Expert: Peter J. Panagotacos, <B>M.D.</B> - 9/27/2006

Question
Please help, can taking an excess amount of benadryl be a possible cause of hair loss and hair texture changes? I've noticed my hair is extremely greasy and falling out more than normal each day, i can see my scalp and it is not stopping after 5 months. Have had multiple blood tests for thyroid and hormones. Could this be the result of one time of excess antihistamine use? HOw can i tell and will it go back to normal?  

Answer
In medicine almost anything is possible but I have never heard of antihistamines, especially benadryl, causing this problem.
This is more likely due to stress to your system because you were having problems with allergies at that time and most of the time the hairs return to normal in about six months.