There’s a drug out there that’s in nearly everyone’s home.
Just about all of us have some. They’re probably tucked away between the painkillers, the cold medicine, and the assortment of “just in case” stuff.
But if you’re one of them… if you have Benadryl in your home, in any form… it’s time to toss it out. And it’s not just ME saying this anymore.
This urgent advice comes straight from a leading website for mainstream medicine.
The problem with Benadryl is that it’s far more dangerous than anyone will ever let on. And while it’s too risky for ANYONE, seniors in particular face some of the biggest perils of all.
Those are dangers no one has to face. Because, as you’ll see in a moment, there are much better and far safer options available right now.
Burn the Benadryl… before it burns YOU
OK, I DON’T want you to set your Benadryl ablaze literally. Who knows what’ll happen if you light that stuff on fire.
But you should seriously consider tossing it the trash. TODAY. And I’ll explain why.
Benadryl seems safe to most of us because it’s been around forever. You may even have childhood memories of being given Benadryl.
But the new report on MedPageToday says that if this were a new drug, just developed, there’s no way it would ever be approved for over-the-counter use. Heck, even as a prescription med, “it would be plastered with warning labels.”
First, when you pop one of these pills, it could leave you so messed up that you’re too impaired to drive. (Not that THAT stops a lot of folks from trying. Which is terrifying.)
Second, it has a range of risks even at low doses, including three super dangerous D’s…
- dizziness
- delirium
- dementia
And third, it’s an anticholinergic drug. Anticholinergics are part of a class of medication EVERY senior should limit, and avoid entirely if possible.
They work by blocking a brain chemical called acetylcholine. But you NEED the stuff because it’s critical for the brain and its control over muscles, memory, and learning.
Any one of these drugs on its own can cause problems. But when you take more than one… when your “anticholinergic burden,” as it’s called, climbs… the risks rise right along with it. And that’s when it can lead to long-term hazards, including Alzheimer’s and even death.
Better choices for allergic reactions
The report points out that there are basically two major kinds of allergic reactions most people take Benadryl for…
- Anaphylaxis: This is the most serious form – the kind that can KILL. Some people, especially folks who aren’t that familiar with this kind of reaction, may still look for an antihistamine such as Benadryl first. However, the ONLY responsible action is an immediate epinephrine injection. Or, as the report notes: “Antihistamines do not save lives. Epinephrine does.”
- Everything else: There are life-threatening reactions… then there’s everything else, from hay fever to hives. And many people still keep Benadryl around for all of those conditions. Some use it regularly. For others, it’s a “just in case” med. But in EVERY case, the report notes, there are newer… more effective… and safer choices.
So, first things first. For life-threatening reactions experts, of course, say stick with an epinephrine injection.
But for all the other day-to-day reactions, consider natural options including butterbur, garlic, stinging nettle, rosemary, and turmeric. An integrative medicine doctor can help you figure out which ones are right for you.
And second, toss your Benadryl. Now.
But it’s trickier than you think because it’s not just labeled “Benadryl.” It’s hidden in other drugs, including some common over-the-counter sleep medications.
So read all labels carefully and look for diphenhydramine, the generic name for Benadryl. If it’s in the ingredients… throw it out.
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