Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOTC Medications for AnxietySafetyPros and ConsSupplementing Other TreatmentsWho Should Use OTC Meds?

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

OTC Medications for Anxiety

Safety

Pros and Cons

Supplementing Other Treatments

Who Should Use OTC Meds?

Close

Can you use Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for anxiety? If you are living with anxiety and don’t like traditional medications or have not yet visited your doctor, you might wonder whether over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Benadryl might help you manage your symptoms.

Benadryl is readily available and fast-acting, can have a calming effect, and can even help you sleep, so it may help you deal with feelings of anxiety. That said, there are potential downsides to off-label use medications like Benadryl for anxiety.

Before taking an OTC medication for anxiety, you should consider safety, efficacy, potential drug interactions, and more. This article considers each of these issues to help you sort through your options for treating anxiety with over-the-counter medication like Benadryl.

First things first: You’re probably wondering if over-the-counter medications even work when it comes to treating anxiety. In order to answer this question, let’s first consider the different over-the-counter medications that you might use for anxiety because Benadryl is just one of many.

Antihistamines and Other Sedatives for Anxiety

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, are used to manage allergic reactions, but they can also cause sedation as a side effect. Because of this, diphenhydramine is in a lot of over-the-counter sleep aids.

Some people take Benadryl for anxiety because of the calming side effects it can have. In fact, some doctors may even prescribe Benadryl for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

Benadryl takes about 15 to 30 minutes to start working and its peak effect occurs about 2 to 4 hours after taking it. An adult dose to obtain sedating effects is between 25 and 50 milligrams. However, these effects are less than you would experience with prescription sedatives such asbenzodiazepines.

In addition to the sedating effects of antihistamines, other over-the-counter drugs can induce sedation and drowsiness, most notably those marketed as muscle relaxers or sleep medications.

Benadryl is not the only antihistamine that is sometimes used off-label for anxiety relief. Doctors may also sometimes prescribeVistaril (hydroxyzine), an antihistamine that is similar to Benadryl, for the short-term treatment of anxiety.

Herbal Remedies

There are a number of herbal remedies that may provide some relief of symptoms of anxiety. Some of these include:

Herbal remedies can be found in the form of teas, sprays, pills, oils, or tinctures. Like other treatments for anxiety, herbal remedies can also have calming effects, but they are generally mild.

These herbal remedies are generally not strong enough to effectively treat acute anxiety symptoms. Herbal remedies are best used under a doctor’s guidance to complement other first-line treatments for significant anxiety.

Painkillers

Various painkillers may act on parts of the brain involved in the experience of emotional pain. In fact, one study from the University of British Columbia concluded that over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) had an impact on emotional distress and anxiety triggers.

Vitamins and Minerals

Most people know that vitamins and minerals are important for physical health, but can taking themreduce anxiety? Unfortunately, unless you have a deficiency in a particular vitamin or mineral, it’s unlikely that taking vitamin or mineral supplements will reduce anxiety symptoms. That being said, there is no harm in taking a daily multivitamin to support your overall health under the guidance of your doctor.

Herbal Supplements Used for Social Anxiety

Safety of OTC Medications for Anxiety

The safety of using over-the-counter medication for anxiety generally depends on what you take and how you use it. Some of the safety concerns to consider include:

In the case that you take too much Benadryl and are at risk of overdose, seek emergency help.You can contact Poison Control Centers 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose can lead to rapid heart rate, not being able to urinate, blurred vision, agitation, confusion, drowsiness, and unsteadiness among other symptoms.Those that require immediate help include trouble breathing, hallucinations, seizures, and unresponsiveness.

Pros and Cons of OTC Medicines for Anxiety

While there are some advantages to taking OTC remedies for anxiety, there are also a number of potential drawbacks to consider. Before you take any kind of OTC medication for your anxiety, be sure to talk to your doctor to help avoid adverse effects and harmful medication interactions.

ProsRisk of dependence and withdrawal is less than for certain prescription sedativesMay aid sleep and relaxationEasy and inexpensive to obtainPotentially useful for short-term episodes of anxietyPotentially useful if you are against taking traditional medications for anxietyMay be helpful to supplement other treatments such as psychotherapy

Risk of dependence and withdrawal is less than for certain prescription sedatives

May aid sleep and relaxation

Easy and inexpensive to obtain

Potentially useful for short-term episodes of anxiety

Potentially useful if you are against taking traditional medications for anxiety

May be helpful to supplement other treatments such as psychotherapy

Potential to cause drowsiness during the day

Not effective for severe anxiety

Not meant for long-term use for anxiety

Potential side effects

Advantages

Benzodiazepines, a type of prescription medication that is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of severe anxiety, can lead to dependence,tolerance, andwithdrawal, particularly when they are taken regularly for a longer period of time, so OTC options can be an appealing choice for people who are worried about this potential with these anti-anxiety medications. OTC remedies are less likely to present this type of risk, although diphenhydramine does have some potential for misuse.

One of the biggest advantages of using an OTC medication such as Benadryl to treat anxiety is that it is fast-acting and convenient. These qualities can be helpful if you need to reduce symptoms of mild anxiety quickly. Because Benadryl causes many people to feel drowsy, it can also help with sleep.

Disadvantages

It is also important to remember, however, that antihistamines like Benadryl can also have unpleasant side effects. Some people may experience severe drowsiness, fatigue, and dizziness.

Get Help NowWe’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. Find out which option is the best for you.

Get Help Now

We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of thebest online therapy programsincluding Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. Find out which option is the best for you.

OTCs to Supplement Other Anxiety Treatments

Other types of treatments for anxiety might include talk therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance-based therapy) and prescription medications (such as benzodiazepines orselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

You can theoretically use over-the-counter medications for anxiety while receiving other treatments. But first, ask yourself why. Some common reasons to continue to use over-the-counter remedies alongside other treatments include:

In all these cases, it’s likely that you will be better off consulting with your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for you. If you are only receiving talk therapy and want a short-term solution for mild anxiety that bothers you mostly at night, then an over-the-counter solution might be helpful, though it’s best to consult a physician first.

Never combine an over-the-counter medication with prescription medication for anxiety without the advice of your doctor, as there is the possibility of medication interaction and negative side effects.

Who Should Use Over-the-Counter Medications?

A study of 690 German pharmacists determined that people seeking over-the-counter treatments for anxiety and depression:

Though some doctors may recommend OTC medications like Benadryl for children and adolescents, it’s especially important not to give a child Benadryl to treat anxiety without consulting their doctor first. Diphenhydramine can be potentially dangerous, and may not be the best course of treatment for your child’s symptoms.

A Word From Verywell

While it may seem like a quick and easy solution to run to the drugstore and pick up an antihistamine to take the edge off when your anxiety symptoms worsen, there are risks associated with using OTC medications, particularly when using them off-label for symptoms they are not intended to treat.

Be sure to discuss your symptoms and any OTC treatment options you’re considering with your doctor or mental health professional. In fact, it’s even recommended that all adults under the age of 65 be regularly screened for anxiety.It’s always best to get guidance from your provider about using OTC medications and herbal supplements before starting a new treatment to ensure you get the right treatment for you.

The 7 Best Online Anxiety Support Groups

7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Anxiety disorders: Parents' medication guide.Randles D, Heine SJ, Santos N.The common pain of surrealism and death: Acetaminophen reduces compensatory affirmation following meaning threats.Psychol Sci.2013;24(6):966-73. doi:10.1177/0956797612464786MedlinePlus.Diphenhydramine overdose.Cleveland Clinic.Diphenhydramine capsules or tablets.Saran JS, Barbano RL, Schult R, Wiegand TJ, Selioutski O.Chronic diphenhydramine abuse and withdrawal: A diagnostic challenge.Neurol Clin Pract. 2017;7(5):439-441. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000304Hamann J, Linde K, Schweiger HD, Kusmakow O, Förstl H.Over-the-counter-drugs for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders–the views of German pharmacists.Pharmacopsychiatry. 2014;47(3):84-88. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1371810US Preventive Services Task Force.Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.JAMA.2023;329(23):2057–2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.9297Additional ReadingDonaldson M, Gizzarelli G, Chanpong B.Oral sedation: A primer on anxiolysis for the adult patient.Anesth Prog. 2007;54(3):118-129. doi:10.2344/0003-3006(2007)54[118:osapoa]2.0.CO;2

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Anxiety disorders: Parents' medication guide.Randles D, Heine SJ, Santos N.The common pain of surrealism and death: Acetaminophen reduces compensatory affirmation following meaning threats.Psychol Sci.2013;24(6):966-73. doi:10.1177/0956797612464786MedlinePlus.Diphenhydramine overdose.Cleveland Clinic.Diphenhydramine capsules or tablets.Saran JS, Barbano RL, Schult R, Wiegand TJ, Selioutski O.Chronic diphenhydramine abuse and withdrawal: A diagnostic challenge.Neurol Clin Pract. 2017;7(5):439-441. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000304Hamann J, Linde K, Schweiger HD, Kusmakow O, Förstl H.Over-the-counter-drugs for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders–the views of German pharmacists.Pharmacopsychiatry. 2014;47(3):84-88. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1371810US Preventive Services Task Force.Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.JAMA.2023;329(23):2057–2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.9297Additional ReadingDonaldson M, Gizzarelli G, Chanpong B.Oral sedation: A primer on anxiolysis for the adult patient.Anesth Prog. 2007;54(3):118-129. doi:10.2344/0003-3006(2007)54[118:osapoa]2.0.CO;2

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Anxiety disorders: Parents' medication guide.Randles D, Heine SJ, Santos N.The common pain of surrealism and death: Acetaminophen reduces compensatory affirmation following meaning threats.Psychol Sci.2013;24(6):966-73. doi:10.1177/0956797612464786MedlinePlus.Diphenhydramine overdose.Cleveland Clinic.Diphenhydramine capsules or tablets.Saran JS, Barbano RL, Schult R, Wiegand TJ, Selioutski O.Chronic diphenhydramine abuse and withdrawal: A diagnostic challenge.Neurol Clin Pract. 2017;7(5):439-441. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000304Hamann J, Linde K, Schweiger HD, Kusmakow O, Förstl H.Over-the-counter-drugs for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders–the views of German pharmacists.Pharmacopsychiatry. 2014;47(3):84-88. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1371810US Preventive Services Task Force.Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.JAMA.2023;329(23):2057–2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.9297

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Anxiety disorders: Parents' medication guide.

Randles D, Heine SJ, Santos N.The common pain of surrealism and death: Acetaminophen reduces compensatory affirmation following meaning threats.Psychol Sci.2013;24(6):966-73. doi:10.1177/0956797612464786

MedlinePlus.Diphenhydramine overdose.

Cleveland Clinic.Diphenhydramine capsules or tablets.

Saran JS, Barbano RL, Schult R, Wiegand TJ, Selioutski O.Chronic diphenhydramine abuse and withdrawal: A diagnostic challenge.Neurol Clin Pract. 2017;7(5):439-441. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000304

Hamann J, Linde K, Schweiger HD, Kusmakow O, Förstl H.Over-the-counter-drugs for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders–the views of German pharmacists.Pharmacopsychiatry. 2014;47(3):84-88. doi:10.1055/s-0034-1371810

US Preventive Services Task Force.Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.JAMA.2023;329(23):2057–2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.9297

Donaldson M, Gizzarelli G, Chanpong B.Oral sedation: A primer on anxiolysis for the adult patient.Anesth Prog. 2007;54(3):118-129. doi:10.2344/0003-3006(2007)54[118:osapoa]2.0.CO;2

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?