I was just browsing through the old forums and had put "allergy" in the search box. I started seeing threads where people mentioned that Benadryl helps them. I don't know how but I hadn't heard of that until today! I was just wondering if any of you have had some relief from Benadryl. I may try it to see if I get any improvement at all before my next oto appointment on the 30th. I am planning on asking about allergy testing.
It helps, but in small amounts. It reduces inflammation which has a positive effect on the inner ear tissues when you're symptomatic. Helps reduce that stuffed ear feeling. But don't take too much because it can make you dizzy. I learned that the hard way.
Benedryl is the number 1 medication for a food allergy reaction that is not anaphylaxis. I also take it for seasonal allergies Also benedryl is prescribed for helping stop vertigo attacks. Dr Derebery said in an article that antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness do not cross the blood brain barrier and she recommends if taking an antihistamine for inner ear issues to use one that causes drowsiness as benedryl does which does cross the blood brain barrier.
The stuffed ear feeling is my main problem at this point. If I do get some relief from the Benadryl would that be a sign that I could be helped by allergy shots?
I've never had the allergy shots. But a little over a year ago I was starting to get a bit of a relapse at around the time they were building out the office space next to mine. Something about the particles released into the air was clearly triggering something in me, and my ear started acting up and feeling full. I found that taking a half dose of the Benadryl in the morning and another half dose in the afternoon helped. I had one particularly bad day and took full doses in the morning and afternoon. When I took a third dose before working out in the evening I got a very bad dizzy spell, though it wasn't quite full vertigo. Discussed that with the ENT who told me too much Benadryl can do that to you.
Thanks for your reply. I think I may try taking half a pill in the morning and afternoon to see if it helps me. If it helps I can mention it to my doctor when I go in 2 weeks and see what he thinks.
Benadryl hellps me with bee stings and such but it worsens my hearing issues. All antihistamines do. I have no idea why nor do my doctors.
June I was curious about what you said about antihistamines and hearing loss and did some searching and found this: http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/ototoxicdrugs.htm So which drugs are ototoxic? There are far too many to list in this short article. In fact there are at least 663 drugs that can damage your ears one way or another. Some classes of drugs that are ototoxic include the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); many antibiotic drugs, especially the anti-bacterial drugs like the aminoglycosides; antihistamines such as the H1-blockers; several anti-cancer drugs; cardiovascular drugs including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium blockers, etc.; diuretics, especially the loop diuretics; anticonvulsant drugs; antidepressant drugs, especially the tricyclic antidepressants; and a many others. benedryl is an H1 blocker
I bought Benadryl last night and took one right before bed. I woke up in the middle of the night and my ear felt less full than when I went to bed. When I got up in the morning it felt a little more full again so I took half a pill. At work this morning I was thinking my ear felt a little better but now that its the afternoon it is feeling full again and the tinnitus had gotten really loud for a few seconds when I started noticing it getting fuller. I just now took the second half of the pill so we will see. Could be a coincidence that I had moments feeling better, it could be in my head... but maybe it does help me. Time will tell.
Well, I always feel like I jinx myself when I write stuff here... because I am feeling really crappy now. And its been an hour and a half since I took my pill. I am at work and having trouble concentrating and my ear is very full and roaring. I was on the verge of a panic attack so I had to step outside and call someone to try to calm down.
Maybe you should talk to your Pharmacist and see of they can recommend something other than the Benadryl. I know Benedryl makes me very sleepy. As with other meds, taking too much can increase dizziness. Maybe Nasal Sprays would be a better option? That's something to discuss with your Dr or pharmacist. Sorry about the panic attack! They are the worst thing. It's so hard knowing you should be able to control them and you can't. I've had them. I'm glad you were able to call someone to help you. Hopefully you can resolve this issue and feel better soon.