weird and slightly scary addiction

[XxemorawrxX]

So to start off I have terrible allergies. So I used to take Benadryl every once in a while to soothe my nose and to also make me sleepy. But then I started needing it everynight since my allergies began to get worse. The top dosage it gives for an adult is I think 2 every 6 hours. Now I take anywhere between 6 and 9 almost everynight. My allergies are gone but now the pills are to help me sleep. Without them I can't sleep at all. I want to stop because the more frequently I take them the more I feel the need to raise the dosage, but I don't want to overdose (kinda hypocritical) to the point where I'm hospitalized. But idk how to stop because I really need my sleep. Any tips on how to completely stop? Oh and using less than 6 Benadryl does absolutely nothing for me

[byee]

You are right in seeing this as an abuse of the Benadryl and wanting to stop.

Benadryl is an OTC antihistamine ("Drier"), and it has a side effect, as you've found, sleepiness. You're using it for that purpose, the side effect, rather than the main effect, so you have to increase the dose to get the desired (side) effect.

The easiest way to stop is to, well, stop. Just discard the box, and go to sleep as you normally would with the meds. if you cannot sleep, you'll survive. after going a few nites w/o sleep, your normal sleep cycle should return. But right now, you're dependent on the meds, so it cannot.

Everyone has occaisional bouts of sleeplessness, it's normal. If it continues, then you should really see your doctor and see if there isnlt both a medical/psychological reason for your problem, as well as the correct treatment.