This article discusses the health effects from an overdose of diphenhydramine, a type of medicine called an antihistamine, which is found in various allergy and sleep medicines.

Overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a drug or medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Benadryl overdose; Sominex overdose; Nytol overdose

• Diphenhydramine

The ingredient diphenhydramine may be found in the following products:

• Benadryl
• Nytol
• Sominex
• Tylenol PM

This list is not all-inclusive.

Review Date: 01/18/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)