

Age Group	Duration Benadryl Stays in System
Most Adults	Up to about 60 hours (2.5 days)
Children	Up to about 35 hours (about 1.5 days)
Older Adults	Up to about 90 hours (close to 4 days)

Side Effects of Long-Term Benadryl Use

Although Benadryl is widely viewed as an innocuous substance that works marvelously to combat allergy symptoms, there are still ways in which it can be abused. Also, like any drug, it’s important to check in with a medical professional if you have been using it for an extended period of time. For example, it may be a good idea to make an appointment with an allergist if you’ve been suffering from extreme symptoms over a long period of time. The same goes for those who are using Benadryl to treat sleep disorder issues. It is best to go to a doctor and discover which underlying medical issues may be causing the problem in the first place. Also, because Benadryl is considered a benign OTC drug, many people use it without stopping to think about how it may be interacting with other drugs that they are taking. No one should skip this step. It is very important to know how Benadryl may interact with the other substances in your body.

Issues That May Pop Up with Extended Use

If a regular user of diphenhydramine suddenly stops taking the drug cold turkey, they very well may experience withdrawal symptoms. This could actually include an increase in the allergic symptoms they’ve been trying to avoid — and an inability to get a good night’s rest. However, there are also a whole host of symptoms that can manifest when someone has been using for a long time. First, many have reported that their tolerance increases as they use Benadryl over an extended timeframe. In other words, they need more of the drug to help them stave off their allergies. As they increase the amount they’re using, they may also notice that they’re experiencing symptoms such as dry mouth and even constipation. These days, however — as we learn more about how dementia presents — much of the research focus has been on how diphenhydramine might affect the brain. Memory issues may be linked to the longstanding use of antihistamines that traverse the blood-brain barrier, so it’s always crucial to consider when you’re putting in your body.

Detoxing from Benadryl

The only person who knows how much you’ve been using is you. If you feel like you are capable of tapering off the medication yourself — and you’re confident the you won’t encounter any medical issues as a result — then it will likely be an easy process for you. There is no shame in asking for help, though, and a medical professional will probably be able to shed more light upon the detoxification process for you. If you’re in doubt or have any questions at all, one of the savvy counselors at Garden State Detox, a healthcare provider for those who have suffered substance abuse, may be able to enlighten you as to what you can expect if you decide to stop to take Benadryl. In a world in which many use this drug very casually, it’s important to take proactive steps when you suspect that your use of the medication may not be within the normal range. So, call now and book an appointment.

References

• Chronic diphenhydramine abuse and withdrawal
• Diphenhydramine abuse and detoxification: a brief review and case report
• Reader’s Digest: UC grad’s invention one of ‘most trusted brands’ in health
• From Benadryl to biologics: 75 years of advancements in allergy
• Long-term use of diphenhydramine
• Diphenhydramine

When it comes to substance abuse, the adage “the eyes are windows to the soul” rings especially true.

When a person is under the influence, several changes in the eyes can be observed: they appear bloodshot and dilated, with the pupils moving rapidly and involuntarily.

This article discusses what happens to eyes on shrooms as well as other substances to help you detect signs of addiction early on.

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Shrooms?

Shrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms or magic mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe, are fungi with hallucinogenic properties. When ingested, they can cause short-term and long-term mental health problems and physical effects. They can alter a person’s thinking, senses, and emotions.

Common mental side effects of psilocybin include:

• Distorted sense of reality
• Altered sense of time
• Mixed senses, such as seeing music or hearing color
• Light-headedness
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Changes in mood
• Fear or paranoia
• Confusion and disorientation
• Loss of boundaries
• Impaired judgment

On the other hand, common physical side effects include:

• Exaggerated reflexes
• Numbness, especially on the face
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Excessive sweating
• High body temperature, followed by chills
• Increased heart rate
• Increase blood pressure

When taken in high doses, users may experience what’s called a “bad trip.” These experiences are often frightening and may include a distorted sense of self, loss of boundaries, paranoia, abrupt flashbacks, and impaired judgment. Bad trips can also lead to risk-taking behavior, which may result in traumatic injuries and, in some cases, death.

Users who take shrooms alongside other substances like amphetamines, cannabis, and alcohol elevate the risks of serious side effects. The same is said for users with existing psychiatric conditions.

With users with existing heart disease, short-term effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure could potentially result in cardiac arrest.            

Can Shrooms Induce Permanent Pupillary Changes?

The long-term effects of shrooms have yet to be thoroughly investigated. However, some studies suggest that shrooms can induce pupillary changes in users.

In a study published in the Center for Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers found that psilocin and psilocybin, which are substances present in magic shrooms, are structurally related to the “feel good” neurotransmitter receptor serotonin. It’s concluded that shrooms can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can result in the dilution of pupils. 

The permanence of such dilation is debated across all fields.

In a case report that reviewed the long-term effects of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS), a patient with a history of substance use and misuse developed permanently dilated pupils in both eyes.

It is said that the dilation correlates with the repeated and long-term use of hallucinogens, particularly LSD (acid) and psilocybin mushrooms. The condition started at age 11, shortly after she started using, so it wasn’t congenital but rather acquired.

“Certain pathophysiological changes can influence the pupillary aperture,” said medical doctor and researcher Dr. Ahmed Al-Imam. Some of these pathophysiological changes can be triggered by psychedelic drugs.

Neurological exams failed to detect any abnormalities outside the dilated pupils, so the dilution was unlikely to have been caused by existing neurological disorders.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Imam’s case is one of the few cases that documented the long-term effects of psychedelics, NPS, and other psychoactive chemicals. While permanent dilution is still non-conclusive, the study shows that it can’t be ruled out completely.

Other Substances That Cause Pupillary Changes

Shrooms aside, there are a number of drugs and substances that can trigger pupillary changes. These are as follows:

Marijuana

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, contains a psychoactive constituent called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC lowers blood pressure, triggering the increase of blood flow and the dilation of blood vessels. Lowered blood pressure causes the blood vessels in the eyes to expand, leading to redness or bloodshot eyes.

Marijuana also slows down the brain’s image-processing function. Under the influence of marijuana, hand-eye reflexes are reduced, and spatial perception is disrupted.

Pupil dilation provoked by cannabis can create imbalances and dazzlements between far vision and near vision. This effect is especially apparent among those who wear multifocal contact lenses and those who have had laser surgery such as Lasik, PRK, Lasik, Relex, or Smile.

Methamphetamine

Meth users often develop “meth eyes,” a term that describes a wide range of signs and symptoms associated with meth abuse. These symptoms include dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes due to increased visibility of blood vessels, and yellow eyes.

Meth can also cause Crystalline retinopathy, which refers to a group of disorders associated with crystal deposits in and/or around the retina.

Crystalline retinopathy is what causes the yellowing of the eyes of meth users, often a result of intranasal methamphetamine use (i.e., administered by way of the nasal structures). If left without treatment, Crystalline retinopathy can cause:

• Sensitivity to light
• Night blindness
• Deteriorating vision
• Uncontrollable twitching of the eyelids

Other effects of meth on the eyes include rapid eye movement, blurred vision, and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), one of the most common causes of vision loss worldwide.

Cocaine

Dilation is one of the more noticeable effects of cocaine use.

Cocaine is a stimulant, meaning that it can trigger the release of chemicals and endorphins in the brain. Among these chemicals is norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that can cause pupil dilation due to it activating the body’s “fight-or-flight” response.

Bloodshot eyes are another common effect of cocaine use. Like marijuana, cocaine causes blood vessels to constrict, which then increases blood pressure. This results in bloodshot eyes that can last anywhere from a few hours to several days after use.

Over time, cocaine abuse can lead to an array of eye conditions, including:

• Exophthalmos: Bulging or protruding eyeballs
• Cycloplegia: Paralysis of the ciliary eye muscle
• Upper eyelid retraction: Increased resting position of the upper lid
• Corneal ulcers/injuries: Open sore on the cornea

Alcohol

Short-term exposure to alcohol can lead to dilated pupils, blurry vision, and night blindness.

Alcohol can likewise alter a person’s ability to perceive contrast. Consuming alcohol above the legal limit of 0.05% affects a person’s ability to visually adjust to the brightness, making distinctions between bright objects like stoplights more difficult.

Regular consumption of alcohol can result in dry eyes and eyelid twitching (myokymia). Myokymia can trigger short-term double vision and inflammation, which can cause itchy eyes, light sensitivity, and migraines. It can also cause the blood vessels of the eyes to expand, making them appear red and bloodshot.

Long-term consumption of alcohol can trigger the development of premature cataract formation, permanent blurriness caused by the weakening of eye muscles, retinal bleeding from vascular occlusions, and, in severe cases, optic neuropathy.

Left untreated, optic neuropathy can lead to reduced color vision, decreased peripheral vision, and, eventually, complete loss of vision.

Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that contain active ingredients derived from the naturally-occurring poppy plant Papaver somniferum. These drugs include heroin, codeine, meperidine, methadone, and morphine, as well as prescription opioids such as fentanyl, hydrocodone, pentazocine, and oxycodone.

Opioids stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can result in the decreased velocity of pupil dilation when eyes come in contact with light. In other words, opioids can impair the pupil’s response to light.

These drugs may also trigger several eye abnormalities, such as droopiness, temporary blurred vision, and double vision.

If used long-term, opioids can cause several retinal issues, such as eye infections, which can lead to photophobia and vision loss.

MDMA

MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), otherwise known as Molly or Ecstasy, is reported to cause severe eye problems and complications like retinal hemorrhage and intravascular thrombosis.

Retinal hemorrhage occurs when blood vessels in the retina begin to bleed, while intravascular thrombosis occurs when the body is affected by inflammation from an infection, injury, or illness.

These complications are associated with the long-term use of MDMA. MDMA elevates noradrenaline levels, thereby provoking hypertension and tachycardia

The short-term effects of MDMA, though less severe, shouldn’t be understated. Much like the substances on this list, MDMA can cause pupil dilation, blurriness, and distorted perception. It can also cause redness and rapid quivering of the pupils (nystagmus).

Benzodiazepines

Known for their calming effects, benzodiazepines, also known as benzos or BZDs, are used to offset the side effects of withdrawal, reduce seizures, and produce sedation and hypnosis. In this way, they’re often classified as a type of tranquilizer.

Common names of benzos include Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Halcion, and Klonopin.

Because of their potency and availability, benzos are easily abused. At recreational doses, they can cause blurry, altered, or double vision and dilated pupils, with the latter being a sign of an overdose. Other symptoms of overdose include ataxia, slurred speech, and altered mental status.

When taken with alcohol or other drugs, respiratory depression resulting in a coma can occur.

Wrap Up

Whether it’s shrooms, meth, benzos, or alcohol, pupil dilation and bloodshot eyes/redness are the biggest tell-tale signs of substance abuse.If someone you know appears to have enlarged pupils and bloodshot or glassy eyes, checkout clinicalTrials.gov  and watch out for accompanying symptoms of addiction. This is important because as the symptoms progress, they’ll become harder to treat.