Suggest Ways To Wean Off Benadryl

Posted on Sat, 18 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 18 Jun 2016 Answered on

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have severe Gastroparesis with GI global dis motility. I was prescribed IV Benadryl to help with nausea. I am taking 25mg IV every 2 hours. All my doctors want to see me get off of it even they prescribed it. How can I wean myself off of it avoiding terrible withdrawal. I am very sensitive to most anti nausea meds including phenergan, reglan, domperidone, erythromycin. I have difficulty in absorbing oral meds. Please advise me how I should wean myself off the IV Benadryl.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Doctors want to wean you off IV Benadryl because it is addictive and is actually not a great anti-nausea medication. Fortunately, Benadryl when stopped does not cause any withdrawal whatsoever. It is completely safe to discontinue. You will not have withdrawal. As for managing nausea, you can try increasing the dose of Zofran you are taking. You can also try metoclopromide.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee