Blepharospasm Bulletin Board

benedryl-good or bad
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Posted by: Barbara ®
02/20/2004, 13:55:28


My botox doc has suggested several times that I should try benedryl for my eyes. But I have also read that some people have had their dystonia get worse with benedryl. Any thoughts out there? confused Barb



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Re: benedryl-good or bad
Re: benedryl-good or bad -- Barbara Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Joanne Matuzas ®
02/20/2004, 14:12:42


Barb, I am one of those helped by bendryl. It has anti-cholergic properties which can help some dystonia. You will only know by trial and error. If effects are neutral or negative, it is advised to stop taking it. Good luck and keep us informed. Joanne M. San Diego, CA



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Re: benedryl-good or bad
Re: benedryl-good or bad -- Barbara Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Kathleen ®
02/20/2004, 14:59:58


I have found that taking something with anti-cholinergic properties can help, however, it isn't consistent. I found the most relief from cimetidine that I started taking because of throat burning and it doesn't make you tired, like bendadryl. It does interact with other medications sometimes, though, so would check with your doc before trying.



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Re: benedryl-good or bad to Kathleen
Re: Re: benedryl-good or bad -- Kathleen Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Barbara ®
02/20/2004, 17:00:46


I was wondering about the tired effect. Does that eventually go away ir are you forever tired. What is cimetidine. An over the counter drug? Thanks Barbara


Modified by Barbara at Fri, Feb 20, 2004, 17:02:26

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Re: benedryl-good or bad to Kathleen
Re: Re: benedryl-good or bad to Kathleen -- Barbara Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Karen ®
02/20/2004, 21:33:55


My Doc took me off all meds that had a "drying effect" because of the dry eyes. Benadryl is very drying. Most pain meds, muscle relaxants such as Flexeril, overactive bladder meds such as Detrol, blood pressure meds, etc. are, too. Be very careful using a med with a drying effect if you have a problem with your eyes being dry.

Karen




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Re: benedryl-good or bad to Kathleen
Re: Re: benedryl-good or bad to Kathleen -- Karen Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Shelley ®
02/20/2004, 22:08:03


There is a medication for dry mouth called Salagen. I have taken it in the past when I was on more meds and found it quite helpful.
Shelley/CA



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Re: benedryl-good or bad to Kathleen
Re: Re: benedryl-good or bad to Kathleen -- Barbara Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Kathleen ®
02/23/2004, 08:33:14


As far as I know, the tiredness from benadryl is not something that you become adjusted to - when I worked as a nurse, we routinely used benadryl as a sleeping pill, especially for elderly patients. Cimetidine is available over the counter and is also marketed under the brand name Tagamet. It doesn't have the severe drying effect that benadryl has, although it does have some. As I mentioned earlier, it can interact with other drugs, so need to check with your doc before taking it on a regular basis.



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