At one time or another nearly every one has taken (dye-fen-HYE-DRA-MEEN)an antihistamine that can have a sedating effect on the central nervous system.

Millions of people take it for dust pollen and other allergies , others for Nausea, Vomiting, or Vertigo, some for Parkinson's disease and "untold" millions use it as a Sleep Aid

Best known under the brand name "Benadryl" it's also in a myrid other over the counter medications, including Excedrin PM,Nytol,Sleep-EZE, Sominex,TylenolPM,Unisom, to name just a few.

For people age (60) and older Diphenhydramine is mostly bad news because it's adverse effects are amplified in older people.

A study published in 2001 in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that a group of hospitalized patients 70 and older who were given the drug "had significantly increased risk of altered attention level, disorganized speech, change in consciousness and alertness, and behavioral disturbances," according to the study's lead author, Joseph v. Agostini, a professor at the Yale University School of Medicine.

In the worst cases, diphenhydramine can cause delirium and even hallucinations. What's more, it often causes urinary retention, which can lead to urinary tract infections.

Geriatric specialists say the drug is not recommended for older patients."It really can have profound effects in older people,"  says Agostini "When you weigh risk benefit overall, you may experience more harm than good,  and that's never the end result that you want."

But millions of older Americans use forms of diphenhydramine with no knowledge of the medical problems it can cause.  And bad advice abounds: A popular web site on arthritis, for example, calls the medication "particularly useful in the elderly patient."

Among other potential adverse effects of diphenhydramine are:  dizziness or hypotension, which dramatically increase the risk of falls; drowsiness; bowel problems; difficult or painful urination; dryness of mouth, nose or throat. Also: nervousness, restlessness, irritability and unusual excitement or nightmares.

Agostini's assessment of the drug as a sleep medication for an older person is blunt: "This is a horrible choice I almost can't think of anything worse." -BILL HOGAN

More on Diphenhydramine by Dr. Peter Gott via his articles in Daily Herald...October 22,2007

What is your position on the matter? I am sure millions may be using Benadryl as I have.

A. In some senior citizens, Benadryl can cause confusion, forgetfulness and other adverse side effects. I no longer encourage my patients to use the drug. Unfortunately, there is no equally effective substitute. Some people who have never reacted badly to Benadryl choose to continue the medicine despite the bad publicity.

If you feel uncomfortable continuing the Benadryl despite your success, I recommend that you speak with your physician, who may have newer information or suggestions. Like Benadryl, some prescription sleep aids are also receiving poor marks for increased side effects in the older population. Melatonin is one of the few sleep aids that has not been put down recently. You may wish to try this option. It can be purchased over the counter in most pharmacies and vitamin sections of grocery stores.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Sleep/Wake Disorders."
Dr. Peter Gott can be reached at the Daily Herald, P.O. Box 280, Arlinton Heights, Illinois 60006