Most of us don’t think twice about giving our child Benadryl for allergies, congestion, or even sleep—but new research is raising red flags for long-term use. A 2025 Harvard study linked long-term use of Benadryl use to an increased risk of dementia in adults who had taken it consistently for three years. (Yes, you read that right–dementia.)
Why? Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for brain function, memory, and attention.
Over time, this can impact cognitive function and nervous system regulation.
Should You Stop Using Benadryl?
Benadryl still has its place—it can be critical in emergencies like anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions.
But for regular allergy relief or support with sleep, this new research suggests that it’s better to avoid long-term use, and instead:
- Use second-generation antihistamines (like Zyrtec or Claritin), which don’t cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Support histamine balance and sleep naturally so children don’t rely so heavily on daily meds.
How to Reduce Allergy Symptoms (+ Support Sleep) Naturally
In our practice, we use the best of conventional and integrative medicine to support children with their allergies and sleep by…
🌱 Balancing the gut microbiome (where 70% of the immune system lives!).
Our gentle yet robust probiotic, HKHM Plantadophilus, supports gut health, reduces inflammation, and clears histamine.
💪 Breaking down histamine before it causes reactions.
HKHM PureZyme consists of systemic enzymes that work throughout the body to break down histamine, helping to reduce allergic reactions at the source.
🌿 Stabilizing mast cells to reduce histamine release.
We call our HKHM Hist-Assist our ‘natural antihistamine’ because it stabilizes mast cells with quercetin, stinging nettle, vitamin C, and bromelain—helping to control histamine without the side effects of medications.
And a bonus for sleep: Magnesium.
This powerful nutrient helps clear histamine and supports over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including relaxation and sleep. 💤
Take a Deep Dive on Benadryl and Dementia
In my latest video, I am joined by a very special guest–our integrative pharmacist, Deb Allen! We discuss the study on Benadryl and dementia in more detail.
Deb has a wonderful ability to break down complex topics into simple-to-understand terms. She has a wealth of knowledge on many different types of medications. This is a must-watch!
If this blog post resonated with you and you would like to speak with our Patient Care Coordinator for more guidance on your next steps (health coaching, supplements, online course, or becoming a member of our practice), please schedule a 15-minute informational call.
