Skip to Content

Does Benadryl help with Tourette’s?


Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. Tics can include eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, throat clearing, or yelling out words or phrases. While the exact cause of Tourette’s is unknown, it involves abnormalities in certain brain regions and neurotransmitter systems.

Many people with Tourette’s also have co-occurring conditions like ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. Living with Tourette’s can be challenging, so finding ways to manage symptoms is important. This includes medication, psychotherapy, deep brain stimulation, and complementary approaches like biofeedback.

One medication that some people take for Tourette’s is diphenhydramine, better known by the brand name Benadryl. Benadryl is an antihistamine mainly used for allergies andcolds. But some doctors prescribe it off-label to help with tics, as it can have a mild sedative effect.

In this article, we’ll explore the evidence on using Benadryl for Tourette’s syndrome. We’ll cover how it works, its effectiveness, proper dosage, side effects, and alternative options.

How does Benadryl work?

To understand if Benadryl helps Tourette’s, it helps to know how the drug works in the body.

Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine hydrochloride. This is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system during allergic reactions. It causes symptoms like itching, sneezing, and muscle contractions.

By blocking histamine receptors, Benadryl provides relief from allergy and cold symptoms. But diphenhydramine also crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts on receptors in the brain. Here it has anticholinergic and sedative effects.

Anticholinergics block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous system. This can help control muscle movements and reduce secretions like mucus production.

The sedative effects of diphenhydramine come from blocking H1 histamine receptors in the brain. This leads to drowsiness that can aid sleep.

Both the anticholinergic and sedative properties likely contribute to Benadryl’s potential benefits for Tourette’s. The anticholinergic effects may reduce tic severity, while the sedation could help manage co-occurring sleep issues.

What does the research say?

There isn’t much research specifically on using Benadryl for Tourette’s syndrome. But some small studies provide clues on its effectiveness.

A 1984 case study followed 10 people with Tourette’s who took high doses of diphenhydramine daily. It found the medication significantly decreased tic frequency and severity in most of the participants, with few side effects.

A study in 2000 also looked at diphenhydramine for treating motor tics. 38% of the 32 children in the study had reduced tic severity withBenadryl. This was more effective than the placebo.

And a review in 2006 concluded that while diphenhydramine isn’t a first-line Tourette’s treatment, it may help control tics. Especially for people who can’t tolerate or don’t respond to standard medications.

While promising, larger controlled studies are still needed to confirm if Benadryl definitively improves tics. There isn’t enough evidence yet to make strong conclusions.

But anecdotally, some people with Tourette’s do find their tics improve after taking diphenhydramine. So it may be worth trying under a doctor’s supervision if other options haven’t helped.

Proper dosage

If using Benadryl for Tourette’s, it’s crucial to take an appropriate dose. The standard adult allergy dose is 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours. But for Tourette’s, doctors often recommend higher doses of diphenhydramine.

Some prescribe 50-100 mg taken 3 times per day. However, doses over 400 mg daily should be avoided due to safety concerns. Your doctor can help determine the right Benadryl dosage for your tics.

In children, the maximum recommended daily dose is around 150 mg in divided doses. Though lower doses like 25-50 mg up to 3 times daily are often prescribed. Again, the exact amount depends on the child’s age, weight, and symptom severity.

It’s important kids only take Benadryl under a doctor’s supervision. Careful monitoring is required to avoid overdose. Never give children medication without clear guidance from their physician.

Key points on proper Benadryl dosage

  • Adults: 50-100 mg up to 3 times per day
  • Avoid over 400 mg daily in adults
  • Children: 25-50 mg up to 3 times per day based on age/weight
  • Maximum 150 mg daily for kids
  • Get specific dosing instructions from your doctor

Sticking to the recommended dosage can help maximize benefits and minimize adverse effects. Only take higher amounts if explicitly instructed by your physician.

Benadryl side effects

While generally safe when used as directed, Benadryl can cause some side effects. These are usually more common at higher doses taken for Tourette’s.

Possible diphenhydramine side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Urinary retention
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Trouble concentrating

The drowsiness and sedation can help manage tics and sleep problems. But too much can impair daily functioning. Start with lower doses taken at bedtime to assess effects.

Higher doses taken during the day may cause excessive sleepiness. This can negatively impact work performance, schoolwork, driving, and more. It’s important to balance tic control with overall functioning.

The anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention occur due to reduced acetylcholine. Confusion and hallucinations are more likely in the elderly due to their vulnerability to anticholinergic effects. But can happen at any age at excessive doses.

If problematic side effects occur, speak to your doctor. You may need a dosage adjustment or added medication to counteract certain effects. Never make changes without consulting your physician first.

Key points on Benadryl side effects

  • Sedation is the main side effect
  • Can impair daily functioning if excessive
  • Anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, constipation, trouble urinating
  • May cause confusion and hallucinations at high doses
  • Consult your doctor if side effects are problematic

While Benadryl is generally safe at recommended dosages, the risks may outweigh the benefits for some people. Consider your individual health history before starting this medication.

Alternative treatment options

Benadryl can be an option for managing Tourette’s. But there are also many other medications and therapies that may help.

First-line drug treatments for tics include:

  • Clonidine
  • Guanfacine
  • Antipsychotics like risperidone or aripiprazole
  • Tetrabenazine

Clonidine and guanfacine are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists that reduce norepinephrine activity in the brain. Tetrabenazine depletes dopamine to improve tics.

Antipsychotic medications block dopamine receptors. This helps control tics but can increase the risk of movement disorders like tardive dyskinesia with long-term use. Therefore, experts recommend short-term or low-dose regimens.

Non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also teach coping strategies for living with Tourette’s. Habit reversal training is a type of CBT focused specifically on managing tics. Relaxation techniques help reduce anxiety that often worsens tics.

For severe, treatment-resistant Tourette’s, deep brain stimulation may be an option. This involves surgically implanting electrodes in the brain that deliver electrical impulses to control abnormal signaling.

Alternative medicine options like hypnosis, massage, meditation, yoga, and acupuncture may complement conventional treatments as well. A holistic approach combining multiple modalities often works best for Tourette’s.

Key points on alternative Tourette’s treatments

  • Clonidine, guanfacine, antipsychotics, tetrabenazine
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Habit reversal training
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Deep brain stimulation for severe cases
  • Alternative therapies like hypnosis, meditation, yoga

While Benadryl may potentially decrease tics, consult your doctor about other medication and non-drug options too. There are many ways to manage Tourette’s—find the right approach for your individual needs.

The bottom line

The evidence on using Benadryl for Tourette’s is limited, but some studies suggest it may help reduce tics. Its sedative and anticholinergic effects likely contribute to benefits. However, there isn’t enough research yet to confirm effectiveness.

If trying Benadryl for tics, use the lowest effective dose under medical guidance. Take precautions to avoid excessive daytime sleepiness that can impair functioning. And be aware of other possible side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and confusion at high doses.

Benadryl shouldn’t replace standard Tourette’s treatments without consulting your doctor. But for some people, it may be a helpful add-on to manage tics and sleep issues after trying other options first. Work closely with your physician to determine if diphenhydramine is appropriate for your individual symptoms.