Some people with MS take Benadryl to ease infusion treatment reactions and certain symptoms. But depending on your symptoms, it may not be the best option.
There’s been a lot of interest and excitement around the use of antihistamines, especially diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for multiple sclerosis (MS) in the last few years.
According to Kevin C. Gaffney, MD, most of the interest stems from a 2017 study looking at the use of clemastine, an older antihistamine. The results suggested that clemastine could alter the immune system of people with MS.
But according to Gaffney, “no one was able to reproduce the results of the original study, and we were never able to show a clear benefit compared to the known side effects.”
While there’s no evidence to suggest Benadryl or other antihistamines help with treating MS, they may offer some benefit for managing certain symptoms and easing reactions to infusion treatments.
Disclaimer: Content on our site is provided for information purposes only; therefore, this material is not intended to advise. This information includes a link to a site that is maintained by another; MS Monterey is not responsible for content on this site. Please remember to consult with your doctor or health care provider before making any changes to your medication(s) or medical regimen.