title: [Diphenhydramine addiction and detoxification. A systematic review and case report].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In many countries diphenhydramine (DPH) is commonly available over the counter, frequently used, and generally regarded as a harmless drug. It is used as a sedative, antiallergic or antiemetic substance.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a systematic review of literature search in Pubmed from 1972 to 2012 describing DPH addiction. The literature search in reveals that the addictive potential of DPH can be regarded as proved, based on cases series, eight case reports, a pharmacological overview, one uncontrolled, and one randomized, placebo controlled study. In addition we report a case of an abstinent alcoholic patient treated in our department for DPH-dependency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Especially when treating patients with a history of addiction, physicians should consider and check the possibility of a DPH dependency.
authors: Schlosspark-Klinik, Abteilung Psychiatrie, Berlin. Sebastian.Erbe@schlossparkklinik.de
authors: Sebastian
authors: S
authors: Erbe
authors: Tom
authors: T
authors: Bschor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015897:Comorbidity; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*
chemical_list: D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D004155:Diphenhydramine