Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and its potential to be utilized for insomnia, anxiety and other medical conditions. He discusses that diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter sleep aids (like unisom) and it may be preferred to controlled medications like benzodiazepines, as it does not have the same level of abuse potential. With that said, many individuals fail to recognize the possible side effects of using over-the-counter medications like benadry, which include dry mouth, constipation and bowl obstruction, urinary retention, cardiac arrhythmias (like torsades de points and QT prolongation), seizure, renal failure and others. Finally, benadryl DOES have abuse potential (every medication that causes sedation has abuse potential) and it is recommended that taking any medication (even over-the-counter) is under the direction and supervision of a medical professional.
Dr. Pagnani is the founder and medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital, he serves on the Young Professional Board of Uplift, the Center for Grieving Children and he maintains a private practice of Psychiatry in Philadelphia where he sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations and second opinions. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, FL and CA and can provide consultations to individuals via HIPAA compliant Telehealth visits living in these locations.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of psychiatry consisting of about 25 psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists with physical locations in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA and serving all of PA, NJ, NY and FL virtually via HIPAA compliant tele-psychiatry. Individuals seeking not only evaluations but long-term psychiatric care, can contact Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates directly.
These videos aim to increase awareness and discussion of mental health topics and to encourage struggling individuals to schedule an appointment directly with a mental health provider. Mental health needs to be normalized, and simply speaking about mental health topics openly, is an important first step.
Dr. Pagnani and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications for any specific individual. Additionally, any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects or contraindications to taking any mentioned medications, and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.
This video is INFORMATIVE ONLY - NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
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www.RittenhousePA.com
www.ChrisPagnaniMD.com
27 дек 2022
