Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
In some ways Benadryl acts sort of like a beta-blocker drug and can diminish the tremor that often accompanies SD.
Benadryl is not a decongestant, it's an antihistamine. Histamine is a chemical that is released from cells in response to injury or allergic reaction. Histamine causes contraction in smooth muscle tissue. I think the tremor some of us have with SD is a result of fine movement in the smooth muscle tissue surrounding the vocal cords. Antihistamines prevent histamine from performing it's action. Curiously, asthma may be caused by inappropriate histamine secretion, causing the bronchi (smooth muscle) in the lungs to contract.
Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
WHOOPS! I knew it was an antihistamine. Just a slip. I am, of course, aware of what roles antihistamines play in aleragies, which sometimes causes congestion. (O.K.) SD's take Benadryl to help with tremors caused by dystonia - and Benadryl can cause dystonia.
Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
Okay, now you guys really have my attention and interest. Is Benadryl and Versed new on the list of "Drug's That Can and Do Cause Dystonia"? I don't recall those drugs being on the list when I first viewed it a while back. And this really concerns me call I know for a fact I've taken the majority of these drugs at one point and time in my live and I had the SLAD'R surgery last year. I have been given the Versed lately due to having pain blocks in my back for an Annular Tear leaking fluid in my spine causing inflamation. And I take Benadryl occassionally as well as other antihistamines because of my severe allergies/attacks. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks, Jan Joiner - Alabama
Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
Jan,Both Benadryl and Versed are on the list of drugs that can and do cause dystonia. They are also not "new" on the list. Ironically, Benadryl is also used to treat "acute" dystonic reactions. Personally, I would stay away from any of the drugs on that list. But it's up to each person to make their own decision regarding the potential benefits/risks of using them. Laurie You can find a link to this list off of the following website: www.dystonia-support.org
Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
Some of us on the Blepharospasm bulletin board take Benadryl, knowing it is on the Dystonia drug-causing list, for beb spasms of the eyelid. We believe if taken in the short term and in moderation it helps our condition. To me it seems like the homeopathic theory - a small dose of the `hair of the dog that bit you'.June (beb/meige) but interested in all dystonias
Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
Benadryl is on the Drugs that may cause Dystonia list. I know what my body does when I take it. Others may not have that problem.
Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
I'm new to this. Where can you get a list of drugs that cause SD and/or dystonia?
Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
larry go to dystonia home page. stroll down until you come to perscription drugs that cause distonia (a list of drugs that cause distonia.) click on that folder.
Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
Thanks, I am familiar with the NSDA website at www.dystonia-support.org, and the list of medications listed on site. Perhaps I am confused. Is this list drugs that, "Can and does cause SPASMODIC DYSPHONIA or just drugs that cause DYSTONIA'S in general. I've taken most of the drugs on this list at one point and time in my life. I am very familiar with the generic and brand names of most of these drugs as well as what they treat. Since I saw this list the first time, I've always thought it meant it causes Spasmodic Dysphonia as well as other types of Dystonia's. So I've always thought these drugs could have had something to do with my developing spasmodic dysphonia.Could someone please help me out here. I just have Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia so far, so I want to understand exactly what this list of drugs mean cause I sure don't want to inform others incorrectly. Are there drugs that cause Spasmodic Dysphonia. Also, I don't want to develop other dystonia's if I can avoid them by not taking these drugs. I would assume a lot of us are struggling for why answers and maybe I can't develope other forms of dystonia, I'm not sure. Maybe these are dumb questions but I want to know. Regards, Jan Joiner - Alabama - SLAD'R Surgery 6/01
Re: Benadryl and Dystonia?
Hi Jan.The list of medications off of the www.dystonia-support.org (which isn't the NSDA by the way) is a list of medications which *can* cause dystonia. Laryngeal dystonia (a.k.a. spasmodic dysphonia) is one type of dystonia they could theoretically cause. This does not mean that if someone with SD takes one of these drugs, they will definitely develop another form of dystonia. It could happen and so I would advise being careful with these medications especially if you have one form of dystonia in the first place! I don't quite understand your confusion in the difference between drugs that can cause "dystonias in general" or those that can cause "spasmodic dysphonia." Saying they can cause dystonias in general implies they could cause spasmodic dysphonia. There is no sure way to tell if any of the medications one has taken in the past for years or for a day or a week caused their dystonia, but instead patients and doctors may come to conclusions that there's a strong chance, a weak chance, etc. that certain drugs contributed to their condition. Along with the list is an explanation of how these drugs are implicated in dystonia. I would read that if you are still confused. There are no exact answers regarding these drugs so don't expect to find them (i.e., some of these drugs are used to treat various forms of dystonia). We just all need to make careful decisions regarding our treatment for dystonia and other medical problems in consultation with our doctors. Hope that's a little clearer,
Laurie
Re: Benadryl Cause Permanent Dystonia?
So for allergies I took Benadryl seasonally for much of my life, then at 31 years old suddenly got hit with SD. Any evidence that Benadryl can cause long lasting Dystonias?
Re: Benadryl Cause Permanent Dystonia?
A person may have dystonia for many years with out it showing itself. A drug, illness, trauma, or injury may trigger it to be seen or heard. A person can have Spasmodic Dysphonia and another form of Dystonia. However, it is rare for this to occur.
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