Benadryl for sleepless nights

[SJJK]

My daughter has a mild case of anxiety and has trouble getting to sleep at night. Went to see psychologist and suggest taking benadryl before she goes to bed.  She has been doing this for 2 weeks and seems to work well.  Has anyone ever heard of doing this and do you think it is a good idea to do.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an anxiolytic and tends to sedate children, and it is not unusual to see it employed as a short-term remedy. However, it is not a good idea to use it for a protracted period of time.

[SJJK]

How long would be too long to be taking it?  What other solutions would you recommend for the sleep problem.

[nurse12hr]

Try a small dose of melatonin if your doc thinks it is ok.  It works wonders for me.  

I am assuming you are doing the usual things like quiet activities before bed, lite snack with protein, story time, and bed time limits.

[SJJK]

My daughter is 14 yrs old, I could try melatonin.  Thanks for your help!

[Synclair]

I wouldn't try it all.  I gave it to my daughter for an itch and it sent her over the roof.  And it warns on the bottle that it may cause excitability in small children.  The warning is mild.