A TikTok video claimed that regular Benadryl use for sleep could increase your risk of dementia. Science is still examining whether there is a link. A few studies have found an increased risk of dementia among adults who took anticholinergic drugs daily and for more than three years. Anticholinergic drugs include older versions of anti-depressants, first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl, sleep aids containing diphenhydramine, and certain bladder control medications. Always use medications as directed and make sure your doctor knows what drugs you are taking.

Some adults use Benadryl, an over-the counter allergy medicine, to help them sleep.  Its main ingredient, diphenhydramine, is also used in certain sleep aid medications like ZzzQuil and Tylenol PM and can cause drowsiness.

Diphenhydramine is included in a larger class of medications called anticholinergic drugs, which bind to a certain neurotransmitter in the brain and block it from receiving signals.

The studies that show a possible link between anticholinergic drugs and dementia have focused on long-term use at higher doses, such as taking multiple anticholinergic drugs at the same time for more than three years. A link could be present between higher doses of these drugs over longer periods, but more research is needed.

The studies also mainly focused on older adults, which is important because as we age our bodies metabolize drugs differently, and they may stay in our bodies longer.

There is more consistent evidence that doctors should exercise caution when prescribing anticholinergic drugs to older adults and consider how many drugs in this class a patient is taking. This is due to potential negative side effects such as increased risk of falls and impaired cognitive function.

If you are concerned about the number of anticholinergic drugs you are taking, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits to determine the care plan that makes sense for you.

Avoid taking over-the-counter medications for different purposes than they are intended, and taking medications for longer periods of time when they are intended for short-term use could have negative impacts on health. It is important to let your doctor know what over-the-counter medications you take regularly.

There is not enough evidence to confirm that anticholinergic drugs increase the risk of dementia. While this link is suggested by several study results, more research is needed to understand this link further.

There is not enough evidence to conclude that long-term use of Benadryl causes dementia in older adults, but Benadryl should not be taken regularly as a sleep aid because this is not the intended use of the medication and negative long-term health effects have not been adequately studied.