Diphenhydramine 12.5mg/5ml Elixir: Amazing for Allergies but Scary Side Effects??

I've been on this for a week now and it's helping with my allergies. The drowsiness is a problem, but I just take it before bed. It makes it easy to fall asleep, and I don't wake up with a runny nose.

I once had to rush my daughter to the ER because she had a severe reaction to this. Swelling in the mouth, trouble breathing. It was terrifying! We didn't realize it was this drug. I had been giving her a different diphenhydramine, hoping it would not make her drowsy. It was diphenhydramine in a different form, but it still was diphenhydramine. Thankfully, she's fine now, but we're avoiding this drug completely.

I'm surprised this medication is still prescribed knowing about these side effects. I know it's rare, but the risk is really high. It's scary.

If anyone gets a rash, hives or itching, definitely go to the doctor right away! This could be an allergic reaction.

I took this during a flight once when I had a cold. I was really worried about the drowsiness as I'm not the type of person who takes drugs. The lady next to me was a nurse. She told me I'd be okay and she was right. The drowsiness wasn't bad, I was fine for the flight. And my cold symptoms went away. I don't think I'd take it for sleepiness. The other side effects seem too scary for that.

Absolutely avoid taking this if you're planning to drive or operate heavy machinery. The drowsiness can be really strong. I once took it and felt so dizzy that I had to lie down for a while. Scary stuff!

I've had some weird side effects with this. Mainly feeling really nervous and excitable, which is the opposite of what I expected. I know it's supposed to make you sleepy. I think it's weird that they don't list it as one of the common side effects.

Diphenhydramine is great for allergies, but I've noticed it makes me really sleepy. Definitely shouldn't drive after taking it. I've tried other antihistamines with fewer side effects and am now using loratadine instead. Same allergy relief, without drowsiness.

I've been taking it for years and never had any serious side effects. Just make sure to check with your doctor before using it regularly for sleeplessness.

Probably worth it for me as long as I can take it at night and sleep it off. Has anyone tried alternating diphenhydramine with non-drowsy antihistamines? Maybe that would work better for seasonal allergies. I'd like to avoid drowsiness, but I want an antihistamine that works.