Hello Doc. I was wondering if long term use of benadryl could cause hair loss or hair thinning. I usually take two 25 mg tablets before i go to bed. Sometimes I take three. Also, could taking a large dosage of benadryl have any adverse effects on hair? I was wondering this because i accidentally took two doses(total of 4 25mg pills)in the span of an hour. This is a really great website. Thanks.
I’ve not heard of any connection between Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and hair loss. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine are not known to cause any kind of hair loss, even at higher dosages. There could always be exceptions, but I doubt you’ll see a problem.
I have the same exact problem and I have been researching all over the internet looking for a reason for my hair loss. It has been two years and i have had every blood test done and there is never anything wrong. I have taken every vitamin and used every shampoo out there with no improvement. I even changed my diet – even though i eat pretty healthy normally. I finally came to the conclusion that it is the benadryl i take at night before bed or it’s the ibuprofen i take occasionally for my headaches?? I am in desperate need for help and my doctor says there is nothing wrong with me??
I’ve had the same problem for years. I have basically lost 1/3 of my hair and cannot find a reason why. The only thing I take, and have for years, is over the counter Tylenol Simply Sleep which contains Diphenthdramine (Benadryl). I’ve come to the conclusion, this is more than likely my problem. Since I suffer from terrible insomnia, I’m going to try something else before I’m bald!
I’m losing an incredible amount of hair. The only new thing I’m taking is benedryl. I eat healthy and take my vitamins regularly. I will stop the benedryl and hope to get my hair back.
I have lost abouat 50% of my hair over the past 4-5 years. It falls out at the root, not breakage. I can feel it falling out onto my arm or neck frequently. Every time I brush my hair, wash my hair or style my hair there are large quantities of hair strands in the shower or sink. At one point I was collecting all the hair but decided what’s the sense? I’ve been taking Biotin for several years with no decrease in hair loss. There are a few things I think could be the cause. 1. I have been in menopause for about 7 years 2. I used to take 2-4 Ibuprofen every evening at bedtime 3. I have been taking 2 Benadryl every night for 3-4 years due to having problems sleeping.I took the Ibuprofen due to muscle pain/stiffness I have in the night that wakes me up. I have found information that Ibuprofen can cause hair loss so I stopped taking it about 2 weeks ago. I have now stopped taking Benadryl for the past 3-4 days. Hopefully I will notice a decline in the amount of hair loss since stopping Ibuprofen and Benadryl.
Any thoughts?
YES Benadryl does cause hair loss. If you are on Benadryl and your hair is thinning and falling out then stop taking it now! My 20 year old son was taking it for chronic insomnia and all his eyelashes fell out. His doctor said it was the Benadryl causing it. Honestly there should be a warning printed on the box. Listen to me people. Stop taking it before your completely bald!