Does taking Benadryl cause your blood pressure to raise or to go lower?

Question

Just curious is all. I'm debating whether I should take it. I have mild high blood pressure.

Answer 1

Diphenhydramine causes a vasoconstrictor reaction...which means your blood pressure would become elevated (as the medicine actually causes your blood vessels to become smaller).  

If you have clinically diagnosed hypertension, consult your physician.  DO NOT listen to the first responder...

Answer 2

Diphenhydramine(benadryl) may cause low blood pressure, palpitations, increased heart rate, confusion, nervousness, irritability, blurred vision, double vision, tremor, loss or appetite, or nausea.

http://www.medicinenet.com/diphenhydrami...

Answer 3

At normal doses benadryl does not cause any change in blood pressure, antihistamines do not raise blood pressure.

Do not confuse this with other products which contain an additional ingriedient classified as a decongestant, they do raise blood pressure.

Answer 4

I'm on medication for high blood pressure and benadryl is on the list of things I can't take.  

I was told that it is not good for high blood pressure patients to take it.

Answer 5

Benadryl is an antihistamine, and one that can make you drowsy at that. Meds that make you drowsy, usually don't elevate the blood pressure. And to my knowledge antihistamines in general do not elevate blood pressure. Decongestants do however. But you should maybe call you doctor or consult a local pharmacist to be sure. Especially if you taking other meds. Cause there might be a reaction with other meds.