Benadryl can cause hallucinations or a “high” only at dangerously high, toxic doses, posing serious health risks.
Understanding Benadryl’s Primary Purpose
Benadryl, known generically as diphenhydramine, is an over-the-counter antihistamine commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives. It’s also frequently taken to combat motion sickness and as a short-term sleep aid due to its sedative properties. Its widespread availability and multi-purpose use make it a staple in many medicine cabinets.
The drug works by blocking histamine receptors (H1 receptors) in the body. Histamine is a chemical involved in allergic reactions and also plays a role in wakefulness. By inhibiting histamine activity, Benadryl reduces allergy symptoms and induces drowsiness. This sedative effect is why some people consider using it recreationally to achieve a “high.”
However, the intended therapeutic dose of Benadryl is quite low—typically 25 to 50 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours for adults. At these levels, it does not produce any euphoric or hallucinogenic effects.
Can You Get High From Benadryl? The Science Behind It
Diphenhydramine’s primary action is antihistaminic, but at very high doses—far exceeding recommended amounts—it can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the central nervous system differently. When taken in excessive quantities (often 300 mg or more), diphenhydramine exhibits anticholinergic effects by blocking acetylcholine receptors in the brain.
This anticholinergic toxicity can lead to delirium, hallucinations, confusion, and sometimes bizarre behavior. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for a “high.” However, this state is not pleasant or safe; it’s more akin to poisoning.
The hallucinations caused by high doses of Benadryl are typically visual distortions or frightening images rather than euphoric experiences. Users often report feeling disoriented, anxious, and paranoid rather than relaxed or happy.
The Risks of Trying to Get High on Benadryl
Attempting to get high from Benadryl is extremely dangerous. The margin between a dose that produces hallucinations and one that causes severe toxicity is narrow. Overdose symptoms can include:
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Severe dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty urinating
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death in extreme cases
Emergency rooms frequently treat cases of diphenhydramine overdose due to intentional misuse or accidental ingestion of large amounts. Medical intervention often requires activated charcoal administration, intravenous fluids, sedation with benzodiazepines for seizures or agitation, and close cardiac monitoring.
Because of these dangers, healthcare professionals strongly advise against using Benadryl recreationally or exceeding the recommended dosage.
How Diphenhydramine Affects the Brain at High Doses
Diphenhydramine acts primarily as an antagonist at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors when taken in large quantities. This blockade disrupts normal neurotransmission responsible for cognition and perception.
This disruption explains why users experience confusion and hallucinations rather than a typical stimulant or depressant “high.” Unlike drugs that increase dopamine release (such as cocaine or amphetamines), diphenhydramine does not activate reward pathways associated with pleasure.
Instead, the drug induces delirium—a state marked by:
- Disorganized thinking
- Sensory misperceptions (hallucinations)
- Anxiety or agitation
- Memory impairment
These effects resemble those caused by other anticholinergic poisons like atropine found in deadly nightshade plants rather than classic recreational drugs.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Diphenhydramine
| Dose Range (mg) | Typical Effects | Risks/Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| 25-50 mg (Therapeutic) | Relief from allergies; mild drowsiness; sedation. | Mild dry mouth; occasional dizziness. |
| 100-200 mg (High Dose) | Drowsiness intensifies; mild cognitive impairment; possible mild hallucinations. | Dizziness; confusion; nausea; increased heart rate. |
| >300 mg (Toxic Dose) | Delirium; vivid hallucinations; severe confusion. | Tachycardia; seizures; urinary retention; coma risk. |
This table highlights how quickly diphenhydramine shifts from safe therapeutic use into dangerous territory with increasing doses.
The Difference Between Recreational Drugs and Diphenhydramine Misuse
Recreational drugs typically stimulate dopamine pathways that generate feelings of euphoria and reward. Drugs like marijuana, cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and opioids activate brain circuits that reinforce repeated use due to pleasurable sensations.
Diphenhydramine’s effects at high doses are fundamentally different. The “high” some describe is actually delirium caused by toxic anticholinergic effects—not genuine euphoria or pleasure. This delirium often includes disorientation, paranoia, and frightening hallucinations instead of enjoyable sensations.
Furthermore, diphenhydramine has no established addictive properties related to dopamine release. While people might misuse it occasionally out of curiosity or desperation for sleep aid alternatives, it lacks the reinforcing qualities seen in addictive substances.
Mental Health Considerations with Diphenhydramine Abuse
Using large amounts of diphenhydramine can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or psychosis due to its hallucinogenic potential. The confusion and paranoia induced may mimic psychotic episodes requiring medical evaluation.
Chronic misuse can lead to cognitive decline because acetylcholine plays a critical role in memory formation and learning processes. Long-term anticholinergic burden has been linked with increased risk of dementia in older adults.
Anyone experiencing unusual thoughts or behaviors after taking diphenhydramine should seek professional help immediately rather than attempting self-treatment through higher doses.
The Legal Status and Availability of Benadryl: Why It’s Easy to Misuse
Benadryl is sold over-the-counter without prescription restrictions in most countries due to its established safety profile when used correctly. This easy accessibility makes it tempting for some individuals seeking altered states without access to illicit substances.
Retailers often limit quantities purchased at one time because of abuse potential but enforcement varies widely across regions. Online sales add another layer where controls may be lax.
Despite its availability, healthcare providers emphasize education about risks associated with misuse since many people misunderstand what constitutes safe dosing versus dangerous experimentation.
Comparing Diphenhydramine With Other Antihistamines Regarding Abuse Potential
Not all antihistamines have equal risk profiles regarding recreational misuse:
- Loratadine (Claritin): A non-sedating antihistamine with minimal central nervous system penetration – no known abuse potential.
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec): Mildly sedating but rarely abused due to lack of hallucinogenic effects.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): The most sedating first-generation antihistamine – potential for anticholinergic toxicity at high doses.
This comparison clarifies why only certain types like diphenhydramine carry risks related to getting “high.”
Emergency Response: What Happens During a Diphenhydramine Overdose?
If someone takes an excessive amount aiming for intoxication or accidentally overdoses on diphenhydramine, emergency treatment focuses on stabilizing vital signs and preventing complications:
- Airway management: Ensuring breathing remains unobstructed if sedation progresses.
- CNS monitoring: Observing for seizures or worsening agitation requiring sedation medications like benzodiazepines.
- Treatment of cardiac arrhythmias: Electrolyte balance correction and continuous ECG monitoring.
- Activated charcoal: To reduce absorption if ingestion was recent.
- Supportive care: Hydration via IV fluids and temperature regulation.
Prompt medical attention significantly improves outcomes since untreated overdose can be fatal due to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.
The Importance of Accurate Dosage Awareness With OTC Medications Like Benadryl
Many people underestimate how potent over-the-counter drugs can be when misused. Reading labels carefully—including maximum daily limits—and understanding proper timing between doses prevents accidental overdose scenarios.
For adults:
- The typical maximum daily dose should not exceed 300 mg per day divided into multiple administrations.
Children require much lower doses based on age and weight—exceeding these guidelines increases risk dramatically.
Key Takeaways: Can You Get High From Benadryl?
➤ Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine drug.
➤ High doses may cause hallucinations and delirium.
➤ Misuse can lead to serious health risks and overdose.
➤ Not recommended or safe for recreational use.
➤ Always follow dosage instructions on the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get High From Benadryl?
Benadryl can cause hallucinations or a “high” only at dangerously high doses, far above the recommended amount. These effects are due to toxic anticholinergic activity and are not safe or enjoyable.
What Happens If You Try To Get High From Benadryl?
Trying to get high from Benadryl can lead to severe side effects like delirium, confusion, anxiety, and paranoia. This state is more like poisoning than a pleasant high and poses serious health risks.
Why Does Benadryl Cause Hallucinations At High Doses?
At very high doses, Benadryl blocks acetylcholine receptors in the brain, causing anticholinergic toxicity. This can result in visual distortions and hallucinations but also dangerous symptoms like rapid heart rate and seizures.
Is It Safe To Use Benadryl Recreationally To Get High?
No, using Benadryl recreationally to get high is unsafe. The difference between a hallucinogenic dose and a toxic overdose is small, making misuse extremely risky and potentially life-threatening.
How Does The Normal Dose Of Benadryl Differ From A Dose That Causes A High?
The normal therapeutic dose of Benadryl is 25 to 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours for adults, which does not produce a high. Hallucinogenic effects occur only at doses around 300 mg or more, which are toxic and dangerous.
The Bottom Line – Can You Get High From Benadryl?
Yes—but only by taking dangerously high amounts well beyond therapeutic use—and this “high” isn’t pleasant euphoria but toxic delirium accompanied by serious health risks including death. Diphenhydramine’s hallucinogenic effects stem from anticholinergic poisoning rather than any true psychoactive reward mechanism found in typical recreational drugs.
Misusing Benadryl as a means to get high poses significant dangers including seizures, heart problems, coma, and long-term cognitive damage. The drug should always be used responsibly according to label instructions or medical advice.
If you’re looking for relief from allergies or sleep difficulties, safer alternatives exist without risking toxic side effects from overdose attempts. And if you suspect someone has overdosed on diphenhydramine seeking intoxication effects—call emergency services immediately without delay.
Understanding how this common medication works—and where its limits lie—protects your health better than chasing unsafe highs ever could.