AboutEric Brandt Expertise I am a practicing pharmacist.On my drug information website, I have answered hundreds of questions to date. The articles posted on my site include Parkinson`s disease. depression, menopause, diabetes, sleep and aging, congestive heart failure, calcium channel blockers, thyroid hormone replacement therapy, ADHD, multiple sclerosis an more.
Experience I have experience in retail as well as hospital pharmacy pracice. Currently working in a hospital pharmacy. I am experienced in drug information. Over the last 6 years I have developed a successful web site for drug information.
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Expert: Eric Brandt Date: 1/28/2008 Subject: diaphenhydramine
Question A person I love is addicted to diaphenhydramine and has asked me to support her in an effort to quit. She's taking upward of 16 pills (25mg otc) throught the day, and has been using them for years. She does not mix them with other drugs or alcahol. She's vibrant, active, and has an excellent career... not your typical 'addict'. Questions: should she just quit cold turkey or take a more graduated approach? What side effects will she experience (and can anything be done to mitigate them)? A 12 step program isn't an option / she quit smoking 3 years ago and will succeed or fail on her own. Any guidance would be awesome. Thank you.
Answer Hi Adam,
This is an unusual addiction. I do not have any experience managing this type of addiction. My initial reaction is to manage withdrawal as with any other substance of abuse. I suggest weaning off slowly and watching for adverse effects such as irritibality. Being followed by a medical doctor while going through withdrawal is recommended.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm
