I CAN'T LIVE without Benadryl, but it's harming me. Help me?

Question

I am 18 years old male. Some years ago I developed a skin condition known as cholinergic urticaria (CU). CU is "skin rash brought on by a hypersensitive reaction to body heat." There is no cure. I have seen many doctors, but only one antihistamine has worked: Benadryl (Diphenhydramine).

When I do not have my Benadryl, I am completely miserable. I cannot sleep, and I cannot stop the constant prickling sensation. However, Benadryl loses effectiveness with continued use, requiring larger doses.

Benadryl is a deliriant in large doses and I believe this drug is compromising my mental health. The experience is difficult to summarize, but I would describe it as questioning reality. It also has some physically unhealthy effects, such as giving me a cough. It is probably hammering my liver, but at this point I don't really care.

With Benadryl, I can sleep, read, go out in the daytime, and even exercise with some comfort. I really don't know how to begin to approach this problem, but something needs to change. Diet modifications, extensive exercise, and obsessive washing have done nothing. I didn't sleep last night. I'm going to go take my Benadryl.

Answer 1

I have the same condition although not nearly as severe as yours.  Have you seen an allergist/immunologist? A dermatologist? Doctors can just mean GPs, so I want to clarify that you should see an allergist absolutely and maybe a dermatologist (your allergist/immunologist can advise you on that).  Try and get a referral to an allergy specialist ASAP from your GP as they take time to get into.  They may be able to suggest new treatment ideas.