In the quest for a good night’s sleep, you may find yourself weighing between different sleep aids. Trazodone and Benadryl are among many potentially helpful options. While both can be effective, they have different properties and are contraindicated for some patients.
This trazodone vs. Benadryl for sleep comparison explains their mechanisms of action, potential side effects, and recommendations for safe use.
How Does Trazodone Work?
Trazodone is an antidepressant. The medication’s active component is trazodone hydrochloride, which is classified as a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor. It was approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981, and it’s not a controlled substance.
Trazodone works by inhibiting the serotonin reuptake by the brain’s nerves, increasing this neurotransmitter’s levels in the nerve synapse. The drug also reduces the levels of other neurotransmitters that trigger wakefulness, such as:
- Acetylcholine
- Noradrenaline
- Histamine
- Dopamine
By regulating the release of these neurotransmitters, trazodone promotes feelings of relaxation and drowsiness, contributing to sleep. Recent clinical trials show that patients who took the drug experienced improved sleep efficiency, ratio, and continuity.
The drug is available in six doses:
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
- 150 mg
- 300 mg
When using trazodone for sleep problems, you should take it at least an hour before bed so that it kicks in on time.
Who Can Take Trazodone?
Trazodone is generally a safe drug, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Check out the table below for details on who can and can’t use the drug:
What Are the Side Effects of Trazodone?
Trazodone carries the risk of side effects, including:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Blurred vision
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Sweating
Rare adverse reactions to trazodone may include:
- Skin rash
- Unusual excitement
- “Tingling” sensations
- Confusion about time, place, or identity
- Muscle tremors
- Fainting
- Slow or rapid heartbeat
- Swelling
- Shortness of breath
These lists aren’t exhaustive—consult your healthcare provider for more details on the potential side effects of trazodone.
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How Does Benadryl Work?
Benadryl is an antihistamine, with diphenhydramine being its active component. The drug is classified as histamine-H1 antagonist. It was approved for medical use in the U.S. in 1946 and isn’t listed in the DEA’s schedule of controlled substances.
Benadryl blocks histamine-1 (H1) receptors to suppress the release of histamine, a natural hormone your body produces in response to allergies, injuries, or inflammations. The drug alleviates symptoms of allergic reactions, including:
- Rash
- Itch
- Stomach cramps
- Bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways)
The drug also blocks acetylcholine receptors and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. This combined effect slows down the central nervous system’s (CNS) activity, inducing drowsiness and promoting sleep.
Benadryl has two doses:
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
The typical starting dose for adults with sleep issues is 50 mg, taken an hour before bedtime. You should dedicate seven hours to sleep when taking this medication to allow it to take full effect and wear off naturally.
Who Can Take Benadryl?
While Benadryl can be effective for sleep, it’s not meant for everyone. You can find a list of who should and shouldn’t take the medication in the table below:
What Are the Side Effects of Benadryl?
Benadryl carries the risk of undesired reactions. The most common ones are:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Daytime drowsiness
- Constipation
Rare but more concerning side effects of Benadryl include:
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Paresthesia
- Vertigo
- Incoordination
- Chest tightness
Mild side effects typically diminish after a few days. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or persistent unwanted reactions while on Benadryl.
Trazodone vs. Benadryl—Which Is More Effective for Sleep?
Both trazodone and Benadryl can be effective for sleep, but results vary between patients based on their medical history and specific sleep problems.
Medications alone may not provide a lasting solution for insomnia, so you should visit a specialist to get comprehensive treatment. But with the acute shortage of doctors specializing in sleep medicine in the U.S., getting an appointment with an expert isn’t a walk in the park.
The good news is that with the rapid rise of telemedicine platforms, you no longer have to endure the grueling wait. Kick, an online performance medicine clinic, lets you consult specialists from the comfort of your home.
Source: Andrea Piacquadio
Kick—Better Sleep, Better Performance
Designed by a Stanford sleep expert, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, Kick’s sleep program combines pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical methods to help you get holistic treatment. When you join the program, our expert will:
- Analyze your medical information and prescribe two trial medications based on your profile
- Schedule regular consultations to monitor your progress
- Offer tips on developing healthy sleep hygiene
- Personalize the treatment further if necessary
Kick’s personalized approach has proven highly effective, as evidenced by glowing reviews on Trustpilot by our patients.
How To Join Kick
To revitalize your sleep with Kick, follow these easy steps:
- Go to the signup page to start your brief sleep visit
- Fill out the medical questionnaire to help us understand your health status and sleep history
- Choose between home or local pharmacy delivery for receiving your medication
Our team will design a tailored plan within 24 hours, helping you begin treatment immediately. If our experts decide that you’re not the best candidate for Kick, you won’t pay for the initial consultation, according to our Doctor Guarantee.
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Benadryl vs. Trazodone—Potential Interactions With Other Substances
Trazodone and Benadryl may interact with other medications, as outlined in the table below:
Trazodone and Benadryl for Sleep—Alternatives
Source: Yan Krukau
If the risks of using trazodone and Benadryl outweigh the benefits, your doctor may recommend other sleep aids. Check out the table below for details on when your healthcare may recommend each alternative:
These are general recommendations—your prescription may vary depending on your medical history and specific sleep problems. To avoid unwanted reactions or interactions, you should only switch between these medications under the guidance of your doctor.
For more information on these drugs, consult your healthcare provider.
Featured image source: Kebs Visuals
