If you live with Parkinson’s, please hear me: do not take Benadryl.

A few days ago, I had a massive, all-over itchiness that drove me crazy. Triple-digit heat had left me with a case of prickly heat, and I couldn’t stop scratching. My scalp itched so badly I tried using dandruff shampoo just for some relief.

At one point, I thought: Benadryl. That old standby. But something nagged at me — I knew there was a reason I shouldn’t take it, though I couldn’t recall exactly why. So I sent an urgent message to my neurologist to ask what was safe.

Her reply was short and to the point:

“Benadryl is a high-risk medication for people with Parkinson’s disease, as it can increase the risk of falls. Additionally, it can increase the risk of developing dementia.”

Ouch! Clear enough!

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Why Benadryl is a Problem

Benadryl (generic name diphenhydramine) is one of those medicines that’s been in bathroom cabinets for decades. Allergies? Benadryl. Trouble sleeping? Benadryl. Mosquito bite? Yep, Benadryl again. It’s like the duct tape of over-the-counter meds.

But it’s not harmless. I did some research and learned that Benadryl is an anticholinergic drug — meaning it blocks acetylcholine, a chemical your brain needs for memory, attention, and movement. If you live with Parkinson’s, your brain already struggles with these things. The last thing you need is to evict more of the “good messengers.”

Even scarier: research shows that long-term or frequent use of anticholinergic drugs (like Benadryl) may be linked to cognitive decline and dementia. And that’s not just for people with Parkinson’s — it’s for everyone.

You can read more about the risks here: Parkinson’s Resource article on Benadryl.

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Why We Don’t Notice the Warnings

Let’s be honest: nobody actually reads the little drug pamphlets folded up in the box. They’re printed in microscopic font and basically say, “Side effects may include dry mouth, dizziness, and possible alien abduction.” We usually toss them in the trash without a glance. But this is one warning that’s worth paying attention to.

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Safer Options

So what can you do instead?

• For allergies: Ask your doctor about newer antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec). They’re much gentler on the brain.
• For sleep: Please don’t reach for Benadryl. Talk to your doctor about safer alternatives.

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Time to Let It Go

Go check your medicine cabinet. If you find Benadryl in there, it’s time to part ways. Pills can go in the trash. Liquid Benadryl? Pour it down the sink like you’re giving it a Viking funeral — farewell, pink syrup, may you sail to Valhalla on a bubble of foam.

Our brains are already working overtime with Parkinson’s. Let’s not make them fight another uphill battle.