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\nBenadryl has been used since the 1940s to stop allergy attacks and relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergiesA review of the medicine cabinet staple in the New York Times points out that since it works by crossing the blood-brain barrier, it may cause more harm than goodA representative for Kenvue, which manufactures Benadryl, told PEOPLE, “Diphenhydramine is an ingredient which is generally recognized as safe and effective by health authorities in the US”<\/p>\n
Benadryl<\/a> \u2014 the medicine cabinet staple that helps stop an allergy attack and relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies\u00a0 \u2014 may cause long-lasting problems, experts say.\n<\/p>\n A brand name for diphenhydramine, Benadryl has been around since the 1940s, the New York Times<\/a> reported in a review of its pros and cons. The biggest drawback, the outlet says, is that Benadryl crosses the blood-brain barrier \u2014 blocking the signal in the brain that causes an immune reaction to allergens like pollen or nuts<\/a>. And that impact on the brain may be detrimental.\n<\/p>\n A representative for Kenvue, which manufactures Benadryl, told PEOPLE, “We are not aware of any studies that show a causal link between labeled use of diphenhydramine and an increased risk of developing dementia. Diphenhydramine is an ingredient which is generally recognized as safe and effective by health authorities in the US. Safety is always our top priority, and we recommend that consumers carefully read and follow the\u202flabel when using any medication. Consumers who have medical concerns or questions about diphenhydramine should contact their health care professional.”\n<\/p>\n Stock image of someone allergic to flowers sneezing.<\/p>\n getty<\/p>\n \u201cYou have this lingering hangover effect,\u201d Dr. David Stukus, director of the Food Allergy Treatment Center at Nationwide Children\u2019s Hospital, told the NYT. The lingering drowsiness could contribute to trips and falls; the drug has been linked to a decreased ability to drive safely, according to a study<\/a> where people took the drug and were asked to operate a driving simulator. The European Union mandates that people who take Benadryl do not drive.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n The drug has also been linked to poor school performance, the NYT says, and referred to a Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology study<\/a> that linked diphenhydramine to \u201csignificant performance deficits on tests of divided attention, working memory, vigilance, and speed.\u201d\n<\/p>\n There may be a link between Benadryl and cognitive decline, the outlet reports, as it impacts the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The NYT refers to a study from \u00a0JAMA Internal Medicine<\/a>, which found that people who took acetylcholine-blocking drugs had a 54% higher risk of developing dementia<\/a> and 63% higher risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u00a0<\/a>\n<\/p>\n “Diphenhydramine has reached the end of its life cycle, and in its class of therapies it is a relatively greater public health hazard,” an article in the World Allergy Organization Journal<\/a> said in February. We recommend it should no longer be widely prescribed or continue to be readily available over the counter.\n<\/p>\n Doctors told the outlet if you\u2019re having an allergy attack and Benadryl is your only option, then you should obviously take it. But otherwise, you may want to look at other options.\n<\/p>\n Stock image of Benadryl pills.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can choose to drive a 1976 Impala, or you can choose to drive a more modern automobile,\u201d Dr. Stukus told the outlet. \u201cJust because you\u2019ve always done something a certain way, it doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s the best option available.\u201d\n<\/p>\n And if you\u2019re reaching for Benadryl \u2014 or any antihistamine \u2014\u00a0a few times a week, you need to speak to your doctor,\u00a0 Dr. Rita Kachru, chief of clinical allergy and immunology at UCLA Health, told the outlet, as there could be an underlying, undiagnosed condition, or a better treatment option.\n<\/p>\n