Recent Feedback
Can regular use of benadryl cause elevated or high blood pressure?
Optional Information: Age: 37; Female, Florida Already Tried: nothing, i have noticed my blood pressure increased over the past year. i take benadryl for chronic allergies and dr. seems to think that isn't adding to the problem. Lately, I have had to take a couple of doses each day, as opposed to once per day. My blood pressure is slightly higher over the past week and creeping into the high stage 1 category. I am wondering if I should discontinue the benadryl or perhaps it is unrelated.
Benadryl can contribute to high blood pressure. While the doctor may have independant reasons for evaluating the causes for your high blood pressure it could nit hurt to discontinue the benadryl to check the effect on your pressure.
There are a number of over-the-counter antihistamines that may not cause as many side effects as Benadryl such as Claritin/Alavert or Zyrtec.Most patients do not get significant elevation of their blood pressure with Benadryl, but particularly at higher doses this is possible. I would suggest discussing other antihistamines with your doctor. The other option would be a trial of one of the steroid nasal sprays - which have actually been shown to be more effective than the antihistamine for many allergy symptoms.
Experience: Emergency Medicine and Family Practice for over 26 years