Benadryl is an antihistamine and is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching and other allergies. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications. The Benadryl Challenge highlights a broader public health challenge: the perception that medications available without a prescription are harmless. Even adults tend to consider diphenhydramine to be a safe household medicine. Is Benadryl safe for kids? Benadryl’s sedative effect also poses risks to kids under 6, Harpell said, and parents should never give it to a child to help them get to sleep. This use of antihistamines has been linked to next-day drowsiness, as well as poor attention and school performance. While Benadryl can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, it won’t improve your sleep quality. Some of Benadryl’s potential side effects include dry mouth, an upset stomach, and headaches. Benadryl can cause sleepiness, but it may not be the best solution for insomnia. Learn how it affects sleep and what to consider before using it. Experts say if Benadryl had clinical trials today, it would not be approved for over-the-counter use. Some doctors say Benadryl should be phased out due to its side effects and potential for. Benadryl is used to treat allergies, motion sickness, and to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD) in patients unable to tolerate more potent agents. It may also be used off-label to help induce sleep. Benadryl is an allergy, cold, and flu medicine that causes drowsiness. But can Benadryl be used as a sleep aid? Sometimes. Wondering if it’s safe to take Benadryl every day? Learn about the risks, side effects and safer options for managing your allergies and sleep issues. Benadryl can cause drowsiness and should not be used when driving. Taking large doses of Benadryl can lead to serious health issues like cardiac arrest and death.