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Suggest Alternative Medication In Place Of Benadryl While Suffering From Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

Posted on Tue, 27 Dec 2016

Question: I am going through Protracted Withdrawal syndrome for being on Valium and Zyprexa for 6 years in very small doses and I currently use Benadryl 25mg for sleep and it works...I noticed that I have been building up a tolerance on it after using for 3 days then I have to wait another 4 days before going back on it again. Is this normal and if so is there anything else that I can take similar to Benadryl that I can use for the other 4 nights of the week? I am a male 72 years old. Appreciate your timely response. What is the cost to receive an answer on this? Please advise! Many thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Benadryl is very effective for sleep, but as you are experiencing the body gets used to it and requires higher doses. I would suggest using melatonin to replace it, at least for those days during the week where Benadryl is not working. Typical doses range from 3mg to 10mg daily, and this is available over the counter. Give it a try!

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 hours later)

I tried Melatonin and didn't sleep the whole night that I tried it...I also tried Chamomile, warm milk, and Point of return "SLEEP" without any success...I'm sorry and I should have told you this previously...I also use to take Ammitryptoline previously but can't use it now since I'm going through some pretty tough withdrawal issues at this time and am not supposed to take any of these type of meds at this time. The only one that I know of that I didn't try is 5HTP and I'm a little scared to try it at this time...what are your thoughts on this or any other potential over the counter item? Really appreciate your assistance on this ASAP. Many thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
5HTP and other OTC items do not have good efficacy for sleep other than Benadryl and melatonin. I suggest seeing a psychiatrist in your area to consider a prescription sleep medication like Ambien.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee