Compare Benadryl vs. Oleptro
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats allergy symptoms and helps you sleep.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is great for allergies, but curl up on the couch after taking it and get ready for a nap.
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4.1/ 5 average rating with 294 reviewsforBenadryl
Improves mood and helps you sleep.
Oleptro (Trazodone) works well as a sleep aid, but has more side effects when used at higher doses for treating depression.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 59 reviewsforOleptro
Upsides
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is often better than other antihistamines at treating allergy symptoms and hives.
- It can provide quick relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
- It makes you sleepy, so it'll help if your allergies are bothering you at night.
- The effects wear off in 4 to 6 hours, so side effects don't last that long.
- It comes as a tablet, capsule, liquid, and quick dissolving tablet.
- Commonly used in lower doses to help treat sleep problems (insomnia).
- Safer sleep medication than others (benzodiazepines or Unisom) for people age 65 and older.
- Fewer sexual side effects than many other antidepressants.
- Has been used for sleep and depression for a long time. There's a lot of information available about how it works and how safe it is.
- Comes as a generic medication and is cheaper than many other sleep aides.
- Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.
Downsides
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) makes you more tired than Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec.
- You shouldn't drive after taking Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) until you know how it affects you.
- Talk to a pediatrician before giving Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) to a child.
- It can increase the risk of falls, so elderly people shouldn't use Benadryl (Diphenhydramine).
- Don't use Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) if you are breastfeeding.
- Not as effective as other medications for depression.
- More sedating than other antidepressants.
- Causes more side effects when used at higher doses for depression. Includes sleepiness, dizziness, upset stomach, and irregular heartbeat.
- Like most antidepressants, can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people age 24 and younger.
- The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Cream, gel, or ointment
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$3.18
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$4.00
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Reviews
294 reviews so far
86%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)?
Leave a review59 reviews so far
73%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Oleptro (Trazodone)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
29possible side effects
- Somnolence/Sedation46%
- Drowsiness41%
- Dry Mouth34%
- Headache33%
- Dizziness/Lightheadedness28%
- Dry mouth25%
- Dizziness25%
- Nausea21%
- Blurred Vision15%
- Fatigue15%
- Nausea/Vomiting13%
- Diarrhea9%
- Constipation8%
- Skin Condition/Edema7%
- Weight Loss6%
- Nasal/Sinus Congestion6%
- Abdominal/Gastric Disorder6%
- Syncope5%
- Musculoskeletal Aches/Pains5%
- Tremors5%
- Nightmares/Vivid Dreams5%
- Weight Gain5%
- Back pain5%
- Vision blurred5%
- Sexual dysfunction5%
- Hypotension4%
- Incoordination2%
- Ejaculation disorders2%
- Decreased libido2%
Risks and risk factors
- Overdose
- Using other drugs with the same ingredients
- Increased side effects
- Age 65 years or older
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Hyperactivity
- Children age 6 years and younger
- Trouble urinating
- Enlarged prostate
- History of bladder problems
- Vision changes
- Glaucoma
- Breastfeeding
- Nursing mothers
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Alcoholism
- Eating disorder
- Higher dose
- Drug interactions
- Painful erection
- Low blood pressure
- Age 65 years or older
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert